| Silk is a natural fabric with unrivalled properties, this encompasses a
comfortable wearing ability and also a good base for painting. The silk thread is obtained form the cocoon
woven by the silk worm caterpillar whose silk glands exude the silk, which hardens to a
strong thread on contact with the air. The cocoon is spun by the caterpillar, using a
figure of eigth movement around its body, until it is completely encapsulated in a silk
cocoon. It is from this cocoon that the silk is drawn.
 A painting of
a vase in the Oxford style by Gaby Weber, 1997
Herewith some classical techniques
for silk painting:
| Alcohol
technique |
The silk is dyed in a
ground colour. After the fabrik is completely dry dip a brush in alcohol and apply to the
dyed silk. The brush marks can be either a specific pattern, design or a random squiggle.
This procedure may be repeated to deepen or clarify the pattern once the fabric is dry. |
| Aquarel
technique |
The silk may be
painted in a random manner in several colours, and due to capillary action of the silk
weave the colours flow together creating an interesting effect and other subtle shades of
the applied colours. |
| Contour
technique |
Before applying any
colour Gutta or a masking medium is applied to the silk, so that the colours will not
bleed. |
| Salt technique |
Firstly different
colours are applied to the silk and before the colours have dried salt (either large or
small grained) is scattered over the damp silk. An interesting effect is thereby created
which can be further influenced by either a quick or slow drying method (i.e. a
hairdryer). |
 Alpine Flowers
painted by Gaby Weber, 1997
There are many other possibilities
for working and painting on silk.
If anyone is interested in my work
or has questions on silk painting, please email me on 
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