Mini Update

[_moonwhisper_]

Well, I'm alive!
I have been busy with a four week oil painting project - working from a life model for the first two weeks and then started my own piece from my mind for the second two weeks.  Should be in the studio right now working on finishing that, but wasn't sure where to do with it today and I have till christmas to finish it technically so

Comments

[amandadrage]

I like the dented canvas tip - I have one like that so now I know how to fix it!! :D

[_moonwhisper_]

Well for hardboard or mdf you prime one side (either as it comes or with something such a canvas/muslin/linen glued/stapled to it first). If you are using the board without a framed support then you should prime the other side also (even if it's just a cross on the back) as it prevents the board warping which is something you deffinately don't want if it's something you're wanting to sell in the future.

Yeh I'm using proper oils now - I encountered a few problems trying to use the WS ones with turps etc - they just didn't react in the same way as normal oils. Much smoother and easier to work with I'd say.

Glad some of my notes could help you =D

[amandadrage]

I want to try painting on linen. Do you just stretch it over and staple it onto the board on the back? Do you need to soak it first of anything? Same with the canvas material... just wondering if there's any special method to ensure it's completely tight.

That's good to know that you can just put a cross on the back with primer. Don't really want to be wasting it all covering the unseen side!

I'm going to be watching your entries very closely for more tips haha :D

[_moonwhisper_]

Linen I have never used so honestly not sure if you have to staple or glue it to the board...I think you stretch it over the board and staple it like you would canvas. Muslin you have to glue because the weave is much more open.
Once you prime it that's when it'll be tight and secure (after dried). Though if you're stapling it you might need a frame to do so...so maybe you should glue it? Oh gosh I dunno 0-o
I can ask my tutor for you, but he's not back till thursday so if you can wait I'll try and find out!

Yeh that's what I thought! No need to waste expensive material =P