Breaking the Glass: Reimagining Watercolor Art Presentation
The fog was thick outside my studio window — much like the metaphorical fog I was about to break through in my artistic journey. Today, I want to share a transformative insight that's completely reshaping how I think about watercolor art: the game-changing potential of moving beyond traditional glass-framed presentations.
The Gallery Revelation
As a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, I've participated in numerous art competitions. But one juror's comment during the NWWS International Open stopped me in my tracks. He mentioned something that initially made me bristle: collectors are often deterred by watercolors being framed behind glass.
My first reaction? Defensive. My art is good. My art is beautiful. What difference does a piece of glass make?
But then, something remarkable happened. During a casual gallery visit, I looked at the artwork through a collector's eyes. And suddenly, I understood.
The Barrier of Glass
Imagine standing before a stunning piece of art, only to see your own reflection competing with the artwork. The glass creates a literal and metaphorical barrier between the viewer and the art. Those reflections, those subtle interruptions — they disconnect you from the raw beauty of the brushstrokes, the texture, the emotion.
I started noticing this everywhere. Even in my own home, artworks behind glass felt... distant. Untouchable.
A New Canvas of Possibilities
This revelation led me to experiment. What if watercolors didn't have to be hidden behind glass? What if they could be experienced more intimately?
Enter canvas and wood panels.
By painting directly on canvas or mounting watercolor paper onto wood panels, I discovered a whole new world of artistic presentation:
No reflective barriers
Direct engagement with texture
The ability to paint beautiful, finished edges
Flexibility in display options
Pro Tips for Alternative Watercolor Presentations
Canvas Preparation: When using canvas, paint those edges! Create a cohesive look that eliminates the need for traditional framing.
Wood Panel Mounting: If mounting watercolor paper, measure carefully. Pro tip: Mount the paper before painting to ensure a perfect fit.
Texture Exploration: Experiment with techniques like texture paste to add dimensionality that begs to be experienced up close.
Your Artistic Invitation
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Learn techniques that break traditional boundaries, embrace texture, and bring your watercolors to life in ways you've never imagined.
The art world is evolving. Are you ready to evolve with it?