The Secret Life of Canvases

Published on 26 July 2024 at 14:28

I am a firm believer of recycling - reclaim, recover, salvage, and save.  I have found that with my art I can do my part to avoid waste. As I have mentioned before, I am quick to paint over a piece I am not happy with.  Often there is a failure to articulate the image in my mind to the canvas in front of me.  But, I digress.

 

Anyone who follows me, knows I generally work on small pieces (4x4), (4x6), or (5x7).  The initial reasoning was  that it was the first attempt.  Folks sometimes ask me for a "larger" version of a small piece.  I am happy to do so, with the disclaimer that each piece is a little different. So far, no one has complained. 

 

Another reason I paint small pieces is the cost of  large canvases.  Messing up on a large piece of paper can be easily trashed, with little monetary lost - not so much with a canvas.   (Full disclosure: I have been known to paint on the back of a piece of heavy art paper.) As I have progressed with my art, I have gained the confidence to work on larger canvases.  The only thing stopping me was the initial investment.

 

One day,  I was discussing this with a very talented and successful artist friend of mine. She shared one of her secrets. Not only does she prepare and paint over what she referred to as "failed attempts",  she takes used discarded canvases  and paints over them.

 

So now I  find myself scouring used furniture stores and  thrift shops for painted canvases on sturdy wooden frames that are in very good shape.  These trips have been fruitful. Once I found 2 (36 x 48) canvases. These would have retailed for around $200 - $300 from a reputable art supply  company. But by recycling, cleaning, and coating with gesso (to prepare the canvas) - the surface is ready. I can pass the savings onto my customers and do my part helping Mother Earth.

 

So if you do purchase one of my paintings on canvas, there may be an under story - literally.  Feel good, you are doing your part to help the environment. 

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