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Canvas and preparations

Canvas and preparations

Canvas and preparations. The word canvas means a fabric used as a painting surface. Sometimes the canvas is made from cotton fibers and other times from linen fibers. Panel is nowadays almost always made of masonite or fiber board.

Whatever you use, the big secret is in the preparation.

Canvas and preparations
testing the canvas

Poorly prepared panel or canvas is lethal. Often this trashy quality is the reason, a novice in oil painting gives up after a few attempts. Flimsy linen absorbs immediately every brushstroke. Continue reading “Canvas and preparations”

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Portrait painting: Pamper yourself with good stuff!

good preparations for portrait painting
priming canvas
Apply at least three layers of gesso.

Suppose you want to learn to play the piano. The instrument on which you start is old, not in tune and with missing keys. Would that invite you to sit down and study? No! It will turn your stomach! The same goes for learning to paint. Poor art supplies will not encourage you to make a good painting. Believe me, good stuff really makes a difference! Starting with the canvas. A miserable support base is a principal stumbling block, I can´t stress it enough.

  • Whatever you buy, even the best double primed Belgian Linen, apply at least three layers of gesso in order to reduce the suction of the oils.
  • Use good brushes if you can afford it.
  • Buy good quality paint. Some brands of student quality is reasonable, but there is also a lot of crap on the market. Oil painting technique in itself is hard enough so do not let poor materials makes you stop before you even get started. (see also here)

Good stuff makes you happy!