Shopping…
by ga~* gwyneth amy
It was so nice to get out today and go shopping for supplies! I picked out lots of paint, pens, canvas and paper. I had to blog about it, because it was so apperpoe that as I began my shopping, over the speakers began to play The Cure. It made me chuckle for personal reasons.
So, lots of sales, which was really really nice. Especially when you can get 200ml tubes for 3.99, and 60ml tubes for 1.99. All the brushes were 50% off. 
The canvas was actually the hardest part of the whole thing. I always use to buy unprimed canvas. Then make the stretchers myself, stretch and gesso the canvas. It was so time consuming, but economical when I was in college. In fact I think it was required. I stuck with that method after college, but I vowed to myself that when I started up I would forgo that and buy pre-stretched. Problem is, it’s hard to tell which ones are really good, especially when they are all wrapped with huge labels. Some, the weave was crooked, others were incredibly loose (and I’m talking Windsor Newton). Yes, you can re-stretch them, but I was kind of hoping to cut down on the labor.
Anyway, I ended up getting a variety to try out. I have a sneaking suspicion that when all is said and done I’ll be buying the pre-made stretchers and the pre-primed canvas. (Make a note of it)I did find some cool clear gesso. The last time I bought it, it came in gallon jugs of white. I was looking for a clear sealer/primer. Lucky me.
Anyway tomorrow is a studio day! Hurray for that.
Have a productive day!
xx
Canvases – they do vary immensely in quality, but a consistently good brand is HONSELL Vernissage. I don’t know whether you can get them in the US. They’re the ones I most often use these days. It’s funny you should say that the W&N ones were loose – I’ve never had a problem with W&N canvases over here. I only use them occasionally but when I have, I’ve found the quality to be excellent.
I’ve noticed that sometiems it’s just the way the canvses are stored that makes them go loose. I read in an art magazine that if this happens, you don’t need to take them off the stretcher, but just get a sponge or cloth and dampen the entire back of them with cold water, so that it’s really quite wet. Then either place in a warm room to dry naturally, or do as I do (the most effective way!) and put them in front of a heater or use a hairdryer. This dries them off and they become really tight again! It works beautifully.
Thanks for the info! You are always full of ideas.
I think they carry that brand here, it sounds vaguely familiar. I’ll try that technique with the wn one that was giving me trouble. I find it strange though, that they fold the corners on on each side instead of two on one, and two on the opposite. I have a few brands to try out, so it’ll be fun.