Sundown Roatan

Posts Tagged ‘canvas board’

Using Canvas as a Painting Surface for Artists

In earlier centuries, wood panels used to be the more common surface for artists to paint on. By the 17th century, canvas became much more popular, and began to overshadow the used of wood panels. As the use of canvas became more popular, artists would coat the canvas boards with white lead paint in order to diminish the texture of the canvas, and get as smooth a finish as possible. Modern artists embrace the texture of the canvas, and purposely allow it to come through in their paintings, within reason.

The Versatility of Canvas For Paintings

Artists use a variety of canvas forms to paint on, depending on their needs and their budget. There are many advantages to painting on canvas. After being stretched on a frame of some sort, the canvas can be painted along the edges, which will not require any framing. Some artists or purchasers of the art may choose to frame the canvas, but it’s not necessary.

How Canvas Can Be Purchased

Artists don’t have to just buy a canvas that has already been stretched over a specific sized-frame. There are a variety of ways which canvas can be purchased:

Rolled Canvas

Artists have the choice of buying the canvas rolled up, ready to prime and stretch over a frame. The decision to go with rolled canvas versus stretched canvas depends on a few things. Rolled canvas tends to be less expensive than canvas that has already been stretched. In addition, using rolled canvas does not make you dependent on the size restrictions that may come with canvas that has already been pre-stretched. The artists simply buys a roll large enough to meet their needs, and cut the size accordingly. Whether the canvas is then stretched over a 1/2″, 1″ or 2″ thick frame is up to the artist.

Artists that choose to use rolled canvas need to have a little know-how in the process of cutting, measuring, and actually stretching the canvas over a frame. It essential for the canvas to be very tight to minimize the risk of loosening as the artist paints over the surface.

You may choose to buy rolled canvas that is already primed and ready to be painted on once stretched. However, it is much easier to stretch unprimed canvas. This can easily be primed after it has been stretched and fastened to the frame.

Stretched Canvas

Stretched canvas is more convenient and easy, considering that the work has already been done for you. It is more expensive for this reason. Although it is convenient to have canvas already stretched and ready to paint on, you are restricted to the sizes available to you. Although many sizes are available, perhaps an artist will have a specific size and shape in mind that they might not be able to track down.

Canvas Boards

In comparison to wood frames that canvas is wrapped around and then generally staple-gunned to, canvas boards offer a slight variation in that they are pre-made supports that canvas will then be glued to a board backing. This type of surface is wonderful for students or those who paint a great deal and transport them all over, considering their light weight. The one major downfall to canvas boards is that they are not as sturdy or durable as wood frames, though there are some manufacturers that produces high quality boards.

Where to Buy High Quality Canvas

There are a few suppliers of canvas that you can find locally or even online. Finding products online and having them shipped to your door is really the most convenient way to shop, and will allow you to browse tons of different types and varieties of products. MisterArt.com is one supplier in particular that is committed to helping professional and aspiring artists get the products they need at the prices they can afford.

For those who are interested in stretching their own canvas, you may be interested in purchasing rolls of canvas. One brand in particular is Fredrix, who manufactures Acrylic Primed Cotton Duck Canvas that is made of 100% cotton duck and is universally primed. These rolls come in a variety of sizes ranging from 53″ x 6 yd rolls to 53′ x 100 yd. They range in price from $63 to $707. Visit MisterArt.com for more information on these rolls of canvas.

For the artist that appreciates the convenience of having canvas already stretched out for them over a frame, you may be interested in Creative Edge Pre-Stretched Canvas from Fredrix. This staple-free design allows you to paint on every side, allowing the user to hang the painting with or without a picture frame. A strong vinyl spine keeps the canvas in place instead of unsightly staples. there are a variety of sizes and dimensions to choose from, and range in price from $15 to $208. Visit MisterArt.com for more information on stretched canvas.

Types of Canvas Materials Used

Over the centuries, artists used a variety of textiles to create the canvas that artists would paint upon. There are a few different materials that are used to weave the canvas. Types of canvases include linen, cotton, synthetic and burlap. The highest quality canvas is that made of linen, due to its durability and its resistance to expansion and contraction from moisture. Burlap is the cheapest form of canvas materials. It can get quite brittle, and will weaken quite easily, therefore not lasting for very long. Its weave is very course, and the texture is quite noticeable, which many artists may not appreciate.

My Take

The kind of canvas you purchase really depends on the type of artist you are and your budget. If you are not very particular about the exact dimensions of your art work and have the money to spend, then perhaps stretched canvas is the way to go, especially if you can’t be bothered to stretch it yourself. On the other hand, if your budget is tight, and you are quite picky about the dimensions of your canvas surface, than buying rolls of canvas might be the right choice for you. Visit MisterArt.com for a wide selection of canvas that will be suitable for your needs.