Mounting 300lb Waterpaper on Wood Cradle - Painting & Drawing Tips

I DID IT!!

I bought the supplies; did the deed - My watercolour paper is mounted on the wood cradle and ready for painting.  OMG!  It really is big.  As excited as I am to get started I am also wondering "what the heck was I thinking, this is huge".

This is BIG - 2 FEET X 3 FEET, not my usual miniature of  2 inches x 3 inches!! 

But I am ready . . .

First job, mounting my paper on the wood cradle.

Okay, I must admit I took the chicken way out.  As you know I have mounted on wood before using Golden's Matt Medium.  However, because I was using 300 lb paper and putting it on such a large surface the Opus Staff member advised me to use something stronger, Golden Soft Gel Semi-Gloss.  It  has a thicker body which takes longer to dry and gives me more time to work with it.  So as the true chicken I am, I decided to try small pieces first.

Step 1 Finish the Edges:
I decided I wanted the wood grain edge so I didn't paint it.  But if you want to paint the edges now is the time to do that.  My little small panel has black sides.

Taping the edges to keep them clean

Once your side treatment is done tape the edges with a low tack tape to protect them. 

Step 2 Cut you paper to size:

Make sure your paper is at least 1/2 inch larger then your wood panel.  It is easier to place it on then trying to line up edges. 

Use a sponge brush or brush to spread the medium

Step 3 Your ready to glue:

It was easy to use my little spreader to get the medium spread.  It is a lovely consistency.  It is white but dries clear.  I was careful to make sure I got all the edges and corners covered.  Can't make it too thin a covering.

Place the wood cradle over the paper and press down

Step 4 Place the paper on the cradle

For my little piece it was easier to put the paper down and the block on top.  I pressed hard to attach and squeezed out any extra glue.  Then I turned it over and used a brayer to make sure there were no air bubbles.  Needless to say I was feeling very confident by now.  

I Checked it and  now it is ready for weights

Step 5 Ready for Weights

Everything looked good so I placed it facing down, on a clean surface and added some weights.  

Cleaning the edges.  Yes, that is Max in the background checking on my progress

This was an important moment as I realized with the weight on I had to clean the edges better.  Easier to do it now when it is wet than trying to remove that tape with glue stuck to it,  after everything has set.
It is recommended that it sit for 24 hours before doing anything more too it.

AT this point I was really flushed with success and ready for bigger things

I got my 11 x 14 inch wood cradle ready and set to work on it. Right away things were different, had to adjust my camera for pictures; took longer to spread the glue, realized I was going to need a bigger brush for the Big One; little trickier to place the paper, although using 300 lb paper means it is very stiff; needed more weights.

***Important Note: after I few hours I checked my paper to make sure all the edges and corners were sealing.  I found a loose corner so quickly slipped more medium in between the paper and wood.

The next day I was back at it . . .

Trimming was a little harder than expected - Note my example on the right: trim the corner before cutting the edge. 

Step 6 Trimming the paper
This proved to be a little more difficult than expected.  That 300 lb paper is thick.  I tried holding it to trim but found I was not strong enough.  It was easier to work flat with a self-healing cutting mat and exact-o knife. Here again I learned something.  Don't hesitate to change the blade as you work.  It really wears the point down quickly.  I also found if I trimmed the corners first it was easier to get a tighter cut to the edge.

Sanding the edges - notice my rough one, I should have changed the blade sooner

Step 7 Sanding the Edges
It doesn't matter how careful you are there will be the odd rough edge or overhanging edge.  Well there was for me anyway.  I used a really soft grade of sandpaper, Size 320.
Things would have been better if I changed my blade during the cutting process.  Cutting my little block wasn't hard on the knife point but cutting the 11 x 14 was harder on the point.  My edge got a little ragged.  I can see when doing the Big One, I will have to watch that.
The sanding proved easy.  The main thing was to keep pushing away from the paper; smoothing things down along the side.  I was amazed how quickly that 'rough edge' disappeared.

Step 8 The Test
Well really this isn't part of the process but it was something I wanted to check before I committed to the Big One. What will happen if I use a really wet wash of paint.  Will the paper pull away from the wood. 

Putting on a wash of water

I decided before I could do my Big One, I had to see what happened if I put a heavy wash of water on my mounted paper.  So I did it.  I waited. Nothing.  I waited some more. Nothing.  I left it for a bit. Still flat.  I left it longer.  I waited till it dried. Still flat. Looks like things will be fine when I do a big wet wash for the background.

Mounting the Big One meant a much Bigger Brush

I followed the same steps when it came time to do the BIG ONE.  There were however a few changes; bigger brush to spread the gel. You do have to work quickly to make sure things stay wet.
Fitting the paper on went well, the stiff 300lb paper was easy to shift and line up.

Definitely takes longer to roll the paper on the wood and make sure there are no bubbles

Every step takes longer and of course lots more room.  I rolled and pressed with brayer and felt that everything was tight.  

Once it was ready I flipped it over and weighted it down. 

A few rocks worked as weights for my small block but the Big One needed more - A case of wine and buckets of water gave me lots of heavy weights.

And of course, once your wood cradle is ready, you can always drink the Wine. 

I again waited 24 hours before trimming my paper. When I went to it the next day there was a surprise waiting for me.  It was no where near dry yet.  I waited another 24 hours. This time it was ready.  Next the paper was trimmed, sides were sanded, mess cleaned up. 

 I am ready to paint.  See you next week.

Did you start a Big Challenge?  How is your Challenge going?

Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  Original Artwork, prints and cards of Art by Wendy's Work.

Try Your Hand at Plein Air Painting: 

Plein Air Painting Festival - August 17-19,  KilbyHistorical Site, Harrison Mills, BC

Great Opportunity to Paint on an Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery, old store and more.  Painting Friday and Saturday, & Sunday Morning,  Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday Afternoon.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome.

$15  Register  events@kilby.ca 604-796-9576 by August 15, 2018.  

This is an awesome event, there are juried prizes and draw prizes so fun for all levels.  Registration gets you on site for all 3 days.  I will be camped at the Kilby Campsite and there all 3 days so be sure and say hi.  

Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 
New people are always welcome.  Beginner to Advanced 

 Monday, August 13, 10-12pm & 1-3pm 

 Fall Sessions start Sept 10, 10-12pm & 1-3pm

Expression Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge,

Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or project and come and work.  I will be happy to give you pointers.  $15 Pre-Registration Required.  Contact Wendy Here. 

Artists reading this also find the following valuable: 
The Story of a Painting in 3 Parts,  from start to finish - starts here

How to Paint/Draw Soft & Fluffy Animals, 2 Parts - starts here

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Try a REAL Painting Challenge - Painting & Drawing Tips

Sounds Mundane!

The internet is full of these painting challenges - 30 Days 30 Pictures; Draw 100 Portraits; 20 Minutes Daily Painting Challenge . . . .

Have you ever tried one?  

Artists selected for the Vinoscenti Vineyards Threes Seasons Art Competition

I tried a 30 Day 30 Picture Challenge several years ago.  It was tough.  I didn't get 30 pictures completed, and some of the ones I did do were crap. But, actually it was great.  It forced me to get my act together and do something.  There was a kind of accountability that I needed to make some real changes in my work. 

Things have been going along quite well since then, no I haven't tried any more challenges.  I have always been 'too busy', 'no time', 'important stuff to do'.  You know, the usual avoidance stuff that is easy to talk yourself into. 

Things have changed . . .

I saw this call for artists to complete in a Juried Show.  Only 15 artists would be selected from those entering.  Once selected, a theme would be announced and there would be 2 months to complete the painting.  The catch, the picture had to be 24 x 36.  Not bad for an acylic or oil on canvas but my medium is watercolour or pencil. 

My first impulse was to say no.  Then I got to thinking how I wanted to try bigger paintings but always put it off. Remember I love miniature work and usually work small. I was also feeling really good after a 14 x 18 inch watercolour I had just completed, which is pretty large for me.   On an impulse, I entered.  I was picked!

The Challenge is on, paint a BIG watercolour.  

Here goes. . . .

All the Artists gathered at a reception, on June 15 to meet and learn more about the Theme.  The Call is for a Local Winery, Vinoscenti Vineyards, here in Surrey.  They want to use the picture for their label this year and make this Juried Call an annual event.  The theme, Joy of Life.  Now that is giving me some late nights as I ponder what I will paint.  What would you do for a painting for this theme? This was really not my only concern.  I realized I had a few other problems to address first.

Now this is a BIG PIECE of paper for someone that has painted 1.5 x 3.5 miniature Works!!

1st Problem: Watercolour paper

A full sheet of Watercolour paper is 22 x 30.  I needed something bigger.  I also wanted it to be 300 lbs so it would be easier to handle.  That is a special order and would take time.  I started asking some of my watercolour friends to see if any of them had a piece I could buy from them. I was lucky.  One friend had just received a message from an artist that had moved into oil and acrylic and had over-sized paper to sell. She had a couple of Arches 300 lb sheets at a discounted price.  I was in. 

2nd Problem: To Frame or Not to Frame

I realized that this was going to be a very big picture to put under glass.  It was going to be way too heavy for me to cart around.  So I decided to mount it on a wood panel and varnish it. 
Off I went to Opus, our local art store to talk to someone about this.  I know, there are a million videos online but I wanted to talk to a real person.  I learned lots.

Well now I have my paper, work is underway.  Every step is a new adventure.  I will share some of this adventure with you.  First up: Mounting watercolour to a wood panel.  It is apparently better to do this first. Next week I will share.  Wish me luck!

Have you got something you really want to try? Start your Challenge and dig in. 

Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  Original Artwork, prints and cards of Art by Wendy's Work.

Try Your Hand at Plein Air Painting: 

Plein Air Painting Festival - August 17-19,  KilbyHistorical Site, Harrison Mills, BC

Great Opportunity to Paint on an Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery, old store and more.  Painting Friday and Saturday, & Sunday Morning,  Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday Afternoon.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome.

$15  Register  events@kilby.ca 604-796-9576 by August 15, 2018.  

This is an awesome event, there are juried prizes and draw prizes so fun for all levels.  Registration gets you on site for all 3 days.  I will be camped at the Kilby Campsite and there all 3 days so be sure and say hi.  

Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 
New people are always welcome.  Beginner to Advanced 

 Monday, August 13, 10-12pm & 1-3pm 

 Fall Sessions start Sept 10, 10-12pm & 1-3pm

Expression Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge,

Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or project and come and work.  I will be happy to give you pointers.  $15 Pre-Registration Required.  Contact Wendy Here. 

Artists reading this also find the following valuable: 
The Story of a Painting in 3 Parts,  from start to finish - starts here

How to Paint/Draw Soft & Fluffy Animals, 2 Parts - starts here

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

The Story of a Painting: Final Edition - Painting & Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

HITCHING A RIDE - 12 X 16 -Watercolour

That train can start moving any time as my little Stellar Jay is ready for his ride.  Hitching a Ride is ready to roll.

When I  left you, in my last post, there were two challenging things to do: the Stellar Jay and that really involved section in the bottom middle of the painting. The hitch.  I must admit, I left them both to the last purposely.  It is much easier to face them once I have mastered my colours, value scheme and plan.  They were both complex areas but required different treatment.  The Jay was my star and needed to shine while the hitch was intricate but expected to blend and add interest, not steal the show. 

 (Need to catch up, you can begin the story of my painting with this post here - The Story of a Painting )

Just a light wash of  Winsor Blue to get this little fellow started

Challenge # 1 - The Stellar Jay

My Stellar Jay was a double problem as you know. As well as being a complex character,  my reference picture did not have the right lighting.  I was going to be making some big decisions on how the light would affect his colours.  I started with a light wash of blue close to my sunlight value.  Then I began to block in colour based on my value sketch for his new lighting. 

Blocking in some colour

I felt I was on the right track. So I kept on adding layers:  developed the tail feathers, set up his beak, worked on his crown, and layered his chest.  As I worked I started to do his legs and feet while I waited for other areas to dry.  When glazing it is very important to make sure the layers underneath are dry before adding a new layer.  If not they will mix together and mud can be the results.  I am not one to use a hair dryer, I like things to dry naturally.  So I often work on another part of the picture while I wait.

Checking the drawing and the colours - note pencil changes to the right shoulder

I was really feeling like things were coming together well.  The layers kept building.  Time to make a close check on the drawing as I was feeling body parts weren't right.  Yep, changes needed.  His right shoulder was too low and he was a little too fat and needed a trim on his left side.  This also changed how the tail appeared behind the chain. 

 (I am sure you are wondering about his eyes.  Since they are such an important element in bringing my birds and animals to life I leave them till I am ready to do them. I like them to fit into the body and not just float while I paint around them.  So sometimes it can be quite late in the process before they get painted or drawn in.)

I took a pencil and lightly drew in my changes.  Then using my trusting little 'lifting ' brush I lifted paint where needed.  The beauty of my background is I can add a few spots of colour to tighten up the drawing and they just blend in.  (Special Note: Even those special additions had to be done with 2 or 3 coats so they will blend in to the surrounding area.  I don't want any hard edges. )

Finished for now - STUDY MODE as I move on

Finished up the feet and tightened up the area around them.  Again, using a few layers I was able to blend into the base as I refined the feet.  I had purposely left this area a little undeveloped so I could work on it as I refined the feet.  Now it is time to Study him.  

Challenge # 2 - The Hitch

Step 1 - picking out some darks

 I found this Hitch area very interesting but very complex to paint.  I wasn't quite sure what to do.  I fell back on my tried and true method: paint what you see, don't try and interpret it and start with the darkest dark (Value 10)  Once I painted in the 10's I looked for the 9's then the 8's.  Always moving around the area.  If I found a colour that I liked, for example the greens, I put it in various areas that I felt it needed to go.  I played with the blues and grays the same way. Constantly moving around the area looking for little pieces to enhance. Always focusing on the shape and colours rather than 'the thing'.  

Step 2 - Picking out more and more darks and lights

Once I felt it had taken shape I really built up the shadows.  Again, glaze over with a layer of my purple, let it dry, check the value, add another layer.  Finally I was happy.

Step 3 - Checking the final Shadowing Glazes

The Final Stage: 

Study Mode.  Make notes on what I wanted to change. Study some more. I have my picture up on an easel so I can see it when I go by my studio. I leave it for a day or two and then revisit it.  I take a picture and look at that, both in colour and in black and white.  I often look things up. In this case I felt there needed to be a light highlight on my Jay's breast and I felt that the dark on his crown needed to be adjusted. I looked at other pictures of Jays in the sunlight.  I also felt there should be reflected light from the yellows and greens on my Jay. When I was ready, I made the changes.  

I use to jump in and make changes as soon as I thought of them.  Often that lead to fiddling and needless lifting again.  Now when I am in this final stage I find it better to wait and study.  Somethings those changes are just the feeling of the moment and once I step back I feel differently. 

HITCHING A RIDE is ready for his Train Ride.  

What are some of your steps in finishing up a picture? How do you 'decide' if it is done?  

My next project is already on the easel - Signs of Spring featuring a pair of Varied Thrushes.  REally excited to get it underway, I love their bright orange breast and mine was caught in the sunlight, really feeling me with thoughts of Spring. 

 Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  Original Artwork, prints and cards of Art by Wendy's Work.

Try Your Hand at Plein Air Painting: 

Plein Air Painting Festival - August 17-19,  KilbyHistorical Site, Harrison Mills, BC

Great Opportunity to Paint on an Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery, old store and more.  Painting Friday and Saturday, & Sunday Morning,  Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday Afternoon.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome.

$15  Register  events@kilby.ca 604-796-9576 by August 15, 2018.  

This is an awesome event, there are juried prizes and draw prizes so fun for all levels.  Registration gets you on site for all 3 days.  I will be camped at the Kilby Campsite and there all 3 days so be sure and say hi.  

Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 
New people are always welcome.  Beginner to Advanced 

 Monday, June 18, 10-12pm & 1-3pm.  Monday, August 13, 10-12pm & 1-3pm

Expression Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge,

Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or project and come and work.  I will be happy to give you pointers.  $15 Pre-Registration Required.  Contact Wendy Here. 

Artists reading this also find the following valuable: 

How to Find your Sketchbook Friend - here
Is Your Sketchbook  Ready for You - here

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

The Story of a Painting Part 2 - Painting & Drawing Tips

Who would have believed it?    ME painting machinery!

I love the outdoors.  I am a wildlife artist.  Trees, stumps, rocks, those are my friends.  Since when do I paint rusty metal, springs, and chains.  Well actually I am and the thing I enjoyed the most was those chains and gears.  I can hardly believe it myself.

HITCHING A RIDE - Well underway, Still some big challenges to do!

Every painting has a story and my latest painting on the easel, "Hitching a Ride" has turned into a real surprise for me.  Chains - fun to paint!  Yes.  And my picture is set up and ready for paint. My last post The Story of a Painting outlines all the preparation involved in setting up this painting. 

Let the Painting Begin!

My Paints
My palette: Ultra Marine, Hooker Green, Cobalt Blue, Winsor Blue (Blue shade), Permanent Rose, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Cadmiun Light

The Undercoat - fun to just drop on paint - wet into wet.  

The Undercoat
The colours of the springs, chains and rusty metal are so much part of this picture.  I decided to start with an underpainting using all my colours.  This way they would show through some of my glazes and really add interesting, colourful textures.  It also meant that everything would be cohesive, no stray colours hidden in the rust.

Putting my colours down I tried to make sure the right side was light and the left darker.  I didn’t put much in the top yellow area as I wanted it a more pure yellow.  I also made sure the smaller chains were kept light, close to the value of their lightest value.  That way I could add the darks and they would be done. This was actually on my mind everywhere: colours dark enough to show through some of the glazing but also light enough to be the light value in that area.  It's nice to not have all that white paper staring back at you.

Trying out my colours, getting a feel for how each area will be developed. 

Getting into the Picture

This is what I call my feeling the picture mode.  I tried a few colours in the dark at the left to see how much colour would show through my glazes.  I painted the yellow area on the right so I could see how that would work. It has to be light but still offer a good contrast to my Stellar Jay. I started on the chain to see how that would work.  First focusing just on the darks and then gradually working on the other values.  It was so much fun to see it come to life.  I fell in love with that large chain.  

Really liking what is happening.  My poor little Jay is almost forgotten as I am really loving what is happening with chain and spring!!

Starting to Really Roll

Things are really getting fun now.  I just had to work on that large chain, my favourite spot.  The more I worked on it the more I wanted to move around it and make it shine.  My poor Stellar Jay was forgotten.  I loved mixing up the colours as I glazed and seeing the underpainting come through.  It really made for great ‘rusty bits’.  

Moving out - Getting a real feel how my Stellar Jay is going to work out.  

Time to Move Out

Okay, I admit I kind of got carried away with my chain and it is time to move out and meet my Jay.  I decided to set up his background.  I needed to see how his light side on the left would work with the background and at the same time keep the right side light to work with his dark side.  I want to be able to make the right side the lost edge so I need to paint it first. 

I really enjoyed painting the base for the Stellar Jay.  As you can see the underpainting really shines through with lots of interesting texture. 

Really feeling the finish coming. 

Working hard on glazing and completing each section.  Sometimes I picked out the darks first and then glazed over the rest for the mid tones.  Loved how the Stellar Jay’s base worked out.  It really didn’t need a lot of work, a few glazes to grey it down and then of course those awesome touches of dark.   

Only two challenges left: my Stellar Jay and the lines and hollows in the bottom middle.  

Picture in Colour and Black and White - Both tell you different information.  Study Time is here.

Time for a Value Check

Things are going well but I really felt it was time for a value check.  Looking at the picture in colour really causes me to get lost in the colour mixes:

• the shadow highlights in the bottom left (aren’t those bits of peachy orange great),
• the golden yellow beam left of my Jay ( love the texture and colour changes there)
• and of course my large chain and spring down the left side.  I really like what is happening there. 

When I change the picture to a gray scale all those great colours disappear and I can see what is really happening with my values.

Things I noticed right away:

• spring on the bottom left and the cavity there are a little flat, possibly another light glaze in the shadow area might give it some depth.  Not too much as this is not the star of my picture. 
• Shadow of the middle chain is a little too light and blue for my sunlight. 
• The middle chain might be a little too washed out, possibly darken the darks a little more. 
• Looks a little to dark by the large chain in the top right side.  Have to think about that for a bit.
• Need to finish the chain at the far right to see how the balance will work.  Must keep its value close to the surrounding area so it will ‘stay at the back’.

What do you see?

Enter the Study Mode

Have to slow down a bit now.  As I near completion it is time to really study my picture.  With a light glaze I can bring something forward or push it back.  I like to paint, study, paint, study, study . . .  This is probably the slowest stage of my painting. 

Sorry,  picture not complete this week but it will be ready for my Next post: Hitching a Ride - DONE

I realized I only talked generally about my painting techniques, let me know if you want to expand on something in my next post.  

My Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  

Try Your Hand at Plein Air Painting: 

Plein Air Painting Festival - August 17-19,  KilbyHistorical Site, Harrison Mills, BC

Great Opportunity to Paint on an Historic Site with costume models, farm animals, farm scenery, old store and more.  Painting Friday and Saturday, & Sunday Morning,  Prizes, Luncheon, and Sales on Sunday Afternoon.  Great Prizes for all levels - Beginners to Advanced Welcome.

$15  Register  events@kilby.ca 604-796-9576 by August 15, 2018.  

This is an awesome event, there are juried prizes and draw prizes so fun for all levels.  Registration gets you on site for all 3 days.  I will be camped at the Kilby Campsite and there all 3 days so be sure and say hi.  

Drop-In & Draw Sessions: Only a few Sessions left till Summer
New people are always welcome.  Beginner to Advanced 

 Monday, June 4 & 18, 10-12pm & 1-3pm.

Expression Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge,

Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or project and come and work.  I will be happy to give you pointers.  $15 Pre-Registration Required.  Contact Wendy Here. 

Artists reading this also find the following valuable: 

How to Find your Sketchbook Friend - here
Is Your Sketchbook  Ready for You - here

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy