I've been mounting these direct watercolour plein air landscapes onto 6x8 inch deep cradled wood panels using gel media (being very careful not to get any on the painted surface or sides of the panel). Then, they are weighted down overnight...I use my leather-bound Shakespeare as they are the perfect size and weight. Once dried well, I apply a layer of D'orlands Wax which is a very old medium that has been traditionally used in oil painting and works very well as a sealant for unframed watercolours. Finally, I attach D-rings about 1/3 of the way down the back of each piece and wire using plastic coated framing wire as per gallery recommendations. I really love how contemporary they look. The Paint Spot art supply store in Edmonton has posted a great step-by-step video on the process.
I received my altered book from Art Journalling magazine and now that I've had the opportunity to flip through it again I think it needs something else...some writing perhaps, maybe quotes or lyrics. Plus, any of the backgrounds that I originally left white really need some colour and I do love the appearance of watercolour on gesso. So, now to decide if I want to use my handwriting or to add words/phrases with interesting fonts...and whether to do it all in white or add words using colour. Whatever happens, I know I will enjoy the process.
My daughter presented her Honours Thesis last week and we were so proud. She is a wonderful speaker and shares the importance of the study of Holocaust History, particularly the experiences of women. I am shocked that this is a topic that we still need to discuss with the negative changes that we have seen in our world in this regard and I am so thankful that she is pursuing this further with a Masters' study beginning in autumn. We will miss her terribly while she is away but are extremely supportive of this work.
I was excited to see a two-page spread of a recent altered book featured in the latest issue of Art Journalling magazine. It is so exciting to walk into a store and see my work when I open a magazine. No matter how often my work has been included in publications, it's still so thrilling. Thank you Stampington & Co!
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