Preparing canvases. I used to make my own stretchers, stretch the canvas, apply several coats of gesso sanding between each coat. Now I buy pre-made canvases with gesso already applied.
The problem is that acrylic paint quite often does not adhere to these canvases; at least not the first pass of color blocking.
The reason: likely there is oil present.
The solution: gesso, sand and then gesso again. Repeat until the desired texture is achieved. Super smooth can take several applications .
I like having a little “tooth” so I usually only do two or three coats.
How do you work your canvases?
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the application of gesso with a squeege produces some nice smooth surfaces if your into that, and speeds up the process. makes me think about building stretchers again.
hankster
Level 9
June 18, 2021
1
Thanks! I’ll give it a try.
I have some artist friends who use spall rollers. Have you ever tried them?
@HelenRoseBuck my memory is goes on faster, but didn't achieve the super smooth surface i was looking for. i would go over once with the brush to ensure complete coverage, then go at it with a thin metal blade about 12" long used as a guard to paint window trim. it made a great squeege for thinner stuff like gesso.
That's a tricky question. I am certainly not an artist and have had no training. When I paint, it's in a canvas book and I just let the paint and brushes make me feel like a fool. I'm jealous of those of you that create such wonderful worlds. Keep at it!
Holysocks
Level 8
June 18, 2021
1
Same to you! Keep at it. No two artists are alike and EVERYONE is a creative person so do your thing!
@HelenRoseBuck
You are absolutely right! I don't complain about my paintings especially since some of my metal work has been shipped overseas. The important thing is to enjoy what you do.
@Holysocks just took a peek at your page and saw some of your art. Love it!
@HelenRoseBuck
Thank you! Some of it is ridiculous, and some serious. I love making all of it if it makes someone smile.
@HelenRoseBuck
I take it you are into photography as well?
@Holysocks amateur photographer. I take mostly reference photos for my paintings
@HelenRoseBuck
They can be accidentally beautiful too.
everyone... everyone is an artmaker. by choice or not. practice and get better, sure, but paintings of mudhole fights count.
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