A work in progress...more seeds,flowers and ink work to come.
For months now this poor canvas has been staring out at me from behind all of my other work. Sadly I put him to rest months ago when this happened..
RIP....rest in peace
One big rip.
I am still blaming my artistic affliction for this incidence…nothing is safe in this household when I am in one of my moods.
Well in honor of Louise Gales Color Challenge this month, and some New Years resolutions that have me concentrating on wrapping up loose ends, I have decided to resurrect this baby.
Thanks all for your comments (and support) on how to fix this problem. A special thanks to Serena who even sent me a video which helped to inspire this project.
So can one fix a rather largish rip in a canvas? I definitely know so!
You will need a scrap piece of canvas (purchased by the roll at most art stores), some gel medium and heavy books.
Cut off any loose threads hanging from the rip.
Cut out a piece of canvas a little larger than the rip. Place on back of canvas over rip and place gel medium between two layers. Make sure to wipe off excess on front and back of canvas.
Place some parchment paper on front and back of canvas and lay flat on ground. I used some good old elbow grease to rub it all down and make sure all air bubbles, creases etc were out.
Place very heavy books on top. Let it rest.
I removed books after a few hours (ok I peeked once or twice) and then gave it a bit of time to air dry.
The final product. Not pretty, but mended.
I added a number of layers of gel medium on top of rip to help level out the surface and smooth it out. Use fingers for this step.
Then I sat and stared at it wondering how on earth I produced that orangey color……
I have to remember to always write down paint colors used on back of canvas so I can remember what to mix when I go back to a piece months (or even days) later.
I had a few difficulties figuring out the colors used for this piece. The new colors may be a little off, but whatever…at least it’s not ripped.
This is an awfully long post…
Off to continue work on this canvas…Part two and more info on the color challenge to come this weekend!
Thanks for popping by. If you have any suggestions or advice on how to fix a ripped canvas, please share!
Have a great weekend.
spaark.wordpress.com 
It looks great!!!
Julie, I am in love with your flowers. I am amazed at how you fixed that canvas!
Lori, I am coming to visit Feb 8 – 12th. Would love to meet up?! Will email you.
Looks like you did an excellent job on this rip. very clever idea, one I wouldn’t have thought of. Will have to tuck it into the back of my brain for the future. Lovely painting Julie! I especially like your chrysanthemum.
I am still surprised at how simple it was…if i could get the paint colors to match it might even be invisible. Thanks for dropping by!
What a good idea! Good job!
Love your painting! The shades of orange are so rich and I love all the flowers.
It’s beautiful!
The color is gorgeous! My favorite part is all those tiny little seeds. So glad you were able to fix the rip! Thanks for your visit and kind words on my blog this weekend!