cheap source of old canvases

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grahamdown
Posts: 223
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cheap source of old canvases

Post by grahamdown »

Hi,

Does anyone know of a cheap source of old canvases so i can practice stretching them. Bit of a newby and all my work has been pictures and posters and want to become proficient enough to pass the Commended Framers exam.

Regards,

Graham
:)
Roboframer

Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by Roboframer »

Welcome to the forum!

By 'old canvasses' do you mean actual paintings? It would be cheaper to buy blank canvas by the metre, stretch a load slightly above standard sizes and then once you've perfected it, stretch them to standard sizes, prime them and flog 'em to artists.

I've got a dirty great roll of the stuff if you can't find any :D
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prospero
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by prospero »

OK. Who's got a dusty stack of HK oils they can't give away? :P
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Dave
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by Dave »

I used charity shops, boot sales etc. when I started. Surprising what some old tat commands these days, so if you find something you can live with great, something that you can sell even better.

Dave
grahamdown
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by grahamdown »

Hi,

I was thinking of old paintings but appreciate the idea of using blank canvas. what did you mean by "stretch a load slightly above standard sizes"?

All ideas/suggestions very much appreciated.

Regards,

Graham
Roboframer

Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by Roboframer »

I mean make them slightly bigger whilst practicing so that all the creases will be concealed when you re-stretch them smaller to sell.
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prospero
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by prospero »

If you stretch them to non-standard sizes, the artist won't be able to stick them in cheap 'n nasty readymades. :P :lol:
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arcon5
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by arcon5 »

Personally, I would recommend practicing with printed canvas -- this way you can practice stretching the canvas straight, especially important if the customer doesn't want the image wrapped around.
Please excuse my basic questions. I primarily frame canvas prints so new to photo framing.
Roboframer

Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by Roboframer »

Or, on a blank piece, you could draw a faint square/rectangle and aim to get that right at front edge all the way around for normal stretching or at the back edge for boxed canvasses (or 'gallery wraps'). Prime it and your drawn line is gone.
GL@profile
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Re: cheap source of old canvases

Post by GL@profile »

Now it just so happens.....
I have a pallet load of old Hong Kong oils in a variety of sizes. A selection of these truly horrible canvases could be yours to practice stretching, boot fairs, bonfires, whatever --- for a wholly reasonable sum. And we are based near you in Tunbridge Wells.
A bizarre story which genuinely started by trying to help a bunch of Carmelite nuns (you couldn't make this stuff up !!!)
Please call me on 01892 861555

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