I started this painting of the Cliffs of Moher a few months ago, then put it aside. I pulled it out the other night to see if it is salvageable and added a few more layers of glazing to it. Its 30 x 40 on a stretched canvas using oil paint. The problem is that the canvas is old, not fabulous quality and when painted, the crossbars are showing through as seen here. Getting an image of the painting has proven to be more difficult than the canvas. Size, lack of daylight, etc., etc. But you get the idea.
Can it be saved?
My thought is taking it off the current stretcher bars, buying some new, better quality bars and restretching it. I haven't tried this before, so I don't know if it will work, or if the marks of the crossbars on the painting are permenent and won't be eliminated with stretching.
Or should I simply chalk it up to experience and let it become fodder for a bonfire in the field. Perhaps it could give birth to some new charcoal. The more I look at it, the more I think it is destined to be classed as an experience and left to live out its days in the utility room or lining a wall in the barn.
I try not to become frustrated with paintings or tools, but this one does frustrate. Maybe that's a sign to leave well enough alone.
3 comments:
Have you considered taking the canvas off the stretcher bars and gluing it onto a piece of board? As the glue dries and shrinks the canvas slightly it might knock out the bumps if the paint isn't to thick. You could also try damping the back of the canvas whilst it's on the stretcher bars to shrink it tighter. The only thing with it being oil is the possibility of the paint cracking as you restretch. Acrylic is a bit more forgiving as it stretches more so this has worked for me. It's a difficult one.
Thanks Lisa. No, I haven't considered putting the canvas on board, but another good option.
I will try spraying the back and see if that works, but may have to remove it and restretch it I think. I'm padding the crossbars to see if painting over removes the outline of the bar on the painting. Its very frustrating.
WOW. I like how it looks so far, despite any issues you may be having with it. Keep us updated
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