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You’ve heard the term at least one hundred times; canvas painting. But have you ever really known what it is? Or what it means?
Canvas is an extremely heavy duty, woven fabric. It is typically used for items where a sturdiness is needed, like backpacks, tents, and boat sails. But, when it’s stretched across a wooden frame, it is usually used as a painting surface, or “canvas,” by a painter.
Canvas, in today’s world, is made of cotton or linen. But, and this may be a fun fact for some of you, way back when, it was made of hemp.
Painters will usually coat the canvas with “Gesso” before painting. Gesso is, according to Wikipedia, “a traditional mix of an animal glue binder, usually rabbit-skin glue, chalk, and white pigment.” Using a gesso primer keeps the paint from actually touching the canvas because the chemicals in the paint will eventually decay the canvas. It also creates a much smoother painting surface.
There are quite a few differences between cotton and linen canvas. First and foremost, to many canvas painters anyway, is the cost. Cotton is much less expensive than linen and therefore, the more popular choice, especially among students who’s studies include canvas painting.
Cotton’s longevity is comparable to linen and, it actually has more flexibility so it is easier to stretch across those wooden frames. Where cotton becomes a problem is when it comes to very large paintings. Then, you’re better off with the more rigid linen canvas.
Linen is definitely a bit more difficult to prime and get stretched over that frame. If you have more money than time, you can buy the canvas already primed, and you can hire someone to stretch it on for you.
But once it’s on there, you’ve got yourself the strongest and smoothest canvas painting surface there is. One that will last for a very long time.
Canvas painting can be expensive even if you do use cotton. There are lots of tools needed to create on canvas.
Aside from the canvas material itself, you’ll need the wooden frames, or “stretchers” as they’re called. You may also require gesso primer, stretcher strips, pliers, scrapers, and clamps. And of course, the paint.
Many of these tools can be bought once and used over and over. But, in the beginning, it can take a big bite out of your wallet.
If you’re just getting started, there are more websites than you’ll ever need that are just sitting there, waiting to teach you exactly how to get started with your canvas painting. And the information is all free.
I’ve come across “canvas stretching” websites, “canvas priming” websites, and “which canvas painting supplies you need or don’t need” websites. It’s not like the old days, when you’d have to visit your local library or purchase a book to learn this stuff. It’s all out there, waiting for you to come by and use it.
No matter what type of artiste you are, you’ll probably find yourself involved in canvas painting, eventually. Good luck and have fun!