Isabella Flores
Painting the sides of a canvas is a topic that divides artists, gallery owners, and collectors. Some artists feel the need to paint the sides, while others do not. There are various reasons for painting the sides of a canvas, including personal preference, enhancing the colours in the work, strengthening the edges, and making the painting appear more complete or professional. On the other hand, some artists prefer to leave the sides blank to showcase the progress of the painting and its different layers. Others may opt for a frame instead of painting the sides, especially when exhibiting in art fairs or galleries that tend to frame canvases. Ultimately, the decision to paint or not paint the sides of a canvas depends on the artist's preference and the type of customers they aim to attract.
Characteristics of painting the sides vs leaving them blank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Some believe that painting the sides of a canvas elevates the artwork and makes it look more complete, while others argue that leaving the sides blank allows for a glimpse into the process of creating the art. |
| Professionalism | Some artists consider painting the sides more professional, adding a 3D element to the artwork. Others disagree, stating that art tutors prefer to focus on the front view. |
| Framing | Painting the sides can eliminate the need for framing, which may be unaffordable or undesirable for some customers. However, galleries in the UK and US tend to frame canvases, so painting the sides may not be necessary in these contexts. |
| Artist's preference | Ultimately, the decision to paint the sides or leave them blank depends on the artist's preference and the type of customers they target. There is no definitive right or wrong answer. |
| Practicality | Leaving the sides unpainted can be practical if using tacks or staples, as it allows for easier removal of the canvas from the frame. Painting the sides can strengthen the edges and prevent dust accumulation. |
| Composition | Extending the composition to the sides can distort the artwork. A sharp white edge is often preferred, especially in galleries with white walls. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting sides can make the artwork appear complete
Painting the sides of a canvas is a topic that divides artists, gallery owners, and collectors. While some artists feel the need to paint the sides, others do not. Some gallery owners or buyers prefer that the sides be painted, while others are happy to leave them blank. Ultimately, the decision to paint or not paint the sides of a canvas is a matter of personal preference and taste.
That being said, there are several advantages to painting the sides of a canvas, which can make the artwork appear more complete. Firstly, painting the sides can help to eliminate distractions and allow the artist to focus on the final stages of the artwork. It can also act as a bridge to letting go of the finished work. Additionally, painting the sides can enhance the colours in the artwork and make it appear more cohesive and whole. This can be especially true if a complementary colour is chosen for the sides, rather than continuing the artwork onto the edges, which can sometimes distort the composition.
Painting the edges can also be a way to elevate the artwork and make it appear more finished and refined. It can be a satisfying and contemplative process for the artist, allowing them to appreciate their creation from a different perspective. This can be especially true if the painting is intended to be displayed unframed, as is often the case with artworks for sale. In such cases, painting the sides can ensure the artwork looks complete from all angles.
Furthermore, painting the sides can be practical, as it can help to cover up any paint splatters or collage elements that may have accidentally ended up on the edges during the creative process. This can be particularly useful if the artist does not want to use masking tape or linen tape to keep the sides neat. Overall, painting the sides of a canvas can be a way to enhance the artwork's appearance, making it seem more polished, unified, and complete.
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Painted sides can elevate the aesthetic of the artwork
Painting the sides of a canvas can be an excellent way to elevate the aesthetic of the artwork and enhance its overall presentation. Here are some reasons why painted sides can be advantageous:
Firstly, painting the sides can create a cohesive and unified look for the artwork. By continuing the painting onto the sides or using a complementary colour, the artwork can appear more complete and polished. This technique adds depth and dimension to the piece, making it more visually appealing and engaging.
Additionally, painted sides can be particularly effective when the artwork is displayed without a frame. In the "gallery wrap" method, the canvas is stretched and secured in a way that leaves the sides smooth and free of visible staples or tacks. This creates a clean and contemporary look, drawing attention to the artwork itself rather than the frame. Painted sides can also be used creatively to complement the design of the room where the artwork is displayed.
Furthermore, painting the sides of a canvas can be a practical solution to protect the artwork. A layer of paint can act as a barrier against humidity, heat, and lighting conditions that may cause damage, such as mould or colour fading. This is especially important if the artwork is not framed, as it provides an extra layer of defence against external factors.
Painted sides also offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional framing. Artists can save money by purchasing simple materials, such as thin wood slats, paint, and a hand saw, to create their own unique frame. This DIY approach allows for customisation while elevating the overall aesthetic of the artwork without incurring high framing costs.
Ultimately, the decision to paint the sides of a canvas depends on the artist's personal preference and the desired impact of the artwork. Painted sides can provide a seamless continuation of the artwork, enhance its visual appeal, and even protect the piece from environmental damage. By considering the style, setting, and budget, artists can determine if painted sides align with their creative vision and overall presentation goals.
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Painting sides can help sell artwork to tourists
Painting the sides of a canvas is a divisive topic among artists, gallery owners, and collectors. Some artists prefer to paint the sides, while others leave them blank. Similarly, some gallery owners or buyers prefer painted sides, while others are indifferent. Ultimately, the decision to paint or not paint the sides of a canvas is a matter of personal taste and intention.
However, there are several benefits to painting the sides of a canvas, which can be particularly advantageous when selling artwork to tourists. Firstly, painting the edges can elevate the artwork and make it appear more complete and professional. This is especially important when selling artwork to tourists, as they may be looking for a finished and polished piece to display in their homes.
Secondly, painting the sides can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the artwork. By choosing a colour that complements the painting, such as a deep blue or a neutral shade, the sides can act as a bridge to letting go of the finished work and help the artist and buyer see the work more clearly. This can be an attractive feature for tourists who want their purchase to be visually appealing and cohesive with its surroundings.
Additionally, painting the sides can eliminate distractions and help bring the artwork to a state of completion. This can be beneficial when selling to tourists, as they may prefer a piece that is ready to be displayed without any additional framing or adjustments. By offering a finished product, artists can provide tourists with a hassle-free purchase that is easier to transport and hang in their homes.
Moreover, painting the sides can strengthen the edges of the canvas and protect it from damage during transport or storage. This is especially relevant when selling artwork to tourists, as they may be travelling and would appreciate a durable piece that can withstand the journey back to their homes.
Lastly, painting the sides can be a practical solution for tourists who may not want to incur the additional cost or hassle of framing. By providing a finished piece with painted sides, artists can offer tourists a ready-to-hang artwork that aligns with their budget and preferences.
In conclusion, painting the sides of a canvas can be a strategic choice for artists looking to sell their work to tourists. It adds a sense of completion and professionalism to the artwork, enhances its aesthetic appeal, eliminates distractions, strengthens the edges, and provides a cost-effective alternative to framing. By considering the preferences and practical needs of tourists, artists can increase the marketability and desirability of their artwork.
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Painting sides can be a hassle and expensive
Painting the sides of a canvas is a matter of personal preference and there are valid arguments for and against it. Some artists feel that painting the sides is unnecessary and can even detract from the artwork. Leaving the sides blank can provide a glimpse into the process of creating the artwork, showing the different layers of paint and the progression of the work. This can be considered a positive aspect, adding interest and depth to the piece. Furthermore, painting the sides can be time-consuming and may require additional materials, such as paint and brushes, which can increase the overall cost of creating the artwork.
However, there are also valid reasons why some artists choose to paint the sides of their canvases. One reason is aesthetics; a coloured edge can enhance the overall appearance of the artwork, making it look more polished, complete and professional. Painting the sides can also help to protect the canvas from damage and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, some artists use painted edges to complement the colours in the artwork or to provide a bridge to letting go of the finished work, aiding in the final stages of creation.
The decision to paint or not paint the sides of a canvas depends on various factors, including the artist's personal style, the intended display method, and the target audience. Some artists choose to leave the sides unpainted if the canvas will be framed, as the frame can provide a similar function to painted edges in terms of aesthetics and protection. In the United Kingdom and United States, galleries tend to frame canvases, so artists exhibiting there may choose to focus on the creation and leave the sides blank.
On the other hand, some artists and collectors prefer the sides to be painted, especially if the artwork will be displayed without a frame. This can be due to personal taste or the belief that painted sides give a more finished and refined look to the artwork. Additionally, painted sides can make the artwork more durable and easier to handle, as there is less risk of damaging the canvas edges during transport or storage.
Ultimately, the decision to paint the sides of a canvas depends on the artist's individual preferences, the intended display method, and the target market for the artwork. There is no definitive right or wrong answer, and artists should feel free to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them.
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Painting sides can distort the composition
Painting the sides of a canvas is a divisive topic among artists, gallery owners, and collectors. While some artists feel the need to paint the sides, others do not. Some gallery owners or buyers prefer that the sides be painted, while others are indifferent. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal taste and artistic intention.
However, there are arguments for why painting the sides can distort the composition. Firstly, painting the sides can create a sense of continuation or extension of the image onto the edges, which may not always be desirable. This can alter the appearance of the painting and take away from the main subject or focal point. By painting the sides, there is a risk of distorting the composition and changing the way the artwork is perceived.
Secondly, leaving the sides unpainted can provide a glimpse into the process and evolution of the artwork. Some art professors and enthusiasts appreciate seeing the progress of the painting, including the different layers and techniques employed by the artist. Painting the sides can obscure this process and take away from the depth and dimensionality that the bare edges offer.
Additionally, practical considerations come into play when deciding whether or not to paint the sides. For example, if the artwork is intended for galleries in the United Kingdom or the United States, it is worth noting that canvases are often framed in these contexts. In such cases, painting the sides may not be necessary and could even be a waste of time and effort.
Furthermore, the decision to paint the sides or not can impact the framing options for the artwork. Leaving the sides unpainted provides buyers and gallery owners the flexibility to frame the piece according to their taste, budget, and the intended display setting. Painting the sides may limit these options and potentially affect sales or display opportunities.
In conclusion, while painting the sides of a canvas can provide a sense of completion and aesthetic elevation for some artists and viewers, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the composition. Leaving the sides unpainted can offer a unique perspective into the artistic process, maintain the integrity of the composition, and provide practical benefits in terms of framing and display options.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your personal preference and the context in which the painting will be displayed. Some artists and buyers prefer painted sides, while others like to see the progress of the painting on the sides or leave them blank for a more "rough" look. If you plan to frame the canvas, you may not need to paint the sides, especially if exhibiting in galleries in the UK or US, which tend to frame canvases.
Painting the sides of a canvas can give a sense of completion and elevate the artwork. It can also act as a bridge to letting go of the finished work and help to strengthen the edges. Painting the sides can also be practical, preventing dust from accumulating on the fabric of the canvas.
When painting the sides, choose a colour that complements the artwork and enhances the colours within it. Avoid painting over tacks or staples on the sides as it can be difficult to remove the canvas frame later. You may also wish to apply tape to create cleaner lines.
