Seaside Art Gallery Newsletter

Gallery Wrap vs Stretched Canvas - What's the Difference?   

March 2014
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Gallery Wrap or Canvas?
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Artist & Author
March Birthstone
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Gallery Wrap vs Stretched Canvas - What's the Difference? 

 

Pat Williams


Artists have been painting on canvas since early in the 16th
Century. The canvas is stretched tight over a wooden support which is commonly referred to as stretcher strips. 

 

In the past, the canvas was attached to the stretcher strips with flat head nails. This can take a great deal of time and craftsmanship to make sure that the canvas is taught and does not bulge or ripple in any area. It is also something one looks for when working with antique paintings.

 

Today, the canvas is attached with staples. These are easier and quicker to use since they can be applied while holding the canvas tight with a clamp in the other hand. The staples are attached to the sides of the wooden supports and the edge of the canvas is left raw. The artists create their paintings just on the top surface. The raw edges of the finished painting are covered with a frame. The frame gives a finishing touch to the art in the same way that hemming a garment completes the clothes. 

 

Recently, a new presentation on canvas is known as gallery wrap. The canvas is stretched over wooden stretchers which are usually 1 ¼ inches or thicker. The canvas is folded and tucked around the sides and is stapled or attached on the back. This leaves the side of the canvas smooth and without any nails or staples to detract from the visual effect. Artists would extend the painting around the sides.  The art is then displayed without a frame.

 

Neither gallery wrap nor traditional stretched canvas is better than the other. Some artists and collectors prefer the way the art looks framed and others prefer an unframed look.

 

The major consideration with gallery wrap is to make sure that the stretcher strips are sturdy enough not to bow over time so that the painting develops a twist to it. This is usually not a concern when the art has been framed since the frame prevents this problem.  

 

Illustrated is Here and Beyond, an acrylic painting which is gallery wrap by

 

   

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I have buds on my pear tree! Proof that despite our weather, spring really is on it's way.    

 


Congratulations to Debra Keirce

Dark Horse, oil painting by Debra Keirce
Congratulations to our artist, Debra Keirce, who is the newest signature member of The Miniature Artists of America (MAA). This is the highest level of recognition a miniature artist exhibiting in the USA can receive. No more than ten signature members are elected each year.  She will be demonstrating how she creates her miniature paintings on May 3rd from 10-1 and 2-5. This will be the first day of our 23rd International Miniature Art Show. Art is starting to arrive for the show and you can see them at: Miniature Show.

Click Debra Keirce to read more about her and to see her art.    
               Artist and Author                   
The Dandy Lion Slayer, oil painting by Lee Mims
We wanted to congratulate our artist, Lee Mims who has recently written two mystery books. Hiding Gladys and Trusting Viktor are centered around geology which is what she received her Masters Degree in.


Click Lee Mims to see more art by this artist. 

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsobserver/obituary.aspx?n=donald-w-bryan&pid=168181041&fhid=17342#storylink=cpy
Aquamarine
Large aquamarine and 14kt yellow gold ring

Aquamarine is the Latin term for seawater and it is the birthstone for the month of March. It has been treasured by many cultures over the centuries for its color and powers.

 

The Greeks and Romans considered this to be the sailor's gem because it brought safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. During the middle ages, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples.

 

In the 19th century, sea green varieties of the stone were the most popular, but today, the more blue the color, the more valuable the stone.

 

Click Aquamarine for more information about the ring that is illustrated
.  

My love of fine art increased - the more of it I saw, the more of it I wanted to see. - Paul Getty (American Businessman and Art Collector, 1932-2003)  

Look forward to hearing from you!

All the best - 

 

Melanie & Everyone at Seaside Art Gallery  

PS: I want to thank our artists and our collectors that made our Animals in Art Show a success. This show helped us to raise funds for the Outer Banks SPCA.