Gaye’s Studio News

Behind the scenes

6 September 2023

Back to back exhibitions in Hobart for the next month starting now with the art Society’s Annual at the Long Gallery. I have two entries; Inner turmoil and Rising mist.

Inner turmoil went quite smoothly whereas Rising mist proved troublesome and changed direction part way through.  Both were painted on full sheets of heavy acid free cartridge paper taped to my painting wall.  Both used multiple paint layer. See how they go!

The process between finishing a painting and having it ready to hang is not simple. Firstly, I have to calculate the timber needed to make the cradled wooden panel. I buy sheets of premium plywood 1200 x 2400 mm and quality mouldings 2.7m long and have them cut to size at Bunnings. An online cutting optimiser tool is used to get the greatest efficiency and a diagram to communicate what I need to the cutter.  The back of the boards have 2 or 3 cross pieces as well as the edging to strengthen and give a feeling of solidity.

My inhouse ‘carpenter’ does the mitre cutting, gluing, nailing and joints. It takes a few hours for each one. So I am very grateful for this.  Once finished I paint them on back, front and sides with two coats of 3 in 1 primer/undercoat to seal.

Now the tricky part; adhering the painting to the board. The paper is about 2cm bigger all around. I cover the back of the painting and front of the board with a thin layer of Liquitex Matt Gel.

Working quickly, I lower the board onto the paper then flip the whole thing over. Using a large sheet of tissue paper and a hard roller I roll, working from the centre out to edges, gradually forcing any air bubbles out.  When satisfied I pile lots of art books on to cover the whole surface, about 4 deep and leave overnight.

I remove the books, check the surface then flip over again so the painting is facing down on a cutting board. With a very sharp large Stanley knife I cut the surplus paper away.  Flip back again and the edges are checked and painted with acrylic varnish.

D rings, wire and labels are attached to the back and I sign with a Sharpie. The front face is buffed to a lovely satin finish.

I think more time is taken in the final process than in creating the painting.

Last week I changed the set of paintings at Sandy Bay Doctors, introducing a couple of new ones. It is a lovely space, more like a gallery than a doctors’ waiting rooms.

Coming up on 15 September  for a few days is the Rotary Hobart Wrest Point Exhibition. Always a great event. I have four pieces entered this year. Following on in October is the Royal Hobart Show ‘Art on Show’ exhibition at the City Hall.

#0943 In Flight

#0965  Coastal fringe

#0967 Stellar winds

#0914 Windswept

I am about to upload four new paintings to my website and online store Bluethumb. I received a “Staff Pick’ award recently on Bluethumb, which was good for morale.

Four larger loose florals are nearing completion. Paper is prepared and attached to the wall for two more coastals/seascapes(evening scenes which will be a challenge) and I am reworking two others I was dissatisfied with. No peace for the wicked.