Expert: DJ Murphy - 1/8/2006

Question
Hi dj murphy,
I am a painter and  I have found a method of working that really interests me but I am pressured by others around me to present and sell works.  I have respect for Traditional techniques, using rabbit skin glues etc, but I am guilty of experimenting with other modern glues and paints. I have emailed over 10 companies to try to get any information on their products and I have got NO response.  The issue is that I would love to try and produce works the way I have discovered but I want them to be archival, this means a great deal to me. The process is: MDF sealed both sides & edges  with  Weldbond, Tasmanian Oak Strainer and supports to the back and a backing board.  I use Weldbond to glue canvas to the MDF.  I then use a polyfilla Interior, (neutral ph) to create texture on the surface and draw into it with primitive style marks and then I sand it. Then I seal that with Weldbond. Then a layer of Taubmans 3 in 1 and then a semigloss acrylic white.  Sand this a little, now my surface is ready to paint using Professional art oil paints, and glazes with stand linseed oil, little damar, pure turps. I use damar to varnish the painting down the track when dry.  So I guess it is really a combination of Traditional and modern. The reason that I don't use Rabbit skin glue is that with all the research I have been doing it is not atmosphere resistant. It can swell and shrink.  Weldbond is water-resistant and more user friendly (and also neutral Ph).  Artist friends, my lecturer and a professional artist use hardware store products for all of their work and still I don't feel reassured. Is it usual practice? Maybe I should get out more! I am advised to do my first solo in two years and I need to start work, but with confidence!   Would a "disclaimer" be necessary in case a client hangs one on their patio or bathroom?!!!!Sorry about the life story but any information will be greatly appreciated! Regards Johanna, (Western Australia).  

Answer
Hello Down Under,

My first inclination was to check the "no expertise in this subject"....which is true.  The last part of your message is what I will respond to.

"Is it usual practice? Maybe I should get out more! I am advised to do my first solo in two years and I need to start work, but with confidence! Would a "disclaimer" be necessary in case a client hangs one on their patio or bathroom???!"

First there are no artists that I know that spend the time or energy trying to duplicate or replicate what professional manufacturers of art supplies can do.  So I agree with the advice from your artist friends.  You can't control where or how your works will be hung in a collectors home or office.....so don't worry about that....and if you do proceed with your own canvas preparation, no disclaimer should be offered [I wouldn't buy a painting that had a disclaimer.]

Good luck in your solo show........and Johanna, concentrate on what goes "on the canvas" then what it goes on!

dj murphy