Materials for PVA Drawing -
Cardboard
Masking tape
Printed design or drawn over cardboard
Aleen's tacky glue (quick dry) or PVA
Methodology of the PVA drawing is included in the first 3 steps written in foil drawing methodology.
Materials for Foil Drawing -
Cardboard
Masking Tape
Printed design or drawn over cardboard
Aleen’s tacky glue (quick dry) or PVA
Glue stick
Tin foil
Cotton buds
Black shoe polish
Old rag or Kitchen/toilet roll
Select a piece of cardboard to use as your base. Try to avoid using corrugated cardboard, as the lines may show through, though if you keep a steady pressure or welcome the added texture, go for it!
Any subject will work for this technique, animals, faces, words, abstract designs, etc. Keeping the design simplistic may be a better choice as to avoid obstructing the foil. Either using a pencil, transfer a drawing onto the cardboard, or print out your design and secure it to the cardboard on all sides with masking tape as a means to reinforce.
Glue can now be added on top of the pencil/printed lines. Trace over every part of the design. The purpose of the glue is to act as a raised surface, which will show through the foil when added on top. Aleen's tacky glue is highly recommended as it doesn’t spread out as much a regular PVA glue and during the drying process does not evaporate and lose volume. If you are using PVA you will need to do 2-3 coats, add another layer between each drying session. Keep any details to a minimum or it will be difficult to work the foil around them. Allow to dry completely.
Once the tacky glue/PVA has dried, cut a piece of foil a few inches larger than the cardboard, so you have enough to fold towards the back, allowing for a seamless seal. Take the glue stick and apply it either to the side of the foil you will be covering the drawing with (though if you decide this please do so gently), or directly on top of the drawing. If you want to avoid lumps on your design/ foil use a thin layer of PVA to adhere your foil. Press the foil on top and fold all sides to the back. Using your finger, gently press the foil down so it adheres to the cardboard. It is imperative that you take your time as to not rupture the foil, carefully smooth the foil over the design.
Use a cotton bud to gently press the foil around the glue lines so the shapes/ design begin to appear.
Once finished pressing the foil into the raised lines, use a dull pencil (too sharp and it will break through the foil) to add any extra details by pressing gently onto the cardboard. A variety of shapes such as lines, swirls and circles will add wonderful texture to the piece.
Finally, cover the entire surface area of the foiled design with black shoe polish, wiping off any excess using an old rag or kitchen/toilet roll. The polish will settle into the grooves and orifices, highlighting any textural liberties you took.
Unfortunately I had only PVA available to me, resulting in two slower working processes given the multitude of layers and drying time it took to ensure a raised surface would arise. I had tried using hot glue for my first foil drawing as to avoid a time constraint; I transferred braille over to the cardboard... To my dismay the hot glue created too much of a raised surface which later caused mild abrasions to the foil, alongside the webbing of the hot glue causing lack of control over the medium, which then caused me to later carve the braille using a scalpel.
Illustrated below are two pieces, one foil drawing and one PVA drawing, I decided to use the same design for the two compositions as a means to compare, though I throughly enjoy both. Initial impressions may veer toward the technique being somewhat simple, the process can be quite tedious if you do not have the recommended products. If you have the time to spare, creating embossed/raised surfaces within your work can prove to be helpful to the visually impaired, and advocates accessibility within the industry.
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