A new trend is to varnish a watercolor painting so it can be framed without glass. It protects the painting from dust and makes it water-resistant. It's nice to be able to view the art directly without glass or plexi covering it. I have had success with this method and like the look. This current piece "Three Big Macs" is varnished and really pops in the frame without the glare of glass. I had a disaster when I originally coated the apples because I was in a hurry and sprayed too much varnish at one time. It actually diluted the color and washed it out. I thought it was ruined. BUT......I discovered that you can paint over the varnish and I was able to correct it back to its original color. Hurray! This piece is available with a striking black frame and linen mat for $1200 on my website http://www.dianemorganpaints.com/
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Varnishing Watercolors
A new trend is to varnish a watercolor painting so it can be framed without glass. It protects the painting from dust and makes it water-resistant. It's nice to be able to view the art directly without glass or plexi covering it. I have had success with this method and like the look. This current piece "Three Big Macs" is varnished and really pops in the frame without the glare of glass. I had a disaster when I originally coated the apples because I was in a hurry and sprayed too much varnish at one time. It actually diluted the color and washed it out. I thought it was ruined. BUT......I discovered that you can paint over the varnish and I was able to correct it back to its original color. Hurray! This piece is available with a striking black frame and linen mat for $1200 on my website http://www.dianemorganpaints.com/
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9 comments:
These are gorgeous! Luscious, ripe and vibrant. Thank you for sharing the varnish tip also. I love blog visits. I learn so much.
Wonderful painting, Diane! Such beautiful vibrant colors.
Thanks Sheila and Ed. The colors were pretty rich to begin with, but the varnish accentuates them.
These are mouth-watering, Diane. What varnish do you use? Is it water-based? mat? gloss? Fascinating that you can paint over it!
Liz, I'm still learning about the varnish process. Some artists put theirs on with a brush, but one told me he wrecked a few paintings before he got the hang of it. I use a spray can of Krylon Matte Finish. I'm sure it's not water-based. For my oils I use a water-soluable varnish because I use water-soluable oils. I may try that on the watercolors next. Yes, I was so surprised that I could paint over the watercolor. Maybe that was a fluke. Hope I don't have to find out :-}
Thanks for the info, Diane! Really interesting. I'm going to give it a test. : )
I love the strong bold colors, it's absolutely beautiful. I went to oils to avoid light reflection from glass but am having issues with the odors. How do you support the paper or are you painting on board?
Hi Barb, I paint on 300# Arches cold press watercolor paper. It's quite sturdy. For framing there's always a foamcore board as backing. For my oils, I use water soluable oils. You can thin the paint with water and clean brushes with soap and water so that eliminates the turp smell. There's a little odor to the paint, but not as bad as I remember from the old days.
I love the rich color in the piece. Great job!
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