Altered Book, Student's Work

This is one of my student's pieces that she did in her altered book.  In the beginning of the year, I had them make altered books, and we've spent the rest of the year filling them.

Particularly, I had them gesso some pages and leave partial words peeking through; I think that this adds mystery and whimsey and just enhances the overall look of the work.  Further, we've learned that 'mistakes' in watercolors are really 'happenings,' and you need to go with the flow and let the happy accidents guide you.

Here it looks like the gesso repelled the paint in some places, which I really like.  It gives a really nice, unexpected effect.  Nice work, my young friend.