Preparing the canvas
Demo is complete, now onto preparing the canvas!
A first look at the canvas:
I lightly tacked the fabric to the canvas frame as I adjusted the placement of the fruit motif pattern. Even with it loose and wrinkly, this step always makes me start to see the final painting in my mind’s eye - how exciting!
My process is very similar to preparing standard cotton canvas, depending on the fabric. Since this table cloth is quite sturdy, I decided to skip a Rabbit Skin Glue sizing layer I typically use on the back side as a first step to stabilize thin or delicate fabrics.
It’s important to prime fabric to withstand oil paint over time - especially using non-traditional fabrics as I do. Working at an art museum, I’ve had such an awesome opportunity to learn about artwork preservation and restoration, which has really left me with a desire to put in the work now to ensure that folks can enjoy my work on for years and years to come.
Time for primer!
Once I was happy with the pattern placement, I stretched the fabric tight and secured it with a few additional tacks in preparation for the first layer of primer (in this case, a transparent gesso to allow the pattern to shine through).
I enjoyed some beautiful sunny weather on my balcony porch and the company of my studio assistant, Toby (My cat, sitting to the left of the canvas in this photo.) He wasn’t much of a help - he was too busy taking a nap in a sunbeam!
Gesso time!
I watered down my first layer of gesso with about 40% water to help it permeate the fibers.
Look at that difference!
Check out the difference just one layer makes - as the gesso dries and water evaporates, the fibers will shrink together slightly and increase the density of the weave with a synthetic polymer. This prevents any oils, paint, etc. from seeping into that space instead (which would eat away at the fabric over time and could even cause cracking and warping!)
First layer is complete!
Once dry, the canvas will loosen as the fibers resettle. I’ll gently re-stretch and tack the fabric between each layer of gesso to make sure I have a taught surface once it’s primed.