Painting on full sheet positions

[artinwc]

It has been suggested to me that I need to do some full-sheet paintings and I am wondering how other deal with the awkwardness of working on such a large surface.

I'm not concerned about stretching as I'm using 300# Arches CP. Just how do you reach everything? :confused: Would you use an easel, turn the painting upside down, put a protective sheet on the bottom part and stretch over to get to the top? It's just a bit awkward and I know someone out there has maybe found a way they feel comfortable with.

Thanks!
Judith

[laudesan]

I use an easel and turn the painting upside down/sideways, whatever works..:)

Good luck

:wave:

[FriendCarol]

Oil painters use something called a mahl (sp?) stick, but for w/c painters (working on tables, usually) there is a special device called a "bridge." It's basically a clear (acrylic) board resting on two raised edges, wide enough to fit over the long end of a full sheet (over 30", iow). They're expensive (rather, over-priced, given the actual material costs and simplicity of manufacture!), so I'd probably try to make one myself, if I could paint that large.

When I work large (half-sheet), I have some (almost) clear plastic bits I took from very thoroughly cleaned (even bleached) bacon packaging. This plastic rests on the surface of the paper so I can work on an adjacent central area. As long as the area it covers is fairly dry it won't mess up anything -- and at least it keeps the oils in my hand/fingers from getting onto the paper, which is quite important!

Here's one example: http://www.dickblick.com/zz557/38/ If you simply enter "bridge" into their search engine, you'll see a few more offered, if this isn't the right size or whatever.

[lpb]

I've thought about using a bridge, but I usually like to prop up my board at an angle (on blocks under the top edge) so I don't think bridge would work in that situation. I move my painting around alot, even on a 1/4 sheet, so that my hand & arm can paint in the most comfortable position for pulling the brush. I expect I will do the same for a full sheet, which I plan to start soon.

[laudesan]

Oil painters use something called a mahl (sp?) stick
I have an old walking stick with a rubberised cover over the handle I use as my Mahl Stick. The handle goes over the easel and I rest my hand on the stick. Works a treat and keeps my hand steady for those fine details too.. I use it for acrylic AND watercolour when working at my easel..:)