Artists Magazine - USA (2019-10)

(Antfer) #1
ArtistsNetwork.com 35

FINISHING EDGES OF AN UNFRAMED PAINTING


Large canvases and panels with finished edges can be exhibited without frames. If, however, the edges are spattered
with paint, they may need some work before the painting is suitable for display.

1


One way to clean up the edges of your surface—and
also protect them from scuffs—is to cover them with
matte black gaffer tape.
2

Beginning at the bottom edge of a fi nished painting
on a wood panel, I placed 2-inch-wide tape along the
edges. Gaff er tape is easy to tear, so I could remove the
extra material without the need for scissors or a knife.

3


I tapedallfoursideswitha singlecontinuousstrip,
makinga slightoverlapatthestartingpointalong
thebottomedge.

4


In the same way, you can make a canvas painting on
a heavy-duty stretcher presentable for the gallery.
With a bit of practice, your large work can be ready to
hang in no time.

Helen Oh is an artist and conservator, and an instructor at
the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“As an artist, I can’t imagine my studio without all kinds of tape. ...


Each has a specifi c use.”


— helen oh

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