Starting to stretch the linen on the frame

This afternoon I did the first 4 canvasses.  I have put a piece of plastic on the floor and layed the linen on it. To keep the linen clean but also because it is easier to work. I can rotate the frame easy on the plastic.

A couple of days later I did another 4 then 3 and now left are 3 canvasses.

And again a couple of days later all canvasses were ready.  The next step will be making the rabitglue and give each canvas a coat of thin glue...

Varnishing an older painting

The painting I made in 1999 in Rome in Italy.  A bowl of nectarines.  I am quite fond of this painting.  It wasn't varnished.  Recently I bought a picture frame for this canvas. Now it was time to finish it.
Recently I bought good quality damar  in Münster. With turpentine, I have made a syrupy varnish. This I used on this cloudless sunny day.   After I cleaned the painting I have put the canvas into the sun behind the glass to warm it up a little bit.  Heating the cloth has its advantages. Any moisture which might be present in the fabric, is reduced by this. As a result, the adhesion of the varnish on the oil layer is a much better and more durable.

After about an hour lying on the floor I could put the painting upright. In upright position I turned it after an hour upside down. Just to be save.  A remarkable thing is that the varnish didn't smelled turpentin.  Also with the doors closed there wasn't a smell of turpentine. 

Cutting the Linnen.

This morning I cut the linen for the 14 canvasses.  The linen is called  "Safari" and a friend gave this to me as a birthday present. Which was very nice.  The quality is very good and it is made in Belgium. The linen is very close woven.

I layed a piece of plastic on the carpet in my bedroom on which I put the linen. This way I avoid dust, hair and so come on the linen.  I marked all pieces of linen and also the wooden frame. This way I don't get the pieces of linen and frames mixed up. 

 The linen has a considerable overlap on the frames. This makes it easier to attach them with the staple gun  to the frames. This will be the next step. 

New Paintings to make.

I bought by Boesner  new frame's for another 13 paintings. 

I assembled them today.  Totally 14 frame's stands ready to get the linnen.

This week I will start with it...  It asks some times....