In the zone

Not every painting needs to be framed and put out into the world. And, if we dare share something that is debatable, we often say “ What was I thinking”? When that happens to me, I like to be in the role of giving it a new life. Sometimes it is a small adjustment, other times a major overhaul. Other times, it just doesn't work!

If you find yourself in the same quandary, you might wonder, what are the practical, archival steps to take for this process? I can best speak to those working with acrylic water-based media products. Here is my typical process for artworks that have been finished with a spray and or liquid varnish:

#1 Dull the varnish by coating the entire painting with a generous amount of isopropryl alcohol (99% best but 70% will work too), then wipe off with a smooth rag so no lint is left behind. It will get a bit sticky, this is good. Let it dry completely.

#2 You may want to hand sand lightly. There are even times that I have used a radial or orbital sander on larger pieces that had a thick layer of collage or paint. Be very careful, sand gently if you are sanding canvas panels. This steps is not necessary, but it often does leave some unique and interesting marks.

#3 If the plan is to add more acrylic paint, I often cover the areas to be painted with a CLEAR liquid gesso, this makes for a gritty surface that accepts the new paint layer. If you are strictly collaging over an area, the gesso layer is not required.

#4 Enjoy reworking the painting with more paint, mark making tools and additional collage. Sometimes the changes are huge and other times subtle, the painting will let you know what it needs. Take your time in determining “Is it done yet”?

#5 When you feel comfortable with the new life you have given, a coat or two of spray varnish and liquid varnish can be reapplied.

Here are two examples of breathing in new life to existing mixed media collage paintings.

Minor Adjustments

Original - January Pause                                           Revised - Starting to Snow

Major Overhaul

Original - Whispered Moments                               Revised - Subtle Message

Starting to Snow and Subtle Message are for sale and can be found on my website in the "Woodlands" tab.

Hope you have found this helpful. If you do try it, I hope it results in satisfaction.