Seems to be the end

So I was doing this blog to full fill an assignment for my class. This is the last required blog post but I think I might continue posting because I have not completed a work of art. Truth be told that it takes a lot of time and thinking to finish a piece that I am satisfied with and even after I finish I am not satisfied. I have my frames completed and ready for paint, now is the letting my hand run free with my brushes. I have a few ideas bouncing around in my head, that are slowly forming and working their way out. I have enjoyed this blog to keep my going on my adventure and it will not end here.

I will try to keep updating but sometimes life just gets the better of me, but I always have that craving to paint and get outside of my head and everyday life. That is when I turn to my canvas. :)

TA DA!!!

Finally got my frames and I put it all together this weekend! So I am going to show you how I did just that!! I learned how to do this while attending the Aegean Center for Fine arts. My teachers Jun and Jane were amazing!

First you need some tools. A staple gun to secure canvas on frame. Staples of course. Scissors to cut the fabric to size. A hammer in case the staples do not go all the way in.

My wonderful boyfriend, Jeremy, bought me the staple gun at Home Depot for $20. I had the scissors and hammer from my small tool kit.

Ok to start, like I stated before, you need canvas and frames.

1- Here I cut the fabric to fit the frames2- You want to make sure there is enough fabric that comes over the back side so you can staple it
3-Start by stapling in the middle of two parallel sides.
4-Staple on either side of that middle staple alternating sides
5- While stapling alternate sides be sure to stretch the canvas both ways.
6-Alternate all four sides until you get to the corners
7-Fold the corners so they overlap and make a clean edge

8- One corner finished. I had extra fabric so I folded it over and stapled it again
9-Two corners completed.
10-All four corners done
11-The canvas should have a little give. I am pressing my finger into the canvas and it has enough give.


12-All ready to be Gesso-ed
13- Mix the gesso with water to the consistence you would like. Not too watery.
14- Apply to canvas and make sure to get it all
15- Let it dry. After 30 minutes or so take a piece of sandpaper and make it smooth. Apply a second layer of Gesso and again make it smooth with sandpaper. and then it is ready to paint on!!

So now I have frames to paint! Time to get it going!!