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David Perry

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My son has asked me to do him a large - about 4 - 5ft square - 'minimalist' artwork of an elephant for his flat.  I am starting to settle on pastel as he asked for, and i quote, "more white canvas than elephant".  But he lives in Letchworth and thats miles from me so it will need rolling...hence my research into canvas.  However, canvas is more expensive that cocain and i cant afford that either so what do people use for pastel work on this scale?

Sylvia Evans

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MDF cut to size .  Gessoed .  Sod of a job. 

Sylvia Evans

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Sorry David it appeared twice .xx

Edited
by Sylvia Evans

David Perry

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MDF.  Isnt that going to be very very heavy at 5ft square??   How about hardboard? I guess it appeared twice because it is a REAL sod of a job. Merry Christmas Sylvia

Alan Bickley

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Pastel on canvas, then roll up to post... this is just not going to travel well! Forgot it... You’d be better off using acrylic on canvas, and yes, MDF even at 3mm is heavy and you couldn’t post it! There must be someone who will sell you a cut piece of canvas from a roll surely!
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I suggest you do Pastel in your normal size and send him a print through a fulfilment centre e.g. a printer that does canvas prints or someone like fineartamerica.com

Alan Morris

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I have seen some American pastel artists bond paper or canvas to Gator board as a support , which is very light and not expensive.  Not sure you would get a bit that big though.  They often use a very wide double sided adhesive tape to stick the 2 together, it is very expensive and supposed to be almost acid free (?).  It is made by 3M (I think 3M 568 ?) and virtually impossible to get in this country. Other artists use acrylic Matt medium to achieve the bond. Please note I have no experience this... it’s only what I have read whilst researching rigid supports for my own pastel paintings.

Edited
by Alan Morris

Sylvia Evans

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Yes hardboard would be lighter. I must admit I hadn’t thought about postage you would need a removal van.  Why not go and do it in situ as a mural? Pop on your mask and social distance. Alan’s suggestion that someone somewhere will have a cheaper piece of canvas. Ring around all the art shops that are on line and ask about off cuts...again a sod  of a job. You are nice David to give yourself this headache.  Hope your Christmas was a happy one .x

David Perry

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Good idea
I suggest you do Pastel in your normal size and send him a print through a fulfilment centre e.g. a printer that does canvas prints or someone like fineartamerica.com
Linda Wilson on 26/12/2020 16:16:37

Edited
by David Perry

David Perry

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Pastel on canvas, then roll up to post... this is just not going to travel well! Forgot it... You’d be better off using acrylic on canvas, and yes, MDF even at 3mm is heavy and you couldn’t post it! There must be someone who will sell you a cut piece of canvas from a roll surely!
Alan Bickley on 26/12/2020 15:42:09
Acrylic on canvas...will that roll?  Also remember my pathological hatred of acrylics... Sylvia, did you ever do anything of note with the acrylics I sent on?  I do hope so.  (not that it matters of course!)

Edited
by David Perry

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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Yes, it'll roll. Acrylics have been used to paint backdrops to theatrical productions, requiring their being rolled and transported numerous times.  Which isn't to say that I'd necessarily want to do it..........

Sylvia Evans

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I did David I did.   They supplemented some of the tubes I already had .  I have painted several pics based on COVID and seasons.  Spring ,Summer and Autumn  I’m sure COVID Winter  will follow on. Basically the only work I have done this year.  I think you are on my messenger so will send you them.