I almost always have some leftover paint, I can’t believe I haven’t been using it 🤦♀️😂 I love the idea of it opening up other avenues to explore, even just experimenting with your strokes… thanks so much for this, I really enjoyed reading it tonight!
Well, not to be dramatic but my life has changed just a little bit by coming across your account! So informative..and a great reminder to "stop worrying...." 😉
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, it's very interesting, because what you are really doing is shifting your expectations. The moment you do that, the experience, and the result, changes. It's a great way to find new avenues.
I’m so inspired by your art and your advice. I’m really going to take #9 to heart. It’s such a good reminder for me and I can really see it play out in your paintings!
Thanks again, Harry. I always appreciate your writing. Question for you: how large of Masonite panels have you managed (priming both sides and edges) without warping?
Thanks, Jen! 10 x 12 inches is about as large as I cut my thin masonite panels, without warping. Anything larger than this, I would cradle, just to keep everything very straight and firm. Making cradled panels is easy too. You can glue the 1 x 2 strips in for the edge supports using wood clamps. 8 clamps and you can do all sides at once, for fairly small panels anyway.
Thanks for the great tips, Harry! I'll try cutting some panels when i get home because of your encouragement. And have some paper to play with in the meantime while we are traveling.
Give it a try...but be very careful when cutting. Don't be tempted to apply too much pressure. Rather, use repeated passes of the knife. Also, I find it best to work on the floor, so that all your upper body strength comes to bear. Apply pressure on the knife directly downward, so there is no chance of slippage resulting in a nasty cut. And make sure you use a thick, heavy yard stick to guide the blade, so there is little chance of the knife slipping. Make sure that you feel very safe doing this.
PS I love seeing your paintings in front of the television. Paintings look so different when you can see the environment that they are in, instead of straight on and cropped to their edges.
That was a really useful tip about about playing with leftover paint - I usually just end up throwing it out! Really good advice 💖
Thank you Vinu. I’m glad you found it useful!
Your suggestions are great. I need to hang them up in my studio so I see them every day. Thank you!
Thanks, Kristin!
Great practical tips!
Thanks, Janet!
These are all so helpful. I struggle with the worry. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks, Terri!
I almost always have some leftover paint, I can’t believe I haven’t been using it 🤦♀️😂 I love the idea of it opening up other avenues to explore, even just experimenting with your strokes… thanks so much for this, I really enjoyed reading it tonight!
Thanks, Bec…so glad it was useful!
Thank you Harry, lots of really good advice, stated clearly.
I love your work by the way and Stooshinoff such a great name. 😀.
Thanks, Jenny! :)
Wonderful tips Harry - thank you. I draw every day, best tonic ever.
Thanks, Maeve!...and way to go! :)
Well, not to be dramatic but my life has changed just a little bit by coming across your account! So informative..and a great reminder to "stop worrying...." 😉
awwww…well, nice! :)
Lovely!
Thanks, Mary!
Great tips here. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, Clare!
Nicely done! These were great! I do some of this stuff already, but I’ve never see it written down so simply! Thank you!
Thank you, Chris!
Brilliant! Thank you.
Thanks, Jane!
Such great advice! I love the idea of using leftover paint that was otherwise going to be discarded as an avenue to play and explore.
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, it's very interesting, because what you are really doing is shifting your expectations. The moment you do that, the experience, and the result, changes. It's a great way to find new avenues.
I’m so inspired by your art and your advice. I’m really going to take #9 to heart. It’s such a good reminder for me and I can really see it play out in your paintings!
Thank you, Sheri!
Thanks again, Harry. I always appreciate your writing. Question for you: how large of Masonite panels have you managed (priming both sides and edges) without warping?
Thanks, Jen! 10 x 12 inches is about as large as I cut my thin masonite panels, without warping. Anything larger than this, I would cradle, just to keep everything very straight and firm. Making cradled panels is easy too. You can glue the 1 x 2 strips in for the edge supports using wood clamps. 8 clamps and you can do all sides at once, for fairly small panels anyway.
Thanks for the great tips, Harry! I'll try cutting some panels when i get home because of your encouragement. And have some paper to play with in the meantime while we are traveling.
Give it a try...but be very careful when cutting. Don't be tempted to apply too much pressure. Rather, use repeated passes of the knife. Also, I find it best to work on the floor, so that all your upper body strength comes to bear. Apply pressure on the knife directly downward, so there is no chance of slippage resulting in a nasty cut. And make sure you use a thick, heavy yard stick to guide the blade, so there is little chance of the knife slipping. Make sure that you feel very safe doing this.
PS I love seeing your paintings in front of the television. Paintings look so different when you can see the environment that they are in, instead of straight on and cropped to their edges.
Thanks, Betty! :)