Work in progress step by step
Painting on ready-made canvass has many advantages. Just go to your local art store, pick the size you want, take it home and start painting. So, why would I eschew canvases in favour of home-made wood panels? Although shop-bought canvases are ready-to-go.
I actually enjoy the process of constructing and preparing a surface to paint on. I get enormous satisfaction from transforming pieces of wood and oil paint into a completed painting. I regard the making of the panel as an integral and important part of the creative process.
My panels are made from a sheet of medium density fibreboard, plywood or hardboard (masonite) attached to a pine frame for rigidity. Cutting the frame to size.
The frame is glued to the back and sanding the edges.
Drilling & Screwing the frame corners and the panel to the frame.
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Applying primer and undercoat ,applying first coat of gesso and then applying second and third coats of gesso.
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I leave the panel for 24 hr whilst I prepare the image for transfering. The excitment I had earlier for starting a new painting has evaporated as the new panel seems to be darling me to despoil its pristine white surface!
Arter several more calming cups of tea, I pluck up the courage to get started.
Image transfer completed.
The underpainting well on the way.
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In the penultimate stage, I move around the painting, lightening or darkening the colours where neccessary. I also pay attention to edges that may requie softening or sharpening.
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Finally, after leaving the painting for a couple of days, I make finak adjustments and sign it. The painting receives a coat of vanish after several weeks when the paint has dried.