River Painting
A Dye Technique by Mel Kelly
Mel Kelly is an abstract map artist from Kansas City, Missouri and the creator of the River Painting Dye Method.
The dye is diluted and then painted or poured across the canvas. It looks like mini "streams and rivers".
As it travels, it soaks into the raw canvas to create vibrant, rich color in a wild, water-driven pattern.
Mel simply encourages the dye water to recreate designs it already makes in nature.
Origins
River Painting Dye Method
This dye method is a derivative of the watercolor dye technique. Dye is painted and poured on. It is then allowed to rest wet and pooling on the canvas.
The diluted dye remains resting on the canvas until the water evaporates and all that remains are the dried pigments of the dye.
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In most cases, Mel then re-wets the dye two to three more times with water and her paintbrush, allowing the color to deepen. Every time the color becomes richer and bolder.
The Process
Abstract Cartography
These maps are fictional. They tell a story. Mel calls this abstract cartography.
Hand-Dyed
The 100% cotton, archival quality canvas is hand-dyed using Mel's custom River Painting Dye Method.
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Multiple Layers
The dyeing process takes multiple layers, heat, different color mixtures and ink to attain the final result.
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Inked Shorelines
The shorelines and islands must be carefully drawn on by hand to create the final map.