Stretching A Watercolor Painting -- Part 2

"This is only one Artists method of Stretching Paper. Others may Stretch Watercolor Paper first before Painting on it. And some Stretch 300 lb. rather than the 140." Vera

Correction to Directions of Oct: 31st --

Please note for anyone downloading copy of pages in this "Stretching A Watercolor Painting" directions, that the 3rd panel has changed. I had incorrectly posted one key factor of stretching a finished painting onto canvas. A BIG, BIG THANK YOU to the 3 artists who did catch my error. You may each "Edit" for me at anytime!

Mounted Watercolor Painting --

This is a watercolor painting (140 lb. Arches Cold Press) mounted onto Ampersand Aquaboard. I ended up mounting many paintings onto my Aquaboard and liked the results much better. However, I also soon found that not only were these paintings too expensive to ship, because of added weight, clients also told me they would prefer a traditional wood frame to this deep Oak cradle. The end result of my several years of searching has ended in wanting either to mount Watercolors on flat board for framing without glass, or mount onto aleady stretched canvas, so it is ready-to-hang like an oil.

This is only one persons experience, and each artist will come to their own conclusions of alternative methods for watercolor paintings.

Stretching A Watercolor Painting --

I need to thank the artists who let me know of my mistake here in presentation. In the last panel of directions I neglected to mention that the painting would be flipped over once corners and center piece (in this case a small sketchbook) were in place. Very powerful error for any trying to follow these directions, and very graphic idea why books have Editors. Simply put, the painting would have been ruined from seepage underneath.
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Remember, this really is not as much work as it looks once you get the hang of it. Brings colors out, too, really makes beautiful paintings.

24"x30" Watercolor Stretched like Oil. . .

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.

Further progress on one 12"x12" . . . .

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.

One Day Left To Bid . . .

Last day to bid on this 24x30, NO RESERVE Original Painting for $45.00!!!! Believe me, this is a steal!!! Free Shipping to boot. . .

Going Harder . . .

Work on large stretched Watercolor going harder than 12x12. This one is 24x30, and is going to look so beautiful stretched and color so vivid, I can't wait myself to see finished work. But will be couple days yet before it is finshed, longer sides more difficult to work with.

Unfinished #1
Have two more 12x12 almost finished being painted and ready for stretching. I have never ever, ever worked this small before, but am having a ball doing these for 12x12finished size. Maybe shoot for even smaller before long, just to give it a try. Now, that was a maybe, so don't hold me to it!!!

Unfinished #2 Morning sun streaking across my old beat-up stretching boards is kind-of neat. At least this morning is brighter than it has been of late.

Stretch Watercolor Paper? Yep, The Real Thing!

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.

I had not painted my painting quite wide enough for this 12"x12" stretched, which left the thin white edge on each side. Will have a large Painting finished in a few days. Will post it after stretching as well.