How to make simple canvas stretchers

I recently was given a miter saw so that I could make my own canvas stretchers! I spent $30 at Home Depot to get some missing materials: 1×2x8 wood, wood glue, and an angle clamp. The other materials I used were: canvas pliers, staple gun, scissors, paintbrush and gesso.

 

The first step is to cut all the pieces, wood and canvas, to size.

Next step is to create the frames. Secure the corners with wood glue and staples.

When the frame is done, attach the canvas. Start adding staples from the center and work your way to the corners.

Fold the corner so that it is flat.

Trim the extra canvas and clean up the back side.

The canvas will stretch more as you paint the canvas. Start painting in the center and work to the corners.

 

All done and ready to add color paint!

 

 

Jewelry Box Project – Start

I spent about $5.00 and picked up a few old jewelry boxes. I plan to paint them and fill them with my jewelry

Sunday Art

Sea View

Flower-star? Star-flower?

Pink, yellow, blue, brown, gray, black

Light + Color + Space = Landscape

Playing with photoshop and illustrator ... sunset!

Sunrise...

I really enjoy looking at landscape paintings. There is something magical about the deep space that can be created in a landscape.

I think the key is to understand light and color … some of my favorite painters are: Monet, Wayne Thiebaud, Albert Bierstadt

Old Halloween Costume – Painting

Scary?

Color is fun...

This is not one of my favorite paintings ... but it's very Halloween ... (from around 1997)

 

I was into crazy hair back when I first got started in painting… It’s normal to use yourself as a model when you are learning. No one else wants to sit that long! The expression is one on concentration… also a reflection of what it feels like to try and paint…

Fun with color!

Flower Floats – The Rose Bowl

Interesting how much work goes into one time art events…. art that is not intended to last for more than a day. I guess that is why we take pictures and video! I think the Rose Parade is a great example of temporary art…

Old B&W photo of flowers...

Rose Bowl floats from sometime in the 90s.

Flower – Gouache on Canvas Experiment

I tried using gouache paint on canvas board. The paint did not stick well to the canvas at first.

I added a lot more layers of paint... and this is what it looks like now. I'm not happy with the look. I think gouache looks and works much better on paper.