My Commissioned Canvas Painting Process

WOOD

“The process begins with finding the right wood. I find the most inspiration when the canvas has a character of its own. That to me is the best part - knowing that I am “adding” to the design, working with the canvas instead of just painting on one.”

The wood that I choose ranges from high quality Plywood, Birch, to oak veneer on Birch. I have a range of different qualities, weight and density, but it is always the style of the wood that fundamentally guides my creative process. The bigger the better - so far, the largest wooden canvas I have worked on is a 2m x 1.8m, but I am always excited to try larger sizes - this just requires larger equipment for transport.

TREATMENT

Each piece of wood is treated differently; some is left to age naturally with time, and other wood is treated with oil/stain, which tints the wood and gives it a beautiful finish.

Sanding and refining is part of the process of getting the wood ready for painting. Each canvas requires different treatment, and I love the process of getting to know my canvas, honing it and allowing it to merge with the painting.

BACKING

I mount each painting with two wooden strips, top cut at 45 degrees. One strip is fixed onto the top back of the painting itself – this then ”locks” into another panel at 45 degrees which gets drilled into the wall. The painting then sits with a 3cm raise off the wall, which adds to its contemporary “floating” feel.

The bottom of the painting is secured with another straight wooden panel to anchor it, while also prevent any warping.

CANVAS

I work on canvas made from Calico and Linen. The bigger the better!

Canvases larger than 1.6m x 1.6m are not stretched on a typical wooden frame, but are stretched separately and are sold on a roll. This can be framed for you, but will be at a separate cost – please enquire privately.

CARE

It is always best to display your painting in a dry, smoke-free space that does not get direct sunlight. Your artwork is precious, and will become damaged if care instructions are not followed.