Painters, how many of you had to learn the hard way that the canvas you use for creating your artwork changes the whole outcome of your painting? If this is you, you’re not alone. When you first start painting, you’re all caught up in the thrill of finally doing what you love, that you barely think about the canvas. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
This is the perfect time to learn that the type of canvas you use plays its role in how well it turns out. Explore the different options and choose artists’ canvases that work best with the paints you use. After all, not all canvases are made equally. So, take your time to make sure your painting looks just the way you imagined.
Understanding the Purpose of Choosing the Right Canvas
The canvas you paint on is more than just a surface. It’s the foundation for your artwork. It affects how well the painting looks, how long it lasts and even how well the colours blend. While the types of paints you use will obviously impact the texture of your painting, the canvas is also the key. It will either give your painting a professional finish or will leave it looking like something is lacking.
Just as you would take your time to carefully choose your painting mediums, put some thought into the selection of canvases as well. Especially considering they’re made from different materials. When you choose the right artists’ canvases, you will be able to achieve the results you have envisioned.
Types of Canvases
Cotton
Cotton canvases are the most popular choice and there are a few good reasons for that. They are affordable, beginner-friendly and work well with most types of paints, including oil and acrylic. Because the texture of the cotton canvas is smooth and flexible, it makes it easy to blend and layer colours. What makes it especially convenient for painting with oils and acrylic is the soft, flexible and absorbent texture.
Although cotton works best for acrylic and oils, it can work just as fine with watercolours if primed properly. However, one thing you should know about this specific material is that it’s prone to stretching over time. Thus, choosing a good-quality cotton canvas that is well-framed is a must. Make sure there aren’t any loose stitches as this could cause the surface to come apart sooner than expected.
Linen
This material has a finer and smoother texture when compared to cotton canvases and that’s why it’s often preferred by professional artists. Because it’s less absorbent than cotton, linen canvases work best for oil paints. The material lets the colours stay on the surface for way longer than cotton would.
So, if you wonder what canvas professional artists use, many gravitate more towards linen. Despite this, cotton canvases remain the most sought-after surfaces just because of how easy they are to work with. Therefore, if you’re just a beginner, your safest bet is a cotton canvas.
Wooden
Just like wood panels, wooden canvases have a rigid, yet smooth surface that works great for acrylics, oils and even some mixed media. Because wood is inherently firm, it provides a great surface for creating fine lines and details since it allows for precise brushstrokes.
Since wood doesn’t wrap like fabric does, it means that your artwork will hold up well over time. However, wood tends to be a lot heavier than other types of canvases. Also, as the sturdy and durable material it is, it tends to be a bit pricier too. One other disadvantage to this option is that it’s not as convenient for creating large paintings.
Shaped
If you want something unconventional, shaped canvases offer a creative twist to traditional models. They can be found in all sorts of shapes, including round, heart-shaped and even skateboard canvases. They are usually made from either cotton or wood. As such, they work well with most types of paints.
They are best for statement pieces as they make your artwork truly stand out. However, because of their unusual shape, they can be somewhat tricky to frame. Just food for thought before deciding on them as your final choice.
Canvas Panels
Canvas panels, also known as canvas boards, are a more affordable choice. They are mounted on either a cardboard or a wooden board. They work best for oils and acrylics and are a go-to option for small-scale work, sketches or quick studies.
Due to their sturdy construction, panels are often less prone to damage than stretched canvases. When you search for panel canvases, look for those treated with a wrap-resistant coating so they don’t warp over time.
Stretched Canvas vs. Canvas Rolls
Stretched canvas is the one that already comes stretched on a board, making it convenient if you don’t want to deal with the stretching yourself. Canvas roles, on the other hand, are large unstretched rolls that can be stretched and cut to any size you want. They are basically a raw material that needs to be stretched or framed. Thus, they are a lot more affordable than stretched canvases but that’s why they also require more work to set up.
