Framing Art Without Glass

Lately I’ve been looking into framing options. I don’t always want to use a mat, glass/acrylic. I am entering more shows that have oils and acrylics. These show do not have the same standards as watercolor societies and do not require a mat or glass/acrylic.

A word of WARNING…Most watercolor societies DO NOT allow a painting with any kind of varnish in a show. If you decide to explore these options you may not be able to enter the painting in a desired show…do your homework first!


CLAYBORD
After reading an article in Watercolor Artists Magazine I realized Claybord might have more possibilities that I thought. The product is made by Ampersand and has been around for a while. Claybord comes in a couple different surfaces.

Let me show you what I learned. I did two small pieces to explore the surface. I used the 5 x 7 Claybord, Textured. I used my inexpensive brushes since the surface felt rougher then watercolor paper. And the surface isn’t absorbent so I didn’t need a brush that held a lot of water.

The rooftop scene in Santa Barbara was done by wetting the Claybord first and letting the paint float on the surface in the same fashion as wet into wet. The surface does not absorb like watercolor paper and it takes longer for the surface to completely dry. It has interesting qualities that I like. 

 With the Persimmons I left a lot of the Claybord untouched and let the white of the Claybord exposed. I like how the paint moved on the surface and the colors remained bright. The surface has very little absorbency so the paint remains on the surface. It was easy to glaze on and get the results I wanted. I specially like how easy it was to lift paint and reclaim whites.


KRYLON UV - RESISTANT VARNISH (Matte or Glossy)
It’s important to seal the surface so the image has a barrier from the elements (dirt, smoke…) and light. I used KRYLON UV-Resistant, Acrylic Coating. I applied 3 or 4 coats. Let thoroughly dry between coats.
 In the video below you can see a side by side comparison of the matte and glossy finish.



You can stop here or go one step further.  My painting “Kettles & Cups” (below) has the addition of Dorland’s Wax. Read below…

DORLAND’S WAX
When I want a special finish I use Dorland’s Wax. It is non-yellowing and adds a soft glow to the surface.

Step #1 Seal surface of painting with a couple light coats of UV-Resistant acrylic varnish
Step #2 Scoop out a small amount of wax with a lint free cloth and apply it in a circular motion.  As soon as your cloth "drags", scoop out more wax.
Step #3  Allow coat to dry 24 hours.
Step #4  Using a clean, dry and lint free cloth, buff the surface.  You'll see a very slight sheen.
Step #5 Apply a second coat, let dry 24 hours and buff to a slight sheen.

Kettles & Cups

There's a lot of information available on the internet when it comes to researching products. I won’t pretend to know it all but I can share what I’ve learned along the way.

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Have you seen the April issue of Watercolor Artist Magazine? I have an article called "All Toned Up". You'll see my demonstration that became the painting above, "Kettles & Cups". Hope you check out the issue and read my complete article.
The painting was selected to be in the California Art Club, Gold Medal Exhibition. Opening reception this weekend. I've been busy!


Happy Painting!
Brenda

Watercolor Artist Magazine

Double Page Opener

Cover

Forgive me for a shameless plug BUT I'm so excited I have to share. I'm featured in the current issue of Watercolor Artist magazine! A full 8 pages!!! Can you feel the ground shake? No, it's not a earthquake. It's me jumping up and down with joy!

Not only is the artwork mine but I also wrote the article. So it's a double winner. Most of my life I've felt very inadequate when it came to writing. Since I've begun to share my artwork and writing with you (my blog followers) it has helped me to build confidence. I'm far from a fast writer (probably takes me twice as long) but now I can get my thoughts into words. Thank you for being encouraging followers and cheerleaders along the way.

Would you like a copy of  Watercolor Artist magazine August issue? Here's a link: Watercolor Artist

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Plein Air Magazine

Plein Air Magazine Dec-Jan issue

My sketchbag

I am excited to share I am  featured in the current edition of Plein Air Magazine!
A few months ago I was contacted by the editor Steve Doherty and asked if I would like to share how I work on location with watercolor? Of course, my answer was YES! After a few email back and forth we arranged a time for the phone interview. A week later I received the draft of the article. I made additional comments, and sent digital images of my sketches from Praque, Germany, France and Italy.

A selection of my many sketchbooks

A few days ago I received the printed version of the magazine. It is top rate: high quality paper, good color... Steve is also a painter so he has a good approach to writing that is clear, informative and interesting. When I read the article I felt he kept my "voice" in it. Not a bunch of that gibberish you often see.

What a treat it is to share my watercolor sketches and illustrated travel journals. In the printed version of Plein Air Magazine I have four pages, but the digital version is expanded to have two additional pages of my sketches. If you are interested in a copy you can purchase it at Barnes & Nobles, or subscribe to the Plein Air Magazine.

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Watercolor Artist Magazine

It feels like Christmas in April...I just received my copy of Watercolor Artist (June 2011). I am so excited to see my article in print! The title of my feature is "Little Pieces of Color". In the article I share the technique of watercolor stained paper collage. I begin with the staining of the Japanese papers, drawing of design, collage, and finish with painting. I have five additional paintings included in the article. The color reproduction is great.

I am delighted to be included in this publication! If you would like to order a copy of Watercolor Artist magazine, click here. The magazine is also available at most major book stores.

Happy Painting!

Brenda