The decision to paint the sides of a canvas is primarily an artistic choice that significantly impacts the overall presentation and finished look of your artwork. While not strictly mandatory, it is a common and often recommended practice, especially for contemporary and gallery-style presentations.
Why Consider Painting the Canvas Sides?
Painting the sides transforms a two-dimensional piece into a more complete, sculptural object. It enhances the viewer's experience, providing a sense of polish and continuity, even when the artwork is viewed from an angle.
- Seamless Presentation: Painted sides create a finished look, making the artwork appear complete from all angles. This is particularly important if the piece will be displayed without a traditional frame.
- Professional Finish: A finished edge elevates the professionalism of your artwork, signaling attention to detail and a commitment to presentation.
- Framing Flexibility: For canvases intended to be displayed unframed, often referred to as "gallery wrap" canvases, painting the sides is essential. It allows the artwork to be hung directly on the wall, maintaining its contemporary aesthetic. Even if framed, a painted edge can still peek through, contributing to the overall visual appeal.
How to Approach Canvas Side Painting
There are several popular methods for treating the sides of a canvas, each offering a distinct aesthetic outcome:
- Solid Color: One highly popular and versatile approach is to paint the sides a solid color. This could be a neutral like white, black, or a shade of gray, or a specific hue that harmonizes with your painting. Choosing a color that works well with the other colors of your painting creates a cohesive and polished look, ensuring the artwork appears thoughtfully finished from every angle, whether framed or unframed.
- Image Continuation: For a truly immersive experience, some artists extend the primary image directly around the sides of the canvas. This technique works exceptionally well for landscapes or abstract pieces where the visual flow can naturally wrap around the edges, pulling the viewer further into the artwork.
- Abstract or Complementary Design: Instead of a solid color or full image continuation, you might opt for an abstract pattern, a textured application, or a simple design that complements the main painting without directly replicating it. This adds an unexpected element of interest.
- Leaving Raw: While less common for a fully finished look, some artists intentionally leave the canvas sides unpainted to emphasize the raw material or for a minimalist aesthetic. This choice is more suited to specific artistic intentions and generally less professional for gallery display unless part of a deliberate concept.
Factors Influencing Your Decision
The best approach for your canvas sides often depends on several practical and artistic considerations:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Intended Display | If the canvas will be displayed without a frame (gallery wrap), painting the sides is crucial. For framed pieces, painted sides still offer a clean transition if visible. |
| Artistic Style | Modern, contemporary, and abstract artworks often benefit immensely from painted or extended-image sides, aligning with a more expansive presentation style. Traditional or classical pieces might rely more on ornate framing. |
| Personal Preference | Ultimately, your artistic vision dictates the choice. Experimenting with different side treatments can help you discover what best complements your style. |
| Gallery/Exhibition Requirements | Some galleries or exhibition spaces may have specific guidelines regarding canvas presentation, especially for unframed works. Always check their submission criteria. |
Practical Tips for Painting Canvas Sides
Achieving a clean and professional look on your canvas sides requires a bit of care:
- Ensure Dryness: Before painting the sides, make sure the main painting is completely dry to prevent smudging or mixing colors.
- Use Painter's Tape: For crisp, straight lines between the front of the canvas and the sides, apply high-quality painter's tape along the edge of the canvas face. Press it down firmly to prevent bleed-through.
- Choose Appropriate Paint: Use the same type of paint for the sides as you did for the main artwork (e.g., acrylics for acrylic paintings, oils for oil paintings) to ensure consistency in finish and durability.
- Work in Sections: If wrapping the image, consider rotating the canvas to comfortably reach each side. For solid colors, smooth, even strokes are key.
- Consider a Primer: If the canvas sides are unprimed or have an uneven texture, applying a coat of gesso or a universal primer first can create a smoother surface for paint application.
- Multiple Coats: Apply thin, even coats, allowing each to dry before applying the next, for opaque and uniform coverage.
Examples of Side Treatments in Art
Many renowned artists and galleries showcase pieces where the canvas sides are integral to the artwork's presentation. You can often observe contemporary art installations or gallery exhibits to see how artists utilize side treatments, from stark black edges that frame vibrant colors to intricate extensions of the main composition. Understanding the impact of different edge treatments can be beneficial for your own artistic practice. You can explore various examples of finished canvas sides and gallery-wrapped art for inspiration here or learn more about preparing canvases for exhibition here.
