To Paint, or Not to Paint (Edges), That is the Question.
Let’s agree to disagree
I had an art teacher once that disdained painted edges, or sides, of a painting. It had to do with the idea that whatever incidental paint or other material was left on the side of the panel or canvas was evidence of the process of making the painting.
Messy edges offer a glimpse of the making process.
While this is true, it just doesn’t work for me.
I look at painting the sides of my panels in a couple of ways and it’s all about the process: Painting the edges of panels eliminates distractions in the final stages of making and as well, acts as a bridge to letting go of the finished work.
The deep blue painted edges of the February Blues series.
Making the work
Currently I’m working on smaller scale cradled panels (a cradled panel is a wooden frame with a thin wooden panel mounted on top so that the frame and the panel are flush at the edges). When working on a panel I don’t protect the edges from getting paint splatters or bits of collage papers glued to them. I could do this but I enjoy the process of readying the edges for finishing once the painting is done. More about that later.
When a painting is just about finished, the sided get sanded smooth with an orbital sander and then paint is applied to them in a colour that complements the painting.
This process helps me see the work better. The splatters and paper remnants left on the edges are messy and more importantly distracting while I’m assessing if the work is actually finished.
Have you ever put a mat around a photograph that you want to display? It’s like that.
A mat helps to focus attention and it says “hey here’s what is important to look at”. Suddenly the photo appears better than it did without the mat.
That’s the same with nicely finished edges. Once the sides are painted, I can see the painting more clearly and then make a final decision about whether any further minor adjustments are needed.
Just to be clear, the edges are painted in a solid colour, a colour that enhances the colours in the work. I don’t try to extend a shape, line or colour that is on the front of the painting around to the edges as if the world of the painting wraps around to the sides.
There are reasons why this could happen in the process of making the work and also good reasons to do this after the painting is completed but the decision must be a considered one.
For my work at the moment doing this just doesn’t feel natural.
Letting the work go
In addition to being part of the making process, painting edges is a transitional phase of the painting practice for me. It bridges the act of doing the work to the act of letting it go out to a wider audience.
Making art is work and can be an intense and emotional experience. The doing is about action and decisions and discerning what resonates with me and what doesn't.
Showing the work, and ultimately letting it go to a new home, is about letting the larger world see the result of the decisions that have been made along the way.
When I’m painting edges I’m physically closer to the panel, working more slowly and more methodically. It’s an enjoyable and contemplative process that causes me to see and appreciate what’s been created in a different way.
By painting the edges of my panels I’m moving from one way of seeing the work to another. The painting is no longer in flux, a work in progress, but is now moving toward a state of completion.
It’s a considered decision
Finally, having said all of that, I prefer the aesthetic of painted sides on my painting panels. It feels elevated and whole to me this way. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Discerning what resonates is an important part of how any artist works.
So with apologies to my art teacher and those who prefer a glimpse into the process of making art showing up on the edges I’ll continue to paint mine.
The paintings featured in this post are from the February Blues series.
You’ll find more meticulously painted edges in this shop.
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