Cradled Panels...to paint or not to paint?

I normally like to work on large stretched canvases, but a clearance sale at Michael's got me thinking in a different direction for a change.  I've never painted on cradled panels before, but these neat looking little "boxes" were so appealing, that I bought all 8 of them.  

I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on cradled panels.  I know that encaustic artists are partial to these panels because of the hard surface.  But, if you're a painter, do you prefer the hard surface to the flexibility of canvas?

Please visit my website to see my original abstract paintings.

Filomena de Andrade Booth

Texas Contemporary Abstract Artist

Getting Started Again by Filomena de Andrade Booth Texas Contemporary Abstract Artist

Equinox

30"x36"x1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas

Purchase Information

I've written quite a bit lately about how difficult it is to get back into painting after a long hiatus away from the studio.  Today, I found some renewed motivation at my local Michael's store.  I've been thinking about painting on cradled panels and when I walked through the art section of the store, I found that they had marked almost all their cradled panels to a low clearance price.  I quickly picked up 8 new panels and now can't wait to get started on them!  Yesterday I ordered Matisse Flow Acrylics from Jerry's Artarama and I know that as soon as my order comes in, I'll be raring to get started.  Nothing like opening up a box of new art supplies to get the creative juices flowing again!  

Now, my next project is to find space in my studio for all the new "toys"!

I hope you'll visit my website to see my original abstract paintings.

Filomena de Andrade Booth

Texas Contemporary Abstract Artist

A Bright New Day by Filomena de Andrade Booth Texas Contemporary Abstract Artist

A Bright New Day

40"x30"x1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas

$2500

This painting symbolizes a new start for me this year. 2011 has been a difficult year due to the illness and death of my beloved mom.  Even though I am already in my mid-60's, it is still difficult to accept the fact that someone who's been there always, is now gone.

I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the seemingly eternal tunnel of details that need to be wrapped up.  Personal items need to be sorted through, a home needs to be sold and so many countless decisions to be made.

But, it's a new year now and a new beginning is in sight.  

This vibrant, acrylic painting was an experiment with a different way to apply paint to canvas.  I started by squirting fluid acrylics directly to the canvas and then brushing to blend the colors.  While the paint was still liquid, I decided to do some monoprinting using a variety of materials to establish the composition. In the end, I was pretty pleased with the result.

Please visit my website to see more of my original abstract paintings.

Filomena de Andrade Booth

Texas Contemporary Abstract Artist