Thoughts on how to finish a canvas edge? The dark background pieces seem to look more "finished" since the black wraps all the way around. But unfortunately I wasn't consistent with keeping the edges of the "white" background pieces clean nor wrapping the image to the sides when painting.
Should I clean up the "white" painting edges with black?

    I think that the best finished look would be to go back and wrap the painting onto the edges.
    Or, you could do what I do, stick it in a frame and forget about it.

      indicationofart thanks for the reply! These pieces are going to a community gallery in less than 2 weeks, unframed. Feeling a bit rushed to extend the paintings to the side and varnish in time….
      Having said that out loud, I’ll probably finish the edges with black this time and be mindful to wrap the image around in the future. That will also be an exercise in discipline because I personally don’t mind the rough edges, but I never know when a painting may go home with someone else. Ah the conundrum….

          7 days later

          indicationofart I ended up taking the time to wrap the painting around. It was time pressuring but I did a "dry" application with very little liquid clear/paints. They all dried quickly enough so that I could do a quick varnish on top. Sending them to the gallery today!!!

              Glad you found the time to wrap the edges. They are great paintings and I'm sure the extra effort paid off.

                10 days later

                I always use black gesso for my side edges. I paint them once the painting is dry. To make sure I don't go over the edges of the painting side, I put masking tape on.

                I had a wonderful time at the opening! Two of my paintings were sold right in front of me! The middle piece, S1E1 A Walk in the Woods and Golden Rays of Sunlight in the bottom left.

                Deep Valley Arts Collective is a wonderful nonprofit community gallery for local artists to exhibit their works. You can find out more at their website: www.deepvalleyarts.org

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