This Watercolor is painted on 140 lb. Cold Press Archers Watercolor Paper stretched in normal way, i.e. flat, stapled around edges to a flat board. I have left at least 1.5" around each side of planned painting size in order to compensate for the 7/8" deep sides after mounting. I Paint first, especially in these larger size paintings for two reasons, as mentioned in yesterdays entry: to prevent buckling later, and to mount only finished paintings that I like.
"Last Blossoms Of Summer"
24" x 30" Varnished Watercolor -- Ready to Hang.
Here are two side photos of the painting showing how edge wraps around all sides. Their are no staples in the Watercolor Paper itself.
The staples showing on very back of stretcher frame are actually in canvas, which has been stretched over stretcher bars first, and now lends strength and stability to the Watercolor Painting itself.
Next I will post step by step mounting process of paper over canvas for precision stretching each time.
My daughter, Veronica, has been talking about joining me on Painting venture for awhile now, and has taken her first step.
This Watercolor is painted on 140 lb. Cold Press Archers Watercolor Paper stretched in normal way, i.e. flat, stapled around edges to a flat board. I have left at least 1.5" around each side of planned painting size in order to compensate for the 7/8" deep sides after mounting. I Paint first, especially in these larger size paintings for two reasons, as mentioned in yesterdays entry: to prevent buckling later, and to mount only finished paintings that I like.
The staples showing on very back of stretcher frame are actually in canvas, which has been stretched over stretcher bars first, and now lends strength and stability to the Watercolor Painting itself.
Almost finished on this 12"x12" sample and will be ready to mount for hanging. Two reasons I painted prior to mounting onto stretcher bars: one-can stretch paper this way so there will not be any buckling later on. And two, in case the painting is not one which I would consider successful enough to mount for hanging. In fact, if this particular painting were not being completed for this purpose as a sample, I would not finish it now. Am just not that crazy about this effort.
Unfinished #1 
Oh, I know there are ways to paint with Watercolor on Canvas that already out there, and some is very nice to work with indeed. However, just have not been able to use Watercolor as I can by painting on paper! Was never quite satisfied with the end product as a result. So, have been working on being able to stretch Watercolor Paper like canvas for quite some time: this is my very first totally successful Watercolor Canvas!!!!!
Yep, 140 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper stretched like canvas. Will be interested in what you think.
