My art students often ask, ‘Should I paint the sides of my canvas?’ To me, there’s an obvious answer, however, I will explain it like this. Many artists are trying to sell work, which in my opinion, as a visual communication specialist, is incomplete. If you’re going to paint a boxed canvas, there’s a front AND four sides. Why would you ignore the sides and not give them the same amount of love as the front?
The Way We See
We do not go through life with blinkers on, and for this reason, our peripheral view creates a wide, panoramic view in front of us. When we look at a painting on a boxed canvas, with unpainted sides, the edges become very sharp and the view is cut off. This seems quite strange, particularly when viewing a nature scene like a land, or seascape. In real life one’s view extends left and right, but in a painting with no sides, the view is abruptly cut off. By painting the sides, the view is widened, and seems more natural.
The 3-D Look
A hung, stretched canvas appears 3-D on a wall. At times, you may only see the painting from one side, or see it from an angle. Make it interesting, like a teaser. Entice the viewer to come around to front. This doesn’t mean a slap of colour on the sides, without using masking tape to protect the edges. It means, hug your whole painting around the sides with as much detail and passion as the front. Did you know? – It looks more luxurious, and worth investing in, because all five sides have been completed, plus, if the profile is deep, you don’t have to frame it.
Preparing Your Sides
‘Unfinished’ paintings are a bit of a let down. The sides can be covered in dirty fingerprints and/or old paint drips. It’s sloppy. However, it doesn’t matter how expressionistic you are, you can still mask your canvas before you go wild. For me, there are two options. Either the sides are clean and white, or they are embellished in the same manner as the front.
Marketing 101
If you’re trying to sell a car, a house, or a painting, one has to showcase it in the best possible light. It’s basic ‘Marketing-101’. One can’t assume a prospective buyer will see the possibilities, or assume they’re going to frame your canvas. Did you know? – You can still see the sides of a painting in a floating frame.
Get More Clients
You may already be selling your ‘unfinished’ paintings – that’s fantastic! How many more would you sell, if you actually showcased them better? Avoid losing potential clients. Present your painting in their best possible light. Many artists and would-be buyers agree with me. I’m not the only pernickety one. 🙂
Presentation, Presentation, Presentation
They say, when buying a house – it’s about the location, location, location. I say, when buying art, it’s about appreciating the visual – the presentation, presentation, presentation. Take pride in your creation. You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Finish it. Present it. Sell it!
The Answer is …
Should you acknowledge the sides of your painting? The answer is, an overwhelming and absolute YES!
“Show value, create an experience and always strive to exceed your customers’
expectations.” – Shep Hyken
“Marketing is a contest for people’s attention.” – Seth Godin
“The customer rarely buys what the company thinks it’s selling.” – Peter Drucker
Question: How Should I Sign My Painting? – CLICK HERE