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

Attitude and Art Shows

Rejection is a very touchy thing for most artists. When I first began entering shows a rejection notice would send me off moping for days. I felt as if the wind was knocked out of me. It would take a week before I felt like picking up the brush again. The feeling of hurt and rejection was overwhelming. My husband began to dread me entering shows…I can see why!

Ten years ago my education and understanding of how certain shows are judged was increased when I served as the Exhibition Director for the National Watercolor Society (NWS). The society is one of the most recognized in the watercolor community. The annual international exhibition is selected with the greatest of integrity. The first year I had an eye opening experience. I sat in the room while the 3 judges selected the show. The judges viewed paintings projected on a screen. No talking is allowed and the judges vote yes or no with a device. No one knew how the other was voting. On this day the judges had to select 100 paintings from over 1300 entries. It is a very long day. In the first round of viewing all the painting more than half were rejected. How long do you think the judges viewed each painting, 2 minutes, 5 minutes…? How about an average of less than 10 seconds! My painting was rejected in the first round, and my heart sank. 

That evening I cried and I poured out my heart out to my husband. Through Mike’s great wisdom, understanding, and love I came to realize I was giving ultimate power to others to determine how I felt about my artwork. From that day forward I decided I wouldn’t give that kind of power to anyone accept those who are a trusted friend, a mentor, or my husband. So what’s my point? Don’t let anyone define how you feel about your work! Be proud, hold your head up and let your brush sing with all its might!
 

Last summer I learned another lesson. I was in Southern France teaching a workshop when I got an email from the President of NWS congratulating me for getting into the Annual Exhibition. After 10 years I finally made it! What came next was a flood of emotions I hadn’t expected...I went from elated to sad. The one person I wanted to share it with was my husband and he was in the states. I called him that evening to share the news but without a hug, a kiss, or a pat on the back…it didn’t feel the same. You see, a joy not share isn’t much fun at all. I tucked away my joy and decided I would celebrate when I attend the NWS Gala Reception. I went to the reception and it took everything I had to put on a fake smile. It was the worst…all I wanted to do was leave. You see, it was the same week my 30 year old son was diagnosed with cancer. So what’s my point? Any achievements or recognition I might receive means very little in the scheme of things. Today, Daniel is in remission…that’s an achievement!
 

I’ve learned a lot through these series of events and I hope my message hasn’t felt like a downer…I don’t mean it to be. More than anything I want to express what I have learned and how these lessons have made me a better person and painter. I paint with a different heart and purpose, now.

Happy Painting!
Brenda