Materials I used:
Basecoat - SuperChic Lacquer "Bring it On!"
Base polish - China Glaze "Don't Honk Your Thorn!"
Sharpies in red, brown, orange, and yellow
91% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Small plastic or glass container, such as a shot glass or paint pallet
Small brushes
Brown polish - Color Club "Fondue for Two"
Topcoat - New York Color matte topcoat
I started with my favorite nude polish for a base color, China Glaze "Don't Honk Your Thorn!" I opted for a nude base because I wanted my colors to be subdued, not too bright. If you want your watercolour to turn out brighter, I would recommend a white base color.
I had to make my own watercolour because I don't own any. I've seen many nail artist use Sharpies to make their own waercolours and I've used Sharpies to create watercolour nail art before but with a different technique (Sharpie Gradientish Stripes). For this nail art, I used the more conventional method. Using a glass or plastic container, color the bottom with a Sharpie (I started using a shot glass, but switched to a plastic paint palette by the second color). Then pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the container. Use a brush to mix the Sharpie ink and the alcohol together. For more opaque colors use as little rubbing alcohol as possible for less opaque colors add more rubbing alcohol.
I blobbed on my watercolours in random areas of my nail. Continuing the process with various fall colors until I was satisfied with the layers and coverage.
Then using a thin brush and dark brown polish I painted thin trees and tree limbs to give the appearance of Autumn trees.
I cleaned my cuticles with rubbing alcohol and a brush, and applied a matte topcoat.
It has been a while since I have fallen madly in love with one of my nail art design, but this is a keeper. I love the fall colors, I love matte texture, and I love the subtle, yet eye catching colors. I feel this nail art design has a simplistic elegant feel to it. How about you? Do you think this is elegant? If not what qualities do you feel a nail art design needs to be deemed elegant?
Whether or not you think this is elegant, I hope you enjoyed this nail art design. I highly recommend you try creating your own watercolours using Sharpies. It's easy to do and a great way to add some interesting color and texture to your nail art. Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.
Your Fellow Plebe,
