A Change of Pace

Instead of using paper and glass as a painting support, John Lovett outlines how to construct a rigid primed board

A change of painting support can often inspire fresh new ways of painting in watercolor (or other mediums). I decided to use a rigid plywood panel, rather than paper or glass, for a large mixed media work. A rigid panel means there is no size restriction, glass is not required, and the work can be left unframed or framed with a simple box molding. This article outlines the process of constructing such a panel.

STEP 1

The first step is to purchase materials. I chose a thin plywood sheet with a smooth hoop pine surface on one side. I had the timber merchant cut the large sheet into two smaller sheets. I also purchased enough 18-by-40 mm dressed and primed pine to go around the panels. Other materials required:

• Wood glue (Polyurethane or PVA both work well)
• Bullet head nails 30 x 1.6 mm
• Drill bit, the same or slightly smaller than the nails
• Gesso

STEP 2

The ply sheet was carefully measured and the pine surround was miter cut 2 mm shorter each side to allow a slight overhang of the ply sheet. If you don't have access to a drop saw, a miter box and small tenon saw will do the same job with care and patience.

STEP 3