Saturday, March 18, 2017

To Stretch or Not to Stretch...

I've tried different ways of preparing my watercolor paper over the years.  I soaked it in water, stretched it on a board and stapled it.  I used brown paper tape to hold it to the board.  I've rolled up masking tape, applied it to the back of my paper and taped it to the board.  Now I'm going back to soaking, stretching and stapling.  I really think it's the best method for keeping the paper from rippling and you can paint as wet as you like.  I went out and bought my concrete mixing tub this afternoon and soaked my paper in it.  My old tub disappeared years ago.  I haven't started painting yet, but that paper is flat and tight.

We went to the art show this morning.  I really liked several of the pieces.  I love, love, love the warehouse "gallery".  It's so lively, spacious and light!  The only thing is that the street in front is under construction and all torn up.  Jim had to drive VERY slowly.  The people who work in the gallery are absolutely delightful, very enthusiastic, friendly and just plain nice!  What a great morning!  I sure hope they have more shows at this location in the future.  The current show will be there through May 14.

7 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

I think other than being an artist, working in a gallery as you describe would be the best!!! Sounds like you had a fun day. I never have stapled paper to board or used the brown tape. Always masking tape. Hmmm...My daughter staples though...hmmm...

Chris Lally said...

I had the good fortune of taking a workshop from Michigan artist Nita Engle. She wrote an awesome book called "How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself." She always prepared her paper the way you describe. I remember lugging those boards to her class. Nita always painted really big and really wet. Her final painting was always flat (& gorgeous).
Glad you enjoyed the show. Got an inkling of the beauty of the space through online photos. Maybe you there next year???

Candy said...

Sherry, I think it would be a lot of fun working in a gallery. For one thing, people are usually happy when they go into a gallery:) You should try painting on paper stretched on one of your daughter's boards and see what you think.

Candy said...

Chris, I'm going to check out Nita on the Internet. I bet I'll love her work. I admire people who can really loosen up with watercolor. I first used the board method when I took classes from Charlotte Lang years ago. At that time, we used real wood. Lugging the boards around is a good way to describe it:) Now I have the foam core boards that are as light as a feather.

Come on out next spring and see what's going on here! In fact, come out anytime - except maybe July or August unless you can easily tolerate 110 degrees:) There is usually a good art exhibit at the Bellagio gallery and their garden is spectacular. Plus they have the tallest chocolate fountain in the world and unbelievably delicious pastry at Jean Philippe.

There are good concerts and just 30 minutes out of town we have Red Rock Canyon - probably my favorite place here.

padmaja said...

Candy, now that I am leaving for vacation, I would like to try some water colors since I can carry them in my luggage. So how long are you putting the paper in water?

padmaja said...

Thank you Candy, I will try with a small one first!

Chris Lally said...

Just saw your last message, Candy. We have friends in Henderson. Haven't been there for a while, but you never know... Not really going anywhere till we find a house to buy here in Eugene. We are so discouraged with house hunting - almost ready to leave & go back north.