I recently sold a large 36" x 48" painting and thought I would document my packing process for shipping!

 

Here you can see how we first layered parchment paper over the entire painting. We attached them together with staples using hospital corners, so that nothing was actually affixed to the painting itself. (you can see the note I tied to the stretcher bar, for the new owner) I like parchment paper best because there is no worry about wax or paper residue accidentally sticking to the painting. I just need to find a cheap source for larger sheets!

 

We then layered the front and the back of the painting with a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard. Another layer used blueboard insulation. Its light, cheap, and very sturdy - its also used as modeling base for model railroad builders and ball joint doll makers!

 

We taped those three layers together with regular box tape and then cut up an unbroken box, and used its corners to protect the entire new bundle. Corners can be the most vulnerable part of a painting in transit.

 

We procured a very large mirror box from Pier 1, and placed the whole bundle into it, stuffing large quantities of crumpled newspaper around it. I'm sure we could have used lighter packing material, but this was what we had on hand that day - and it was free! (I painted out the printed info on the box, to minimize any shipping confusion)

We then dropped it off with Fed Ex Ground and sent it on its way. I'm glad to report that it arrived safe and sound. :)

If anyone wants to chime in with their packing tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them!

I went to visit a local friend and artist today. (Patience) It was so nice to just sit and chat about our lives, to catch up on our art careers, and to talk about the world at large. We travel in several of the same art circles online - so its easy to talk, without having to explain everything. What a joy.

I love having my online communities, but boy, I sure do wish I could sit, have some coffee, and really relate face to face. You just can't replace the energy that goes on in person.

One of the things I was able to share with Patience was my success with my brand-spanking-new lightbox! I had been saving for a professional light tent for a while, when I stumbled across some instructions online for a stupidly cheap DIY version! I made it yesterday, in time to photograph my matchboxes, and BOY what a difference it made.

I had fun playing around with the box, arranging little still lifes with some of my favorite collection. I just love teeny boxes and pottery!!



So in the near future, I'll be heading over to help take pictures of her wonderful papier mache creations, that really need good lighting to fully appreciate. I'll be sure to share some of them when we get them done!

Im happily in the process of making my stamp paintings! You can see the stamps I made, in the back there - two birds, pussy willows, and a grass blade. I even carve them so that I can use both sides.

These paintings already have 4 or 5 background layers done, and most have 6 or 7 layers of stamping done as well.



I actually paint directly on my stamp with acrylics. I try to get that perfect balance of "not too much" and "not too little" paint. :)



Then push down on the canvas, making sure all the edges and middle parts get solid contact. I'll stamp over with several other colors, until I get it just right.



Once the right mix is achieved, we have a completed painting ready for etsy!! (will throw it up there tomorrow)

I made it to the studio and took some photos of the space to share!


This is the hallway leading to Sandra's studio, and thats one of her paintings to the right of the door.

( So why dontcha come on in! )

archanglrobriel recently posted about how ardently he's been working lately, and I wanted to know all about it. I asked him a series of questions that I'd love to pose to all of you!

How many hours do you typically put in, in one stretch? Do you work on one piece consistently, or do you bounce in between two or more?

Whats the first thing you do when you enter the studio? Whats the last thing? What are your art making rituals?

( Here are my answers: )