ART IS THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
4ft x 6ft Oil - Abstract Expressionistic representation of feelings, flowing through the canvas.
4ft x 4ft Oil and Gouache - A late night pouring of paints inspired by nelly, early collab with Steve Gordon.
4ft x 6ft Oil Pallet Knife - Abstract Expressionist of moving paint around a moment when living in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocracoke Island, NC.
4ft x 6ft Oil - Abstract Expressionistic representation of feelings, flowing through the canvas.
"It has no bounds. It allows us to be true to our core, in touch with our inner child, floating around in a universe filled with wonder."
4ft x 6ft Ink & Gouache
4ft x 6ft Ink & Gouache
Canvas Craft
Rather than running through paintings, here is how I create them. There is no set rule or process to creating art. In college I lived up to the name of "Starving Artist". If I could find it, I used it, wrapping heavy canvas or table linens around shipping pallets until I could afford tools.
Measure
Measure wall space to fill, or tape out an area anywhere to get a good idea of size. Then draw out the dimensions on paper.
Materials & Tools
Gesso
Acrylics
Oils
Charcoal
Finish Coating
Round
Flat
Chisel
Palette Knives
Carvaggio Fine Art Canvas Gesso Finish
Staple Gun + Staples Stretcher Pliers
Hanging Hardware
Pine Wood
1x2”, 1x3”, or 1x4”
Hammer
Saw + Jig
1 1/4” Finish Nails Sandpaper
Drill/Appropriate Bit
Building a Frame
Make cuts with 45 degree angle, or angle thats easiest. Be sure to always cut the mill edge off.
Assemble outer frame first by pre-drilling staggered holes, nail corners.
Constantly check for square so that frame doesn’t fasten crooked.
Add center bars.
Corner 45˙ braces
Stretching Canvas
Cut the canvas with some room to spare. This allows you to easily pull in applying more tension. Start by stapling each center point, wrapping the canvas around the edges.
Staple in a zig zag pattern, fastening the greater length in 3”-6” increments depending on size. As the tension progresses, you will see the slack moving towards the edges. Take care to not unevenly apply sags or overly tense ripples
Gallery corners
Wrap and fold corners at 45˚ angles, folding along the vertical "Y-axis" of the painting. Take your time and make it pretty.
Hanger Hardware
Optional, but recommended.
Buy a hanging hardware kit, or make your own with twine. Consider the weight and size of your canvas. The heavier and larger require thicker cable that doesn't stretch with time.
Install the hanger in the upper third, cutting with some slack to loosen or tighten as needed. The apex should be only a few inches from the top.
Gesso
Pre-gessoed canvas typically needs a few light coats of more gesso to brighten the backgrounds and also smooth out any imperfections.
Super light sanding in between coats helps to better adhere paint bond. This eliminates peeling, prevents thicker layers from cracks, preserves color quality, and a more durable canvas.
Painting Process
