Summer Garden #3
9×9 inches
Acrylic on cradled panel
©2020 Lucinda Howe

This week I’m still focusing on finishing some of my works on paper. I mounted three 12×12 inch pieces on cradled panels. I wanted to mount some of my 9×9 inch collages, but realized that’s not a standard size for commercial panels. I got out my miter saw and router and started making my own cradled panels.

Cradled panels are wood or Masonite with a frame on the back that gives them support and depth. They can be displayed without a frame like a gallery wrapped canvas. I like the solid feel of a panel better than canvas for mounting works created on paper. I make cradled panels by cutting four pieces of 1×2 inch pine lumber with a miter saw. I glue the pieces to the back of panel and secure with clamps until they are dry.

I glue the paper artwork onto the panel using acrylic matte medium. I paint the sides with black gesso. After everything dries, I apply two coats of Liquitex satin varnish to seal and protect the work. Once I add hanging wires on the back, they will be ready for display.

If you’d like to see more about what’s going on in the studio each day, follow me on Instagram at @lucindahowe.