Last week I wrote to you about the lessons I had learned regarding professional framing. Let me tell you, the learning curve did not end there. On belay!

And to answer the immediate question that I assume any rational person would ask. “Jill, How have you been painting with watercolor for more than ten years and not know about framing?
Well, friend, the truth is pretty simple, I do this with my paintings…

or this…

Or, as previously stated, I put them in store-bought frames. None of these options are ideal, but we are not here today to talk about the blatant abuse of my paintings.

We are here to talk about the next big lesson I had to learn to move forward in the framing process. 

The wrinkled painting.

The problem that I thought I could ignore and did my absolute best to overlook but couldn’t is that watercolor paper warps and buckles when you paint on it, yes, even when you buy the fancy blocks of paper that are glued into place.
I wrongly assumed I could just smash it down with glass and foam core, and it would sort itself out. In case you haven’t guessed, I am an excellent liar. I lie to myself all the time! 

This did not work, so I tore this frame apart, and after some online research, I learned that I need to re-wet my paintings and smoosh them into submission, then I can frame them.
Some processes will not be rushed. I’m not sure why I’m so surprised; I also dislike being rushed.

The process of re-wetting is simple. You lightly mist or sponge a light coating of water to the back of the painting. Put the artwork on a hard flat surface with protection to the front, absorbent paper on the back, and then all the books you have on your bookshelf.
(See, all those knitting books were a good investment!) Then let it sit for 24-48 hours, depending on how damp the day may be.

I am sharing this tale of frustration and despair because there are hours of my life I will never get back, and I sincerely hope that by sharing my trials, I can save another artist hours upon hours of frustration and destroyed framing supplies. Or, if you are not an artist, you may learn the value of being honest with yourself.
I will absolutely continue to lie to myself at regular intervals, but hopefully without as much conviction or gusto.

The reward for all of the above however is this!!! Two watercolor paintings hanging in the For Artsake Gallery in Historic Nye Beach!