Canvas

The basic foundation on which an artist paints is called the support. Traditional supports for artwork fall into the paper, board and canvas categories, though buckets, saw blades, jars, vehicles and even the bedroom wall are all possibilities.

Oil and acrylic paints are generally applied to canvas or canvas-like supports. These basic applications give an artist predictable results as far as manipulation of the medium, overall quality and longevity of the finished product.

Artist’s canvas is the term for fabric stretched on wooden bars, adhered to a rigid support or hanging loose like a banner. The word “canvas” does not refer to any particular textile. Canvas is a firm, closely woven fabric made of cotton, hemp or linen, in a plain weave, and produced in various weights. It is often used for tents, sails and awnings. The name “canvas” comes from the Latin cannabis, a fact that gives away its historic connection with hemp.

Linen Canvas
Linen provides the artist with a unique painting experience. The wide variety of weaves and textures offer limitless possibilities. It is the canvas of choice for the artist who is concerned about longevity. Its reputation may be perceived to give additional value to the finished painting.

To the everyday painter the cost of linen may be a deterrent, though it is becoming more competitively priced. The growing availability of pre-stretched, ready-to-paint linen canvas makes linen less elusive and more appealing to beginning painters.

Cotton Canvas
Superior quality cotton canvas is also a dependable support. Cotton is produced from the seed hair of the cotton plant. The flowers from which these different types of cotton are obtained vary in color and texture. This provides each type of cotton with different characteristics. Traditionally, Sea Island has been the preferred cotton for artists’ canvas. Cotton fabric is made in various grades determined primarily by the length of the fibers, and the amount of waste material incorporated in the weave.

Other Canvas Fabrics
Artist canvas is also available in cotton/polyester blends. If you are unsure about a particular fabric, or how it should be used, ask your local art supply retailer or refer to the manufacturer’s literature for specific information.

Canvas Paper
A number of variations of canvas-like paper or canvas sheets are available. A heavyweight paper may be embossed with a canvas-like texture. The paper is treated so that it may accept oils, oil-like paints and acrylics. Unless mounted or clipped to a rigid support, these sheets are too flimsy to be used at an easel. They may be an economical option for a beginner but not considered the best option for permanent artwork.