Stretching Shaped Canvas

Here's a brief video showcasing the process of stretching a shaped canvas that I made. The journey from crafting the frame to preparing it for painting is time-consuming, yet I relly enjoy this hands-on approach to creating my artwork from scratch.

My creative process begins with sketching various shapes on paper, exploring compositions until I find one that truly resonates with me. Once the concept is solidified, I embark on the frame-making journey. I source timber from a local DIY shop and canvas from an art supplies store.

Guided by the sketch, I measure the timber and cut it to the desired lengths. Connecting the pieces is a meticulous process involving wood glue and a staple gun. To ensure the frame's stability, I reinforce the middle sections with additional pieces of wood after the external shape is formed.

After allowing the frame to dry overnight, I meticulously sand all the edges, guaranteeing a smooth finish that is gentle to the touch with no rough edges. Subsequently, I lay the canvas on the floor, carefully measuring and cutting it to match the frame's shape. The canvas is then stretched onto the frame using metal canvas stretching pliers and a staple gun. This step is a delicate balancing act, where I have to make sure the canvas maintains the perfect tension, and is evenly distributed across its entire surface to prevent warping.

To complete the process, I apply a jelly-like adhesive to the canvas, scraping off any excess before allowing it to dry overnight. The following day, I brush on a liquid glue, leaving it to dry once more. The final touch involves applying an oil primer to the canvas. Additionally, I sand the canvas between each layer of adhesive, using fine sandpaper to bond the layers together.