workshops FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the foam core


I paint square
If you are not painting square, just remember your compositional solutions will be very different than my demo.

Why do I use this foam core painting system ?

1. The foamcore is light and you can stack many paintings with very little weight
2. You can transport wet paintings back from your painting location without damage
3. You can transport wet paintings back home safely - no worry painting the last day, hoping your paintings will be dry.
4. You can travel with wet paintings in your checked airline luggage & take up less room.
5. It's less expensive than panels or stretched canvas & easier to handle
6. I find when workshop participants use cut canvas, they are more inclined to experiment and even paint more (because it's only a piece of canvas!) who wants to waste a pricey stretched canvas. This method will make you more brave - I promise !!
7. You are only restricted by the cut window for the size you paint- meaning, you can change the size of your painting surface (crop)
8. You never have to deal with tiny size canvases falling from your easel or light coming through the back of your stretched canvas.
9. I could probably come up with many more reasons - I use this painting system almost all the time

Instructions for using my Foam core System (please see my request about not sharing this system)
Decide your finished canvas size - add 2.inches on all 4 sides for later stretching. Use a piece of foam core at least 2 additional inches larger. In this example,
I used a finished size of 12x12. You may want to paint 8" x 8" with is one of my favorite outside sizes.
 I mask out the size with masking tape on the canvas and then tape the canvas to the foam core. A second foam core with a cut out window about 1 in. larger is placed on top  continue stacking in this manner.
You are only limited by the size of the cut out window. I usually double the top and bottom foam core for stability. Secure with strapping or masking tape,etc.
to make sure the stack stays completely even. You now have a self contained painting surface, support and lightweight transport system.

The canvas was cut to 16x16 and the foam core was 16x20

 

I mask out the size with masking tape on the canvas and then tape the canvas to the foam core.

A second foam core with a cut out window about 1 in. larger is placed on top

                                                                 and there you have it -
all I ask is that you please not share this with people outside of the workshop, as I am going to put together a workshop kit in the future on this idea. Thank You

            
                I use a Plein Air Painters Umbrella-  important to help you see value correctly.
           And I use a half box Jullian french easel - the half box weights about 7 lbs empty
                                            The full box Jullian weighs about 12 lbs empty .

I have a few questions, if you wouldn't mind, taking a moment to email me your answers when you let me know you received the newsletter - thanks, it always helps me tailor things for you more personally. I'll make it a point to answer your question in the week of our workshop.

1. Why did you want to take this workshop ?
2.  Tell me what your single biggest question is about painting .

email your answers to inquiry@jrbaldini.com

                                      
  The newsletter you'll receive contains the details about materials, meeting location and time. It’s meant to be a flexible schedule of our workshop together . I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.
            J.R. BALDINI, P.O. BOX 2332, NIAGARA FALLS, NY  14302   1 800 393-7270