Yellow Tea Cup, 10" x 10" inches, acrylics on panel/MDF©2009 Kim Bennett
This painting was started by blocking in the colours. The first layer of paint was applied with a palette knife. The paint was then manipulated, pushed with a bristle brush. I also borrowed colour from one place and introducing it in another with the brush. This was a good technique for me as I wanted to keep the painting loose.
This was painted on fibreboard. I am not satisfied painting on this type of surface for a couple of minor reasons. One of which is, I have noticed that the edges can easily be chipped. This is occurring in exposed areas such as the corners. When moisture gets into these areas the fibres expand. I can’t tell you how frustrating it can be when those little misshapen corners are brought to my attention.
At the moment I am trying some alternatives to this surface. I will let you know how it goes.
-Kim Bennett
Kim, Congratulations from that other Bennett. Your tea cup is charming. Are you going to a tea time series? Keep us informed.
ReplyDeleteThis turned out very well! Is your fiber board made by Ampersand by chance?
ReplyDeleteHi I have had so many questions asking about the fibreboard used I have change it to read panel/MDF.
ReplyDeleteHi Laure,
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh as I already answer a similar question this morning.
There is not a lot of choice for panel surfaces to paint on in Europe.
We have a product in this part of the world called Medium-density fibreboard, also known as MDF.
MDF carries a health label with it. A formaldehyde resins is used as a binder. This is considered carcinogens. Precautions should be made when cutting and sanding. A must is wearing a respirator or a face mask with a filter. I take other precautions when using it in the workshop. It is good to know your materials and take precautions when necessary.
The Ampersand is a new one on me. The archival information on the website reads that and their suppliers do not use urea-formaldehyde glue in the manufacturing process and is PH neutral. So it looks like it may be the better option for you.
Here is the link.
http://www.ampersandart.com/tips/archivalinfo.html
The only other suppliers I see listed outside the US & Canada is for Australia and New Zealand. But, will look into it when I'm in America
Hi Marge,
ReplyDeletethank you for your comments. At this point I am unsure. I'll be off on a painting road trip soon so who knows.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteLovely piece. About the panel, did you, or do you use gesso, acrylic gesso on it first? I wondered about that as you described the issue with the fibered corners.
Continued success, fondly, Magdalena
Hi Magdalena,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and encouragement.
Yes, I apply an acrylic sealer all over the surface including the edges. Then apply additional coats of gesso on top. So I don’t think that is it.
It is just a minor issue and it probably wouldn’t matter if I was working on a larger scale.
I am unsure how this chipping is happening. The only thing that I can think of is or that corners are prone to get banged and perhaps the material is slightly soft. Perhaps the material is too thick and I should be looking for something thinner?
I don’t know. At the moment, I’m thinking the way to go is to cover the whole material or the smaller off cuts with canvas and making some canvas boards. But we will see.
Thank you to everyone, I do appreciate everyone’s help on this.
Kim, this is beautiful! Love the rich yellows and soft varied background.
ReplyDeleteMay thanks Krista. I am glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the MDF panel I have been using. Some of the problems have been occurring on the thicker panels and looking at them again the problem is minor. Looking at some surfaces of the weekend that some of the local artist are using can be resolved by using a thinner panel.
ReplyDeleteWith store bought frames or even custom framing for the smaller panels will be more practical in the economical sense for practice.