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cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2011 7:54 pm
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
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2011 8:02 pm
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
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2011 11:53 pm
by prospero
OK. Who's got a dusty stack of HK oils they can't give away?
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Thu 11 Aug, 2011 9:40 am
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
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Thu 11 Aug, 2011 9:44 am
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
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Thu 11 Aug, 2011 10:21 am
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.
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Thu 11 Aug, 2011 1:38 pm
by prospero
If you stretch them to non-standard sizes, the artist won't be able to stick them in cheap 'n nasty readymades.
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Wed 17 Aug, 2011 7:51 pm
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.
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Wed 17 Aug, 2011 8:26 pm
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.
Re: cheap source of old canvases
Posted: Thu 18 Aug, 2011 10:43 am
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
Best wishes
Guy Lambert Profile Mouldings Ltd