In my workshops I paint mostly with acrylic paint on watercolor paper, to save me from packing a lot of wood panels each time. Consequently, after a few months of teaching workshops, I have many, many acrylic paintings on paper to frame for the galleries, festivals, etc. That would be a lot of framed pieces and a huge framing bill! To save time and money, I figured out a way to have a unique gallery presentation and get the job done fast. I thought of gluing the paper pieces onto wood panels. The panel sides and the top edges were painted a neutral dark grey color. The paper was then glued on to the panel with a border of neutral color showing all around. The paper was deckel edged all around and the end result was a totally cool visual presentation. Just think, wood panels with watercolor paper glued on them. No frame, no mat and no glass. The gallery was delighted with the ease in hanging the artwork, no scratched frames or glass breakage AND no bothersome reflections. Okay, those are the advantages… now for the step by step. Quite simple and logical to do.
Step-by-Step Technique:
1. I use Cheap Joe’s Cradled Wood Panels because they are the sturdiest and most cost effective of all the others I’ve tried.
2. I choose a neutral color and paint the sides and around 1/4 inch on the panel front. Let dry.
3. The finished art is an acrylic painting on Kilimanjaro watercolor paper, 300 lb. Cold Press. Note: This is not a watercolor painting.
4. Using acrylic gel medium as my adhesive, I squeegee it all over the entire surface and ALSO on the back of the watercolor paper.
5. While both surfaces are still wet, I position and center the paper on the panel, making sure the borders appear even all around.
6. I squeegee out any air bubbles and excess gel medium, making sure the deckel edges are smoothed down as tight as possible.
7. Next I place a plastic sheet (like a slip sheet) on top of the mounted painting. I place a thick board on top of the plastic. Finally a weight, such as a cinder block or heavy books, goes on top of the board – to squeeze it all down.
8. After 24 hours, I remove the weight, the board and the plastic slip sheet. The entire process results in a very strong adhesion of paper to panel.
10. The final step – I brush on acrylic varnish over the entire top surface, including the sides. The hanging wire is screwed into the back of the stretcher bars as normal.
This may sound labor intense but the results are beautiful. It’s lightweight, no frames, no mats and no glass, and is very contemporary. You might ask, why not just paint on a wood panel? As I said in the beginning, I have many, many paper pieces ready for exhibition and did not want the expense of framing every one. Hey, it’s only an idea I’ve tried and it worked! Try it out and see how you like it!
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Coming Up… Burridge Studio Online Workshop and Demo
Workshop • Non-Objective Abstract Paintings • January 6-7, 2022
Demo • Using Neutrals in your Paintings • January 3, 2022
Interested in drawing and painting the Abstract Figure?
We have online workshops coming up!
Abstract Figure - Undraped and Costumed Model
Sponsored by Burridge Studio
•February 8-9, 2022
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Sponsored by the Sedona Art Center
•May 6-8, 2022
•July 22-24, 2022
•October 14-16, 2022
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We are Open and Ready to Welcome You!
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops
2022 Schedule on our Website!
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Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work.
•January 3, 2022
"Using Neutrals in your Paintings"
•February 7, 2022
"Hearts and Flowers"
•March 21, 2022
"Creating a Series, Using the 5Cs"
…and more!
Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
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• Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website! •
Bob's been busy! Lots of new work! And the SOPs are back!
Ongoing Virtual Exhibits!
We are hosting several ongoing Virtual Exhibits on FaceBook - Burridge Studio Groups. Join the groups and post your work! Your work must match the theme of the group.
•Windows
•Let's Dance
•Love Notes
•Light at the End of the Tunnel
Join the Group - Post your Work - Add your name, title plus more info.
Looking forward to seeing your work!
