Many art material manufacturers are continually coming up with innovative new styles of artist canvas, and you can take full advantage of these innovations. Among the latest styles are the bevelled stretcher bars from Wilson Bickford, which don’t require framing. Another style is the unique blend of cotton and poly flax used by Fredrix Blue Label. So regardless of your artistic style, you can find the perfect canvas to fit your needs.
Cotton
When choosing a canvas, you’ll want to consider the ply counts. Artists’ canvas is often made from single-filled cotton, which is less expensive than double-filled canvas. However, single-filled cotton is generally heavier and will contain double-plied warp and weft yarns. Canvases that weigh seven oz. or less are usually single-ply for both warp and weft yarns. Cotton-numbered duck is more durable than single-ply canvas since it contains plied fibres in both warp and weft.
The price of cotton artist canvas is much lower than linen canvas but still offers a long-lasting surface for paint. Although cotton artist canvas is cheaper than linen, you can easily stretch and prime it yourself. Various brands carry both cheap and expensive cotton artist canvas. For best results, look for artist-grade cotton, which is more robust and tightly woven. If you plan to use oil paint, use a primer before painting. This is because cotton absorbs oil paint only in the first layer.
Linen
Traditionally, artists use linen artist canvas for their paintings. Made of flax plant fibres: this material is thicker and more robust than cotton. Linen comes in rolls, and the irregular weave of this material gives the finished painting texture. It is a favourite among top-level fine oil painters. However, it can be difficult to stretch or tighten if you are an inexperienced artist. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, consider using a cotton canvas.
Linen is an excellent choice to save money on your painting materials. Many manufacturers offer oil-primed canvas. The process of priming a canvas is similar to cotton and linen. You can purchase ready-made panels if you don’t have time to prime a canvas. Just make sure you use a primer to protect it from absorbing paint. A gesso coat will help the paint stick better.
Tow
This original two-artist canvas features a tow truck and an artfully done sign. It is painted in teal and rusty red colours with a white background. The artist has a talent for capturing a moment in time and has created a painting sure to inspire. To see more of his artwork, visit his website. It will inspire you to create your masterpieces. The possibilities are endless with this canvas!
Jute
The pronounced texture and acidity of natural materials like jute can result in rapid deterioration of canvases, sometimes within a hundred years, and can result in expensive conservation interventions. Whether synthetic canvases are stable and how they degrade are still unclear. However, one thing is sure – they degrade quicker than linen. The resulting paintings will be more brittle. Jute is an excellent choice for artists in oil or acrylic mediums.
Jute is a fibre made from a plant from the east Asian subcontinent. It makes mats, paper, burlap, and other products. It is also used in making canvas sails, tents, and walls. In addition to artist canvas, it is also used to make burlap, which is made from flax and hemp. While the quality of jute artist canvas varies, a few key characteristics make it a good choice for many mediums.
Paulownia wood
The quality of Paulownia wood artist canvas is unmatched by any other material. This 24-by-30 inch canvas is double-primed with an acrylic gesso for optimum coverage without sacrificing colour performance. The wood used to produce this canvas is sustainably sourced from the Pacific Northwest. It is stretched over kiln-dried pine stretcher bars. The back of the canvas is padded with ample material to allow for re-stretching.
Paulownia wood artist canvas can be framed or unframed. It is lightweight and comes in almost any size you may need. Often purchased already stretched, some artists find it beneficial to try their canvas. Amy Markham, an art teacher, author, and creator of the Starling podcast, demonstrates how to do so. You, too, can make beautiful art on a Paulownia wood artist canvas! This type of artist canvas has many benefits, including its ability to resist warping.
Canvas pads
The artist’s canvas pad has long been a staple of the artistic world. Its sturdy design allows an artist to sketch ideas quickly and without worrying about their sketches wrinkling or bleeding. Most canvas pads are triple-primed to be fungal and acid-free. They come in various sizes and prices, depending on sheet length. Despite the size and price, these pads are surprisingly affordable. Read on to discover the pros and cons of different kinds of canvas pads.
One of the most popular brands of canvas pads is Fredrix. Its thick, acid-free paper is primed with a titanium-white acrylic primer and has a double-layered cardboard backing. This canvas pad is excellent for travel as it can be worked on without bending or breaking. The paper texture of this canvas pad is a bit rough for some artists, but it’s excellent for loose painting. If you’re looking for an artist canvas pad, check out the following recommendations.