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2016-07-10
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Part of why I don't do more large-format creative work than I do, aside from the obvious problem of the price of pre-stretched canvas, is storage. I live in a small apartment, and there isn't enough space to store big canvas. I'm thinking, though, of at least working on larger sheets of watercolour paper than I've been doing my printmaking with - it's far easier to store, though sizes are limited. The biggest pre-cut sheets I can get, are 22" x 30". it's something, but I really itch to work on huge canvas - 4' x 4', 5' x 8', and larger. Canson (through Curry's) has a 52" x 10 yrd roll, which would be stunningly wonderful if it weren't only 105 lb paper. In order for the paper to be of any use to me with acrylic, it has to be 200 lb or better. I can do the printmaking with 140 lb paper, which I have been doing. And let me tell you this - Fabriano 140 lb works so much better than the Canson does. Even at that weight, light washes and wet media, Canson paper still peels apart (*), where the Fabriano doesn't.
The issues with working on paper, though, are sellability and framing. Some folks prefer work on canvas to paper. Paper, unlike canvas, can't be hung without a frame - unless I do the work on paper then glue it to cradled panels. Panel sizes come in the same variety of sizes that pre-stretched canvas does, but it's more sellable that way than just work on paper, and with it glued to the panel I can varnish it the same way I'd do a canvas.
I need to live somewhere larger, with storage space.
* Update: Because the Canson paper I was using at the time was cellulose instead of cotton rag like the Fabriano.