This is an important topic- artists are under a lot of pressure to offer "museum quality" presentation, but that's not really feasible for the vast majority who typically bear the full cost of framing in each sale. We're all for practical solutions that make it easier for the collector to present, maintain and care for artwork, while still letting the artist afford to eat! Painters do need to be prepared for some alteration of color when coating water media- dark colors deepen, and contrast increases. The technique presented here is irreversible, so it's a permanent decision, but so is painting! We think, due to greater vulnerability and solubility of wax medium, it may be preferable to use a solvent-borne varnish like the ketone-based one shown, or an acrylic solution product like Gamvar or Soluvar. The recommended primer coat for the wood is a great idea to reduce the chance of staining from the panel material, and it provides a good substrate for an acrylic-based adhesive, if you're using acrylic gel. Artists who want a conservation-reversible mounting technique might try a dextrin paste like Yes! glue. Very nice!
I paint acrylic but in a water colour way on paper and have always paid to have them framed under glass. This is a great way to avoid the cost and potential damage which comes with traditional framing. Fabulous 😊
I am so happy I found you and this video! I was looking for an alternative for my watercolor paintings for an upcoming art show. I tried this and it worked beautifully! I even sold one of my pieces! ❤
This is an excellent tutorial, so helpful and well done! One of the main things that keeps me from going back to watercolor instead of oil paint, is the idea of having to frame everything under glass. This is awesome! I will definitely be keeping this in mind.
Once again, you’re reading my mind! I’m not the Sue who suggested this but last night I was watching videos on how to attach to cradle boards. I had watched Angela’s video a few times already and watched again last night.
Thank you SO much!! I’ve often wondered about possibilities for an alternative and modern way to frame my watercolorpaintings. This method is perfect!!!🎉 thanks Karen, i really enjoy your videos. Love from the Netherlands,😘
The best tutorial I have seen ! Very clear, step by step with clear product labels. ( what I did not know was the wax. Amazing! I can’t believe I did not think about it before ! Very helpful because I have started to use canvas bc of framing cost. ( however canvas had become so expensive!) but I love painting in watercolor! This encourages me to go back to this medium! A huge help! And will try first on a smaller board. Thank you so much !
Now I’m dying to try it. I too thought of a canvas. Thank you for a super explanation. You look lovely as usual; I’ve missed your scarves as I too have. A collection
First of all, I love, love, love the painting. Thank you for the tutorial! I think I have all needed supplies on hand, except the wood! I've loosely followed Angela for years and she, she is an excellent teacher. Thanks again!! ❣️
Hi Karen: Process is very involved, but results are amazing! Painting takes on a whole new life. The wintery sheep painting is so cute. The other one you did was adorable too. Thank you for sharing. 💜😎🇺🇸
I did this for all of my watercolor paintings that will be shown in an art gallery all next month. I painted all of the cradle boards with gesso first and the sides with enamel paint to make them extra nice.
I have used this similar technique to attach paintings to backer board and then apply cold wax. I then have a wood frame with a groove inside so I slip the backed painting into the frame. Easy to change out your paintings this way
Thank you for your question. Patroeon is a monthly subscription membership. I publish at least 4 exclusive tutorials each month. Patrons also have access to over 350 ad free existing tutorials. Just go to www.patreon.com/karenriceart.com for more details 😊
Thank you for sharing. Did you seal your watercolor painting first? I live in a warm humid environment. Do you think this would last and the paper would remain attached? Thanks
Oh great idea. I have some abstract watercolours needing framing, and this looks like a perfect solution for a contemporary finish. I have custom made MDF panels for painting on with oil/acrylic after they are primed, so going to experiment with your idea. Thank you so much Karen for this very clear tutorial x
Karen, love this technique and use it quite often. Here's a tip for you. In order to protect the sides of the panel, tape off with wide blue painter's tape (think my panels are a little deeper) and that way no worry if something goes over the edges. Whala when done - clean edges!
That’s fantastic - thank you 😊💜 did you subsequently paint the exposed edges of the panel - eg with white acrylic paint or some other suitable colour ?
Good demonstration! I've done a similar process, but just used a couple of coats of Dorlands wax, no varnish. They buffed up beautifully and have held up well. Someone asked if wax finish held up in the southern part of the US. I did some in Wisconsin, then moved to North Carolina. So far, so good. I would think that in modern air conditioning, out of direct sunlight, that they will be fine.
I can't wait to try this framing technique for a series of loose watercolors I am preparing for an opening. Instead of white gesso to seal, another alternative I learned from a Golden representative is to seal with 2 or 3 coats of GAC 100. It keeps the lignins in wood from leaching into the artwork and turning it yellow with time. It also looks nice on the sides of the wood panel since it dries transparent. I believe GAC 100 comes in both satin and gloss. Another way to seal after treating with Kamal varnish (and maybe workable fixative?) is using Polycrylic or pourable medium. I recommend doing experiments prior to trying these techniques on final artwork. The final touches on any painting can go south pretty quickly due to temperature/time of year or mixing mediums that aren't compatible.
I like to make cards and bookmarks. Could I stay then with varnish like you used to protect them. Or what should I use? I don’t like plastic sleeves. Great video! ❤
You said the picture doesn't need framing, but the sides of the panel are partially covered by gesso, even though you sanded them. How could this be ready for hanging when the panel sides have no finish or covering?
Fascinating. I just hang up my paintings on poster hangers but they definitely fade like that...good to see some materials to stop that happening. The framing looks good but the sheep picture is just epic 💚
Do NOT skip the white base coat! I painted a bare wood miniature bookshelf years ago, giving it just one coat of white. It looked fine and I was feeling lazy, so I didn't bother with the recommended extra coats. Big Mistake. After just a few years, the white had yellowed. I had similar experience with the long-term damage wood can do with the edges of a lithograph I was given. Over time, the edges of the paper darkened. I realized the inside edge of the frame had never been sealed, so the acid in the wood was leaching into the paper.
Thankyou for this information, it is very helpful. I am curious what the best way to dust a painting like this is since there isn’t any glass covering it. Would you use a damp cloth, or would that remove the wax? Thanks for your help!
Hello, i am a watercolour beginner and have never framed a pic. I recently bought an unframed original watercolour piece and really like this way of mounting. Your vid is very good, thank you. Could you tell me where you purchase the wooden block please? My painting is only small - 12.5 x 18cm.
You can purchase the wooden blocks from any of the below affiliated links: AMAZON US: www.amazon.com... AMAZON UK: www.amazon.co.... www.karenriceart.com/art-supplies-links
Great explanation! I usually use the varnish over my painting first. I also use parchment paper instead of paper towels, as any glue remnants won’t stick to the parchment.
I would not worry too much about greeting cards. My recipients often frame them behind glass afterwards. I think it would be a good idea for bookmarks 🎨
I have used this but have stained the wood before mounting the painting and have cut the painting an inch smaller than the wood frame so that the painting has a beautiful wood framing around it. Just another suggestion I thought you might like. I do have photos but they can't be uploaded here
This is an important topic- artists are under a lot of pressure to offer "museum quality" presentation, but that's not really feasible for the vast majority who typically bear the full cost of framing in each sale. We're all for practical solutions that make it easier for the collector to present, maintain and care for artwork, while still letting the artist afford to eat! Painters do need to be prepared for some alteration of color when coating water media- dark colors deepen, and contrast increases. The technique presented here is irreversible, so it's a permanent decision, but so is painting! We think, due to greater vulnerability and solubility of wax medium, it may be preferable to use a solvent-borne varnish like the ketone-based one shown, or an acrylic solution product like Gamvar or Soluvar. The recommended primer coat for the wood is a great idea to reduce the chance of staining from the panel material, and it provides a good substrate for an acrylic-based adhesive, if you're using acrylic gel. Artists who want a conservation-reversible mounting technique might try a dextrin paste like Yes! glue. Very nice!
Thank you so much for your comment, very much appreciated and explained. 😀
I have been doing this for a few years. Sometimes I add a floating frame designed for canvases. I sell more of them this way! People really love this.
Looks so much more modern- and lighter, too!
Thank you for sharing… great idea 😊
Where do you get your floating frames from? I'm having trouble finding them xx
Thank you! That was a more straightforward and easier method of mounting a watercolor than I've seen before -- big help!
Thank you so much!!
I paint acrylic but in a water colour way on paper and have always paid to have them framed under glass. This is a great way to avoid the cost and potential damage which comes with traditional framing. Fabulous 😊
I totally agree! Thank you Amanda 😊
A rolling pin does a better job than a small roller as it applies more even pressure. Thanks Karen. Xx
Great idea. Thank you for sharing.
I am so happy I found you and this video! I was looking for an alternative for my watercolor paintings for an upcoming art show. I tried this and it worked beautifully! I even sold one of my pieces! ❤
Thank you for sharing!
I have learned so much. As a beginner I got some ideas about mixing paint colors.
This is an excellent tutorial, so helpful and well done! One of the main things that keeps me from going back to watercolor instead of oil paint, is the idea of having to frame everything under glass. This is awesome! I will definitely be keeping this in mind.
So pleased you found this helpful 😊
This has been so helpful, just what I needed to know. Thank you, Karen.
Once again, you’re reading my mind! I’m not the Sue who suggested this but last night I was watching videos on how to attach to cradle boards. I had watched Angela’s video a few times already and watched again last night.
Thanks Sue! Angela is brilliant!
This is such a great idea for an inexpensive “frame” for our watercolor paintings!! ❤
I also liked your way of explaining. Very confident, nice, inviting, calm , great rhythm and video.
Thank you 😊
Beautiful. I would paint the wood frame too with some color. Loved this!
Thank you!
Well,, that opens up so many possibilities...thank you very much!
Thanks for introducing showing me a way of giving my paintings a really contemporary feel.
Thank you! Love this for watercolor. I will do this.❤
Have fun!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you! I love this idea. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while. Seeing it done step by step is very helpful.
Thank you Emily 😊
I've been wanting an alternative to glass and framing. Thank you, Karen!
I love this idea. Great instructions. Beautiful result.
Thank you SO much!! I’ve often wondered about possibilities for an alternative and modern way to frame my watercolorpaintings. This method is perfect!!!🎉 thanks Karen, i really enjoy your videos. Love from the Netherlands,😘
Thank you 😊
Thanks for a great tutorial Karen. This is such a good alternative to framing. Love it!
Thank you 😊
Wonderful easy to follow directions for an extremely useful technique. Thank you so much!
The best tutorial I have seen ! Very clear, step by step with clear product labels. ( what I did not know was the wax. Amazing! I can’t believe I did not think about it before ! Very helpful because I have started to use canvas bc of framing cost. ( however canvas had become so expensive!) but I love painting in watercolor!
This encourages me to go back to this medium! A huge help! And will try first on a smaller board. Thank you so much !
So pleased you found this helpful 😊
Brilliant thank you!
Excellent tutorial! Thank you!
Excellent directions!
Enjoy watching very nicely done and good luck stay connected 🌹🌹
Thank you for this exceptional video, Karen! Your instructions are quite clear. What a terrific idea!
Thank you 😊
What do you think about using clear acrylic spray instead of varnish?
I have not tried it on watercolours? Could be worth a try...
A number of steps and a great finish.
Thank you so much 😊
Now I’m dying to try it. I too thought of a canvas. Thank you for a super explanation. You look lovely as usual; I’ve missed your scarves as I too have. A collection
Thank you 😊
Love love that. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome!
I’ve been doing this for years. It’s a great idea. Economical as well.
Thank you Kathleen 😊
I did not know a watercolour painting could be mounted on a wooden block, now I know, thank you for your detailed tutorial.
Are there also some kind of frames that work with these wood panels?
Yes, they are called floater frames, you can find them on Amazon, Hobby Craft and Jacksons etc...
I love this idea!!! Thank you so much!
Oh! My! Thank you, so much! Love this technique!
You are so welcome!
First of all, I love, love, love the painting. Thank you for the tutorial! I think I have all needed supplies on hand, except the wood!
I've loosely followed Angela for years and she, she is an excellent teacher.
Thanks again!! ❣️
Thank you Cynthia 😊
Hi Karen:
Process is very involved, but results are amazing! Painting takes on a whole new life. The wintery sheep painting is so cute. The other one you did was adorable too. Thank you for sharing. 💜😎🇺🇸
Thank you Joanne, I agree it is a little involved, but with it in the end. 😊
I did this for all of my watercolor paintings that will be shown in an art gallery all next month. I painted all of the cradle boards with gesso first and the sides with enamel paint to make them extra nice.
Good luck and thank you for sharing !
Super! Thanks
Very cool, you look so beautiful, I love the drawings ❤️👍
Thank you. This was very informative and the method concise. Although I know the materials I did not know where to start.
So pleased this was helpful 😊
Same here, Cathy. I am so happy to have found this tutorial.
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I love the look and will definitely have a go xx
As usual, your instructions couldn’t be clearer, thanks Karen!
Thank you 😊
Is there any reason I can’t use this method for acrylic painting?
You can definitely varnish an acrylic painting and put it in one of these frames.
Do you finish the edges of the wooden panel?
You could paint them with acrylics 😊
looks nice
Love love love this! Thank you soooo much! I don’t like frames so this is perfect.
You are so welcome! Thank you!!
Great video, love having each step clear.👍
I have used this similar technique to attach paintings to backer board and then apply cold wax. I then have a wood frame with a groove inside so I slip the backed painting into the frame. Easy to change out your paintings this way
Thank you so much for sharing Elizabeth, I will try this 😊
This is so lovely. New sub to you and Angela...Thanks so very much.
Thanks for subbing! 😊
Thank you so much!! I can't wait I'm doing it today!!!
Have fun 😊
Thanks for the tutorial! May I ask, how many tutorials can Patron members get per month? Thanks!
Thank you for your question. Patroeon is a monthly subscription membership. I publish at least 4 exclusive tutorials each month. Patrons also have access to over 350 ad free existing tutorials. Just go to www.patreon.com/karenriceart.com for more details 😊
I've used the spray and wax on backed cards and bookmarks. Thanks so much. A great way to preserve such a lovely painting.
Thank you Jane 😊
Thank you
Very helpful. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you for sharing. Did you seal your watercolor painting first? I live in a warm humid environment. Do you think this would last and the paper would remain attached? Thanks
Yes I used varnish about 1.30 mins into the video.
What a great idea! I am going to have to try this.
Fantastic,clear instructions. Thank you!
Excellent tutorial.
Wonderful! Thank you!
I like this! But I think finishing the board sides first would present better. Thanks! You are helpful!
Thank you Deborah 😀
What a great idea. I've never really liked putting my watercolour under glass.
Thank you Julie 😊
Oh great idea. I have some abstract watercolours needing framing, and this looks like a perfect solution for a contemporary finish. I have custom made MDF panels for painting on with oil/acrylic after they are primed, so going to experiment with your idea. Thank you so much Karen for this very clear tutorial x
Thank you so much for sharing. I hope this process helps 😊
Karen, love this technique and use it quite often. Here's a tip for you. In order to protect the sides of the panel, tape off with wide blue painter's tape (think my panels are a little deeper) and that way no worry if something goes over the edges. Whala when done - clean edges!
Wow! Great suggestion, thank you for sharing 🎨
Wow! Great suggestion, thank you for sharing 🎨
Thank you so much!! So helpful!
This is brilliant! Thank you so much ❤
thanks sooo much will try it!!!!!!!
Happy painting 🎨
Thank you 😊 ❤
You're welcome 😊
That’s fantastic - thank you 😊💜 did you subsequently paint the exposed edges of the panel - eg with white acrylic paint or some other suitable colour ?
Yes I did, thank you 😀
Good demonstration! I've done a similar process, but just used a couple of coats of Dorlands wax, no varnish. They buffed up beautifully and have held up well. Someone asked if wax finish held up in the southern part of the US. I did some in Wisconsin, then moved to North Carolina. So far, so good. I would think that in modern air conditioning, out of direct sunlight, that they will be fine.
Thank you so much for sharing that Carole, very helpful practical advice 🎨
Thanks a lot very helpful indeed ❤
Glad it was helpful!😊
Where do I get the wood from please 🙏. Looks fantastic 😊
Amazon, Jackson’s, art discount, Hobby craft. Most art shops sell these now 😊
What would be the maximum size be? I'd love to do a full size sheet.
I have not used a full size sheet yet. so cannot say for sure how it would work?
Hi there, can this method be used on soft pastel paintings too?
I am not sure? I have not tried. I frame my pastels under glass.
@@KarenRiceArt I also frame but was just wondering, will try s small one and see, thank you
I can't wait to try this framing technique for a series of loose watercolors I am preparing for an opening. Instead of white gesso to seal, another alternative I learned from a Golden representative is to seal with 2 or 3 coats of GAC 100. It keeps the lignins in wood from leaching into the artwork and turning it yellow with time. It also looks nice on the sides of the wood panel since it dries transparent. I believe GAC 100 comes in both satin and gloss. Another way to seal after treating with Kamal varnish (and maybe workable fixative?) is using Polycrylic or pourable medium. I recommend doing experiments prior to trying these techniques on final artwork. The final touches on any painting can go south pretty quickly due to temperature/time of year or mixing mediums that aren't compatible.
Thank you so much for sharing. I really appreciate it. Really helpful.
Great information Karen!! Thank you ❤️
I like to make cards and bookmarks. Could I stay then with varnish like you used to protect them. Or what should I use? I don’t like plastic sleeves. Great video! ❤
You could varnish first with the spray varnish and use acrylic varnish afterwards 😊
I use Dorland's Wax on bookmarks. They look extra nice.
That's really useful thanks. If I ever finish a piece I'm happy to put on the wall, I will definitely try this! 😂
THANK YOU!!! I don’t like frames so this is perfect!!!
Love it!
That's brilliant Karen, thank you 😊
Can you use that wax without the spray varnish? Like wax the painting straightaway with no varnish.
I love it thank you💕😍
Yes I believe you can… it just gives you extra protection and prevents yellowing over time 😊
@@KarenRiceArt Thanks so much!
You said the picture doesn't need framing, but the sides of the panel are partially covered by gesso, even though you sanded them. How could this be ready for hanging when the panel sides have no finish or covering?
Hi Jill, you could paint the sides with some acrylic paint. I think a few viewers have suggested this great idea in the comments.
Thanks
Thank you 😊
Fascinating. I just hang up my paintings on poster hangers but they definitely fade like that...good to see some materials to stop that happening. The framing looks good but the sheep picture is just epic 💚
Thank you so much 😊
Thank you so much 😊
Do NOT skip the white base coat! I painted a bare wood miniature bookshelf years ago, giving it just one coat of white. It looked fine and I was feeling lazy, so I didn't bother with the recommended extra coats. Big Mistake. After just a few years, the white had yellowed. I had similar experience with the long-term damage wood can do with the edges of a lithograph I was given. Over time, the edges of the paper darkened. I realized the inside edge of the frame had never been sealed, so the acid in the wood was leaching into the paper.
Thank you so much for sharing. So helpful to us all and I totally agree 😊
That was lovely! Thank you. Did you gesso the sides of the frame?
Thank k you! I didn’t, but will next time 😊
Thankyou for this information, it is very helpful. I am curious what the best way to dust a painting like this is since there isn’t any glass covering it. Would you use a damp cloth, or would that remove the wax? Thanks for your help!
Great question. Definitely a damp cloth 😊
Hello, i am a watercolour beginner and have never framed a pic. I recently bought an unframed original watercolour piece and really like this way of mounting. Your vid is very good, thank you. Could you tell me where you purchase the wooden block please? My painting is only small - 12.5 x 18cm.
You can purchase the wooden blocks from any of the below affiliated links:
AMAZON US: www.amazon.com...
AMAZON UK: www.amazon.co....
www.karenriceart.com/art-supplies-links
Helpful…many thanks…
Glad it was helpful 😊
Great explanation! I usually use the varnish over my painting first. I also use parchment paper instead of paper towels, as any glue remnants won’t stick to the parchment.
Thank you for sharing, great suggestion 😊
Do you recommend spray varnishing watercolor paintings, especially if they are sent as greeting cards and book marks?
I would not worry too much about greeting cards. My recipients often frame them behind glass afterwards. I think it would be a good idea for bookmarks 🎨
Gel medium works great to glue down the paper.. I use it quite often to attach pastel paper to foam board and it has never come loose 😁
Good to know - thank you 😊
Do you need to varnish before waxing or can you just wax your pre fixed painting ?
I have varnished painting for extra protection. I do know that other artist don’t do this and just wax.
I have used this but have stained the wood before mounting the painting and have cut the painting an inch smaller than the wood frame so that the painting has a beautiful wood framing around it. Just another suggestion I thought you might like. I do have photos but they can't be uploaded here
Thank you for sharing 😀