Galleria Lisa http://gallerialisa.com/blog My Blog Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:58:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 You Think You Are Ready To Stretch? I’m Ready To Show You! http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/12/you-think-you-are-ready-to-stretch-im-ready-to-show-you/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/12/you-think-you-are-ready-to-stretch-im-ready-to-show-you/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:48:16 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=121 You’re almost finished!
Phase 3: The Canvas

Tools needed: Canvas, scissors, razor blade, red marker, Canvas Stretching Pliers, Hammer, staple gun with staples, tape measure, and flat-head screw-driver.

Cutting the Canvas

First you will want to decide if you want a gallery wrap or not. A gallery wrap is where the canvas stretches around to the back and stapled. The other way is where the canvas is just stretch to the sides and stapled. This way is harder to stretch as the wood frame cannot be laid flat on the floor and canvas pulled around. The gallery wrap is much easier as you can use the back to help brace while you are stretching and attaching the canvas. I find the gallery wrap is not only be easier but, looks much more professional and finished out. That’s just my opinion though. Do what works best for you and your art!

1) Now that you have decided whether you like gallery wrap or wrapped just to the sides. Roll the canvas out enough on the floor to be able to measure and cut it. Remember to always add a little extra canvas to be for sure. If you chose the gallery wrap, you will need extra to go around to the back and attach. EXAMPLE: If your wood frame is 24 inches and the wood used is 1.5 inches, you will need to cut the canvas to at least 28-29 inches. Beginners add a little canvas. If you choose the side wrap, you won’t need as much, because you just need enough to go along the sides to attach.
2) Now that the canvas is cut, place the canvas (side you will be painting on) front side to the floor and position the wood frame evenly on top of the canvas. It is best to measure around so that it is pretty much the same amount of canvas on all sides. TIP* Look at the wood frame and make sure the best side with no holes, knots, or blemishes is face down. You always want the best side touching the canvas. The side that you will be painting should be as perfect as possible.

3) Take your Canvas Stretching Pliers, hammer, and staple gun. Start in the middle of 1 side of the frame and attach the canvas to the wood. Put at least 2-3 staples (or whatever you are using to attach the 2 together) in the center. Then, go to the opposite side and do the same. Here you will need to use the pliers to pull it tight prior to attaching. Next do the other 2 sides using the pliers from now on through the process. 
4) Once you have continued to work your way out to the edges, you are now ready to do the corners.TIP* Leave enough room that is not stapled down to do the corners properly. You will want to have to opposite edges that go under the other 2 opposite edges.
5) Go to the edges that will go under the other two and continue to staple them all the way to the end. TIP* If there is too much canvas once you get to the end, you can cut some of it. It will fold better for the corners. 

6) Fold the end of the canvas down the side, then fold it over and make the crease as close to the edge without going past. When you are ready to staple it down, take the pliers and pull it as tight as possible before stapling it down. This makes for a much neater corner. If you are having difficulty with this, think of wrapping a present, and do the same. It may be awkward at first and not be exact, however; be patient with yourself and keep working at it. It will get easier and look better the more you do it. 

7) Continue to the other side, and the other 2 ends, and WALAyou have a completed stretched canvas that you did for a fraction of the cost!

I think I have covered everything, if I have left out anything or you have a different and easier way, please let me know. Any ideas on the topic, I would love to hear them.

I hope this will inspire you creatively as much as it has helped me. I love stretching my own canvases. I find it very meditative and motivating. As always…Enjoy the Process!

 

 

 

 

]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/12/you-think-you-are-ready-to-stretch-im-ready-to-show-you/feed/ What Will Your Frame Look Like Finished? http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/09/what-will-your-frame-look-like-finished/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/09/what-will-your-frame-look-like-finished/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:43:01 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=118


Ok, the pictures are in. I hope this will help you picture what I am explaining! Here we go!Positioning the wood

What will it look like finished?
Ok, the first step in the phase is placing the wood pieces in the way you want the frame to look.

1. The best way to do this is to find a large area up against a very solid wall and lay the wood pieces in the dimensions and shape of the end product. Place the pieces with the best sides of the wood all facing the same direction. That will be the side that faces the canvas. Tip* Remember to always measure the frame prior to nailing it together. That way you will be sure to nail it together in the dimensions you were making.

2. Put a small amount of wood glue on the piece of wood that is being nailed into the other piece of wood.

3. Take 2 nails and hammer them into the pieces of wood with the glue on it. It is best to nail in a slight diagonal manner.Tip* Make sure the wood stays in a square position and is level & flat throughout the process. I will usually put 1 foot on each piece of wood to help keep it from moving while I hammer. Hammer both sides together, then move it to the back and do the other 2 sides.

4. Once the 4 pieces are nailed together, put in the brace. Measure the side and place the brace or braces (depending on size of canvas) in the middle. EXAMPLE: For a 24inch frame, brace would be at 12inches. For a 60inch canvas, the 2 braces would be at 20inch spaces.

5. Allow the wood glue to dry for 24 hours, then take sand paper and smooth out the corners, seems, and edges.

You’re almost finished! The last step is the canvas. Until next time…Enjoy the process!

 

Phase 2: Building the Frame
Tools Needed: Wood, wood glue, hammer, nails, sand paper, tape measure, red marker

]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/09/what-will-your-frame-look-like-finished/feed/ Tips to picking out your canvas http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/05/tips-to-picking-out-your-canvas/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/05/tips-to-picking-out-your-canvas/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:00:38 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=124 What width do I purchase the rolled canvas, and from where do I purchase the canvas? Questions that are going through your head, I bet. It can be confusing and overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Step three in the canvas stretching process is your canvas choice.

As far as the choice of canvas goes, you have either primed or unprimed, as well as, cotton or linen. Primed means that gesso has already been applied. Unprimed means raw canvas with nothing on it. Depending on your project, you’ll need to determine what works best for you. I know of artists that never prime their canvas, however; they rarely use paint. Paint is liquid and will bleed through that is why it needs to be primed prior. I recommend buying a small piece of both primed and unprimed canvas and stretching both and see what you like best. Remember though, that the unprimed will need to be gessoed prior to the actual painting. That is an added step and cost. Once you have chosen which style you prefer then decide whether you like cotton or linen best. I find that cotton works best for me and is always reasonably priced.
Canvas comes in many widths from approximately 52 inches to 144 inches wide and in lengths from 6 yards to 100 yards. The width usually depends on the size of the piece you are going to paint. The bigger you go, the wider it needs to be. I suggest not going too big on your first few till you get the hang of the process. I would recommend going a little smaller in length till you decide what you like work with the best. You don’t want to be stuck with 50 yards on canvas that is hard to stretch.
Now that you have decided on the canvas selection, it is best to buy it in bulk. It is less costly and you will have more freedom. Research your local art shops as they frequently have sales and that is a great opportunity to stock up. I usually purchase it online and have it shipped. For me, it is the most cost effective with the choice and width I prefer. I purchase from Blick Art Materials for all my canvas needs. Dick Blick frequently has sales and a great selection of canvas both primed and unprimed cotton and linen in various widths. It may take time, but you will find what works best for you.Enjoy the process!
Fantastic! Now that you have made all your choices, you are ready to begin the next phase in this process.


]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/05/tips-to-picking-out-your-canvas/feed/ What are the Type of Nails to Use When Stretching Your Own Canvas? http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/01/what-are-the-type-of-nails-to-use-when-stretching-your-own-canvas/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/01/what-are-the-type-of-nails-to-use-when-stretching-your-own-canvas/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:34:12 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=114 When I am stretching my own canvases, the right nails makes the job so much easier and makes the canvas look more professional. When you walk into the hardware store and see this in front of you, I bet you think “Holy Smokes! Which do I choose? Well, here are a few quick tips for you, when picking out the best nails for stretching your own canvas.

Picking out your nails & staples
The second step in How to Stretch Your own Canvas is the choice of the nails you plan to use for the frame, braces, and stretching the canvas to the frame. Depending on the size of the wood you pick for the frame, the nails will vary. The wider you go the longer the nails need to be. The same goes for the braces. The canvas however, uses completely different nails. Usually I find that a staple gun and staples work best.

1) For the Frame: Frame nails need a larger head which is easier to hit when hammering the wood together. A good size that works well for me is 3 inch Electro Galvanized Roofing nails and they come in various lengths depending on the wood size you are using. Try different nails and sizes and see what works best for your canvas.

2) For the Brace: Brace nails are usually a little smaller with a smaller head as they have a smaller area to go through. The best nail I have found for this is the 3 inch Bright Finish nails. These also come in different lengths depending on your wood. Once more, experiment with different nails and see what works best for you and your canvas.
3) For the Canvas: When attaching the canvas to the frame, depending on the look you want to achieve, there are various nails and staples that work great. You can use a staple gun that uses either industrial staples or nails or small nails. For me, I have found that the use of a staple gun and staples works best and can hold the canvas much tighter than staple gun nails or traditional nails, as well as, easier to work with. The best rule of thumb though is to see what works and feels best for you.

Now that you have your wood and nails chosen, the next step it choosing the canvas you like best. That’s coming up next! Until then…Enjoy the Process!
]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/07/01/what-are-the-type-of-nails-to-use-when-stretching-your-own-canvas/feed/ Need Help Picking Out the Perfect Wood…for Your Canvas? http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/28/need-help-picking-out-the-perfect-woodfor-your-canvas/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/28/need-help-picking-out-the-perfect-woodfor-your-canvas/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:06:58 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=100 As I continue with the “How to Stretch a Canvas Series”, Phase 1 is one of the most important stages of the precess. I have broken it down into 4 Simple Steps to Picking Out the Wood. These steps are all you will need for stretching your first canvas and hopefully many more after.

Phase 1: Getting the right materials
Tools Needed: Pen and paper, tape measure, wood, various nails & staples, red marker

Picking out your Wood!

 

The first step to stretching your on canvases is deciding where you are going to buy your wood as well as the type and size of wood you are going to use.

1) First I decide how many frames I am going to make, get the measurements of each piece. EXAMPLE: If I am making a 2 foot by 2 foot canvas, I will need 4 pieces and 1 brace. I will need 2 pieces that measure 24inches and 2 pieces that measure 21inches (remember the wood is 1.5inches and 21+ 1.5+1.5=24). The brace needs to be 21inches as well. TIP Keep in mind that most of the pieces of wood you are going to buy are 96inches long, so plan each piece of wood to get the most out of it!

2) I have found that Home Depot has a great selection of 2×2s. (That is what I use.) Keep in mind that the 2×2 is really 1.5×1.5 and usually 96 inches long and all other sizes with not measure to what they say. Always measure your wood to be sure. Depending on your style and the size of the piece will determine the wood you use. I have found for all intense and purposes the 2×2s look the best after it is stretched and painted. It is thick for a gallery wrap, but not too wide or heavy. Choose what works best for you!
3) Once you pick the type of wood and size you plan to use, then you need to pick the straightest and most blemish free pieces you can find. If they are warped your canvas will suffer. I have spent as much as 3 hours picking out my wood. Once I find what I think is a fairly straight piece, I will eyeball it (put 1 end on the ground and your eye up to the other and look down it to check for bends, warped areas, and knots in the wood). I then, put in on the ground and roll it on the floor to see how it rolls from side to side. Check for rises in the piece or it not lying solid. Take your marker and tape measure and mark the wood where it will be cut. Remember if it is not as straight as possible it won’t hang correctly on the wall!
4) Always look at each piece after it is cut and make sure it is the correct measurement you asked for. TIP If you have the employee cut 2 pieces at the same time, then they will match. You want to get as close as possible to the original dimensions. Don’t be afraid to have the employee fix the piece or correct the mistake if it happens, but don’t be too precise. They do the best they can and a little smile and a “thank you so much” go a long way!

Once you have chosen the wood and had it cut, you are ready for the next step. Choosing your nails will follow. Stayed tuned………….
Until then, Enjoy the process!
]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/28/need-help-picking-out-the-perfect-woodfor-your-canvas/feed/ 16 Tools You Need to Stretch Your Own Canvas! http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/24/16-tools-you-need-to-stretch-your-own-canvas/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/24/16-tools-you-need-to-stretch-your-own-canvas/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:01:51 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=90 Have you ever wondered “How To Stretch Your Own Canvas” ? Well I’m gonna tell ya in the coming weeks! It starts with the right tools and supplies. Take a little time, go to a couple of local art supply stores in your area and do some research online. Check out Blick Art Materials online, they are great for comparison shopping and getting info that you need, as well as a great selection of art supplies, descriptions, and great pricing. I use them a lot. Once you’ve done some research on the perfect tools for you, start getting the tools together. My recommendation is to get good quality tools and supplies, as you will be using them for the rest of your art career. The quality of your tools will reflect in the quality of your stretched canvases and the quality of your art itself.

All the tools needed to stretch your own canvas are listed as follows: Wood (see Phase 1-Wood), Various Nails (see Phase 1-Nails/Staples), Staple Gun, Staples (see Phase 1-Nails/Staples), Canvas Stretching Pliers, Hammer, Tape Measure, Wood Glue, Canvas (see Phase 1-Canvas), Razor Blade, Scissors, Red Marker, Sand Paper, Flat-Head Screw-Driver, Pen and Paper.

As I continue this “How To Stretch Your Own Canvas” series, I will go through every step you will need to perfect this process. Stay posted in the weeks to come as I teach you step by step “How To Stretch Your Own Canvas”. Enjoy the process!
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]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/24/16-tools-you-need-to-stretch-your-own-canvas/feed/ What’s up with me, you ask? How did I learn to stretch canvas? http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/21/whats-up-with-me-you-ask-how-did-i-learn-to-stretch-canvas/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/21/whats-up-with-me-you-ask-how-did-i-learn-to-stretch-canvas/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:26:52 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=108 I was talking with my friend the other day and she asked some questions regarding the blog and how I learned to stretch my own canvases and why I decided to start doing it. So I thought I would take a small break from my canvas stretching series to share the story.

I have been painting and sculpting for many years (too many to tell;-). I always wanted to learn to stretch canvas, but was lazy and needed to see someone do it first. You see, I am a visual person (hence the artist) and once I see something done, it’s much easier to be able to do it. Last year I decided to get back to my joy and paint and sculpt full time. I always wanted to go really large, but just hadn’t done it yet. Originally, I had a friend that I was going to paint a piece for (kind of a ‘thank you’ piece) and he wanted it very big. So that was my excuse to go BIG! I went to the store to pick up a canvas and was shocked at the price of stretched canvas. Yicks! It was around $120. Luckily there was a 50% off sale. Now I was looking at $60. I started looking around and a local art supply store is always running a 50% off sale. Theirs canvas was $65. Since I wasn’t paying for this one, no biggie, but the next one would be a biggie. I went ahead and bought the canvas and realized if I wanted to do big pieces, I needed to learn how to stretch my own.

I was hanging out with an artist friend, Jesse Cole, who stretched his own. The universe always help ya out when you need it, I find. I asked if he would teach me, and with a few improvements, WALA here we are! I find it very cathartic and now always have around 10 blank canvases to paint on. I love it and each canvas costs me less than $10, even the big ones. How cool is that? My hope is that you will enjoy stretching your own as much as I do. I find that my art is richer now than when I just went to the store, picked up the cheapest canvas I could find, and plunked my money down for it. Here’s to the process, Enjoy!!

]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/21/whats-up-with-me-you-ask-how-did-i-learn-to-stretch-canvas/feed/ Welcome to Lisa’s Blog http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/08/welcome-to-lisas-blog/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/08/welcome-to-lisas-blog/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:54:21 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=36 depths_of_bluHi and welcome to my blog!  I hope you enjoy your stay!

]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2009/06/08/welcome-to-lisas-blog/feed/ Ok Guys!!! I Picked a Steep Hill to Climb. http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2008/09/20/ok-guys-i-picked-a-steep-hill-to-climb/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2008/09/20/ok-guys-i-picked-a-steep-hill-to-climb/#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:52:11 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=82

I started working on my “How to stretch a canvas” blog. I though it would be a quick series with a couple of blogs. Holy smokes!! Was I ever wrong. I’ve been working on it for over a week now and I am only up to the making your frame part. I guess I have taken for granted the difficulty and or ease in stretching my own canvases. It is coming along nicely, but slowly. So it will take a bit longer to complete the entire blog series. Be patient please because it will be worth the wait as I am starting it from the prospective of having no clue and I am including tips, tricks, and great places with fantastic bargains along the way! I am going out of town on business for the next couple of weeks, so it will take longer to get the entire step by step process of canvas stretching completed. I will continue to work and publish the blogs, but they will be somewhat sporadic until I return. Any questions along the way, please ask. I really love stretching my own canvases and am happy to share all my knowledge. I find that it gives me much more freedom to create, because I have no limits when I make the canvas myself. I now work quite large and don’t think I would have taken the plunge had I just purchased the canvases. I hope you too will find it as rewarding as I do. Until next time…Enjoy the process
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]]> http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2008/09/20/ok-guys-i-picked-a-steep-hill-to-climb/feed/ The Drizzle Dwindled-The Evening Rocked! http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2008/09/15/the-drizzle-dwindled-the-evening-rocked/ http://gallerialisa.com/blog/2008/09/15/the-drizzle-dwindled-the-evening-rocked/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:54:58 +0000 admin http://gallerialisa.com/blog/?p=86 Saturday’s event turned out great! As most people know Dallas was battling Hurricane Ike. Everyone was a bit concerned about the Art Walk and After Party planned for Saturday night. It started at 6 and went till 10 pm. Ike passed right to the east of us with little problem and the weather turned out perfect for the Art Walk. All the galleries looked so good and the art was fantastic. As most of you know, I am showing at Studio Fling and do the art directing on the Town Square events. Studio Fling Gallery looked great and was very busy all night. Town Square Magazine was sponsoring the VIP After Party and it was in the Green Room and Club Dada. The entire space was filled with phenomenal art, a DJ, the bar was open and the event was catered. I reconnected with some artist friends I haven’t seen in a while and met some new ones as well. Will & Teresa were there and Will Snodgrass was showing at the After Party as well. He is a fantastic water colorist. I was fortunate to meet Jorge Dominguez who does great ink drawings and was displaying as well. Considering what started out to be a questionable evening, the Art Walk and VIP After Party was spectacular.

I am writing a series of blogs this week detailing the steps in stretching your own canvas. This will save you so much money and give you the freedom to paint any size you choose. Not having to be confined to the sizes you can purchase will allow your creativity to expand! Keep your eyes peeled because it starts within the next few days! ;-) Until next time…Happy creating your colorful life.

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