Painted yardage

Silk-Painting Technique Jan paints on to silk in her studio on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor. First, the silk is stretched on a table frame, and treated very much like a canvas. The design is then drawn directly on to the silk with a pearlised rubber based solution called gutta. The resist penetrates the fabric and when dry acts as a barrier, stopping the flow of dye and defining the figure or design. Liquid dyes are then applied by brush, working quickly to combine and blend these colours before they dry. There is no time for mistakes or corrections! When dry the finished painting is heat sealed, making it both light and wash fast. The silk is then ready for finishing or framing. Jan produces both vibrant and subtle hand-painted silks in her own unique style and draws on the beauty and pattern of nature, transferring the forms and purity of colour on to silk. Her subject matter is extensive - landscape, visionary and abstract and reflects the inner world of emotions, senses and spirit. Her designs are also available as reproductions in the form of prints, greetings cards, tea-towels, table-mats and coasters. Special commissions are undertaken.