Those of you who regularly follow this blog will have noticed that I'm starting to do larger pieces. While I do sometimes paint on linen, panel is my preferred support. As the dimensions of wood panels increase, however, they do become subject to warping. Therefore, for my larger pieces I'm now starting to use panels mounted on a cradle, which is simply a reinforced frame that provides tremendous dimensional stability.
Cradled panels can be purchased from any number of good suppliers, but they are invariably more expensive than simple panels. I also enjoy preparing my own supports, and it certainly gives me more control over the process. Furthermore, I size my supports to my intended compositions, not vice versa. More often than not, this means non-standard dimensions. My next piece, for instance, will be 17x24 inches. Many manufactures will produce custom-sized panels, but of course this drives up the cost even higher.
I've created a few rudimentary cradled panels in the past which were satisfactory, but this week I did some research to find the best techniques and methods. I came across a generally excellent video on YouTube by Robert Farmer, who walks step by step through the process of producing them. It's in four parts, and even has a fairly amusing soundtrack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90gUT0HNvcA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmDcVx4ob04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbRJlG_8zOY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IljBDSIvVUk
I do have one very large warning about his process: towards the end he secures the panel to the frame first by gluing it (which is fine) and then by driving counter-sunk screws through the front of the panel and puttying over the holes. This is a terrible idea, and in my opinion one that will drastically shorten the longevity of the painting. Clamps and heavy weights should be sufficient to hold the panel to the cradle while the glue cures. One should never do anything that compromises the integrity of the painting surface.
So that caveat aside, it's otherwise an excellent and intelligent process, and very clearly presented. I followed it more or less exactly (obviously leaving the screws out) and am very happy with the result. I now have a beautiful 17x24 inch cradled panel that I believe will provide excellent stability and longevity for my next painting.
6 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I'm getting ready to prepare a larger panel myself, and will try to follow along.
Thanks for the idea. Looks like you pre-primed the panel before gluing? Did you use lauan plywood like the demo?
Thanks so much for sharing.
I've had mine built for me for years - but this makes me want to try to do it myself!
Okay, now I'm worried. I used hardboard instead of luan. Do you use hardboard, Jeffrey? If so, is it okay to use the router on that? I have a Dremel and was thinking about getting the router attachment, but I'm not sure if it will work on hardboard. I made my frame so that it fits almost perfectly on the wood, but there is one side of the hardboard that hangs off a little and needs to be trimmed.
Thank for the great panel idea I an going to try it...I just love the smooth panel feel...Daniel
Hi everybody - apologies - I somehow missed the comments here, and just saw them now as I was copying the link to send to somebody.
Chris: yes the panel was pre-primed before I cut & glued it to the cradle. I often prime entire sheets of 24x48 inch panels. It's much easier that way.
Carol: I use hardboard as well, and it's perfectly fine to router it, though of course you'll want to do so carefully. A quick sanding after, and it's a perfectly smooth finish.
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