A Presentation Alternative.

Published on

Alternative to picture presentation.

There are those among us, that in addition to painting on canvas and panel, like the surface of paper. If , like me , you enjoy works on paper, but do not like the need to present these images under glass here is an alternation. The image shown is done with acrylic on 300 lb. watercolor paper – 15″x 15″. Most often I would paint with acrylic directly on the board. For whatever the consideration, convenience, paper weight, or my affection for the feel of paint and brush on papers soft surface this painting is on paper. Since the medium is acrylic there in no need to protect it with glass. So now the question is how do I present this work.

The image is 15″ x 15″ so I built a cradle from masonite and Primed Finger Joint Board 1″x 2″ (purchased from Home Depot). This is a better product than 1″x 2″ pine as it will not warp and come primed. The masonite is cut 17″x 17″ to allow a 1″ inch border. I build a frame from the 1″ x 2″ the same size as the masonite 17″ x 17″. Wood glue is applied to the frame and the board and held in place with “C” clamps.

When dry I sand and paint the entire panel, I used handoff white. Acrylic matt medium is applied to the back of the paper and the from of the box frame. Be careful not to get excess glue around the edge of the image. Place the image in position, press down with you hands, when securely in place cover the a sheet of watercolor paper, place another sheet of masonite on top of watercolor paper and allow to dry. You may if you desire coat the entire surface of painting and frame with matt medium – I do not do this.

I hesitate to share these multistep procedures as I now there will a thousand questions. Be warned I will not answer these questions.. You may make a few mistakes along the way , but in the end you will succeed by trial and error.

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff sells these Cradles at a very reasonable price and you do not have to buy a table saw and build a workshop. Have fun!

Skip

This is the backside of the cradle frame and it is resting on a cradle frame 22″x 22″.

Rothko watching and resting while I build the frame.


Skip Lawrence

Skip Lawrence

I love everything about painting. I love feeling the paint, seeing a rich color spread under my brush onto a surface, and the play between colors coming together. I love watching my idea take form until a painting finally says “it” and I am surprised and delighted every time. I love sharing my art and knowing that someone is moved by it.