Batik art works, paintings and travels by Marina Elphick
A Portrait in Batik
Portrait of Nicola with personalised back ground, batik by UK batik artist Marina Elphick
The Batik Step by Step
Having been asked so many times how I “paint” a portrait in batik I have decided to write an explanation of my techniques, with stage by stage photos of the process. There are no secret tricks, the basis is starting with a clear drawing, mainly in line, finding a good likeness and skilful control of the wax.
Watercolour sketch and colour notes for batik portrait of Nicola.
I start with sketches and watercolours of the sitter. If the portrait is a commission I spend time talking about options and ideas trying to gain as much information as possible about the person and discover their wishes. I then provide the client with a watercolour rough of the composition I am planning as well as an idea of the colours I will use in the dyeing process. This gives them the opportunity to suggest any changes and gives me the chance to adjust the design on paper before working on the batik.
Portrait is drawn in line, with light indications of tone directly on to cotton. Wax will be applied to whites of eyes, highlights in hair and on KoalaPale flesh tones have been painted and when dry, are waxed ready for a deeper flesh colour.Yellows and pink dyes hand painted, some areas isolated and others blend to make shades of orange, pale blue is applied sparingly to Nicola’s eyesDyed areas have been waxed and pale blue dye is painted to create mauves and under dye for leaves.Batik has been dip dyed in yellow dye, waxed areas are protected and resist the dye.Portrait dip dyed pale red, making orange.Orange areas waxed and batik dyed red.Reds are waxed and the batik is dyed deep wine red. It is now ready for de- waxing.Batik has been de-waxed, by using a hot iron and newsprint paper, sandwiching the batik between sheets of paper that absorb the residual wax.
The Portrait of Nicola was a success and received much appreciation. Revealing the completed portrait to a client is always a little nerve racking, even if I am happy with the result, it is impossible to gauge the reaction of the sitter or the customer.
PORTRAIT OF SOPHIE
Watercolour sketch and colour notes for batik portrait of Sophie.
The batik step by step
In the same way as with the previous portrait of Nicola, I start by sketching Sophie in pencil and watercolour then, when I am happy with the composition I draw directly on to the cotton in line. The first waxing will be to keep the white of the cloth, it may be only the whites of eyes and a few highlights. Next I paint a flesh tone all aver the face, the dye may bleed over the edges a little but this is no problem because the darker hair colour will conceal and dye over any paler dye.
Wax painted on whites of eyes, highlights in hair and stamens, then flesh dye is painted. Once dry it is waxed ready for further colouring.Deeper flesh tones, pale brown and grey painted.Magenta and purple dye hand painted, browns on hair, kangaroo and cheetah. When dye is dry it is waxed using brushes and cantings to achieve texture and detail.Batik dip dyed in turquoise dye bath, waxed protected areas resist the new colour.Yellow dye is painted to make greens for leaves and jungle fauna. These are then waxed and deeper green and blue is added.Blues are waxed and selective areas are crackled before dark brown dye.Final colour, violet dye for contrast.Completed portrait of Sophie with a personalised fantasy background, batik on cotton by UK batik artist Marina Elphick
PORTRAIT OF FELIX
With younger children it is almost impossible to get them to sit for you, I spent a lot of time playing with Felix on the floor taking photographs of him and I was lucky if he’d even look at me ! I made some sketches while he was sleeping and found I could manage to compose a portrait from one or two photos and studies in my sketchbook.
Preparation for portrait of Felix.Batik portrait of Felix, by UK batik artist Marina Elphick.
JAMES & OLIVIA
This portrait was wanted as a life size hanging, with symbolism included reflecting places the family had lived, Scotland and Sydney, as well as personal interests of the children. It was a fun project and enabled me a lot of freedom in the background.
Watercolour sketches for life size double portrait.James and Olivia , life size portrait , batik on cotton by UK batik artist Marina ElphickDetail from James and Olivia Batik, by Marina Elphick.
AUTUMN
Studies for Autumn portrait.Autumn set in Rotherfield landscape, East Sussex. Batik by UK batik artist Marina Elphick.
See more portraits in The Batik Art Gallery, see top menu
To commission a batik portrait contact me at :
marinaelphick@gmail.com
Batik portrait of Coco in her garden, by UK batik artist Marina Elphick.Bobby, commissioned portrait in batik, by UK batik artist Marina Elphick.
Emmy Elphick
Beautiful work ,Marina ,the process of drawing waxing and dyeing well explained .But oh ,what talent ,hard work and patience it must take to achieve these wonderful results.
I really love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own website and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is called.
Thanks!
I don’t know anything about painting. Just came across your beautiful painting on the internet. I really like this painting because its just like as if someone has put my imagination in front of me.
The Batik Route 
Another great post on batik
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Thank you so much for your detailed process in making the portraits. Really enjoyed this! Your pieces are very beautiful, thank you!
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Emmy Elphick
Beautiful work ,Marina ,the process of drawing waxing and dyeing well explained .But oh ,what talent ,hard work and patience it must take to achieve these wonderful results.
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Hi! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for
your great information you have right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
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Wow, I’m impressed, they are great, and I respect your willingness to share your process.
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Thank you Nienke, I have no secrets and am happy to share, I think every one has the right to learn through information.
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I really love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own website and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is called.
Thanks!
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Hi Gladys,
This is a word press blog with a theme called Zoren, I had to choose colours and tweak it a little, but basically it’s WordPress.
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What’s up colleagues, it’s an impressive article on the
topic of tutoring and fully explained, keep it up.
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I don’t know anything about painting. Just came across your beautiful painting on the internet. I really like this painting because its just like as if someone has put my imagination in front of me.
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