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When it comes to painting, we often imagine a typical stretched canvas, sat on an easel waiting to be transformed from an empty void to a masterpiece. However, as artists have experimented throughout the centuries, the term “canvas” has transformed & expanded to include a variety of different creative surfaces.
Which brings us neatly to today’s blog, where we’ll do our best to break down the different forms of canvas out there, what makes them unique & how they benefit the artist. Hopefully, once you’re done reading, you’ll have a better idea of what to pick for your work (or some ideas for a fun, fresh change!).
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Canvases can be made a of a variety of materials, but cotton & linen are by far the most widely adopted for a number of reasons.
Cotton, for instance, is incredibly versatile & affordable, making it an ideal material for beginners or anyone looking to experiment without breaking the bank. However, it doesn’t provide as much structural integrity as linen, being more prone to sagging or stretching with heavier applications.
Generally more expensive, linen has smoother weave & stronger fibres that offer a more stable working surface with natural oils that help to preserve your work. Less elastic than their cotton counterparts, they can be more difficult to stretch when producing your own bespoke canvas.
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The classic form of canvas we all envision upon hearing the word, offering a readymade, easy-to-use surface for artists of all skill levels & fields.
Made by taking a suitable material (such as cotton or linen), stretching it taut over a sturdy wooden frame & finishing with several layers of primer or gesso, stretched canvases are available in a variety of materials, finishes, sizes & depths.
For today's purposes, we'll be focusing on our newly expanded range of Cowling & Wilcox canvases & materials.
Traditional Depth
Featuring a traditional depth of 1.6cm, these lightweight, convenient canvases are made using heavyweight materials stretched & secured to the rear of FSC-certified fir wood frames, preventing unsightly staples. They’re then primed with several thick layers of acid-free gesso in either a white or clear finish, ensuring they’re ready to use.
Our Artists' Cotton canvas is made using tightly stretched 350gsm heavyweight cotton, offering an accessible, high-quality range available both individually (in rectangular or square options) & in convenient triple packs.
Available in a variety of sizes, our Artists' Linen range is made using robust, tightly woven 375gsm linen for heavier applications. Uniquely, these canvases offer an additional option, being primed in either a classic white or a more rustic “natural” transparent finish.
Deep Edge
Featuring a depth of 3.6cm, these robust canvases are made using heavyweight materials stretched & secured to the rear of FSC-certified fir wood frames, preventing unsightly staples. They’re then finished with several thick layers of white, acid-free primer, ensuring they’re ready to use.
Like their traditional depth counterparts discussed above, our Deep Edge canvas range is made using heavyweight, triple-primed cotton. This is then secured to a robust, 3.6cm wooden frame that offers additional stability, the opportunity for unique 3D effects & straightforward hanging, without the need for preparation or framing. Also similar to their traditional cousins, they're available individually (in both rectangular & square options) or as a convenient triple pack.
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Boards
Made using 260gsm cotton securely stretched across a rigid 3mm MDF board, our lightweight & sturdy Cotton Canvas Boards are available in over 10 convenient sizes ideal for students, artists on the go & those with limited storage space!
Primed Panels
Featuring a pre-primed MDF surface supported by a high-quality pine wood frame, our Deep Edge Gesso Panels are a premium-quality, archival range developed to perform much the same as traditional materials whilst remaining lightweight, affordable & accessible to creatives of all kinds.
Prepared using a highly absorbent, archival-quality primer with a warm white, vellum-like finish for a brilliant, reflective finish that draws attention to your work without overwhelming your composition. Similar to our Deep Edge stretched canvases, these panels have an exceptional 3.8cm depth allowing you to easily extend your work for 3D effects & offering hassle free hanging.
Unprimed Panels
Made using durable natural materials, our Unprimed Wood Painting Panels offer a versatile, easy-to-use surface ideal for a variety of thick, heavy applications or mixed media projects.
Highly flex & warp-resistant, their smooth, hand-sanded birch surface can be prepared using a variety of gessoes, mediums & coatings or simply used as is for a naturalistic, rustic effect. Supported by a sturdy, lightweight beech cradle with a depth of 0.75", they offer quick, straightforward hanging or the opportunity to be used as a shadow box, frame or convenient tray.
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When working on large or custom-scale projects, purchasing canvas by the roll offers full control over your dimensions & can ultimately be much more cost-effective in the long run.
Rolls
Available in a broad variety of weights, our 10 metre Premium Canvas Rolls offer both primed & unprimed options made using 100% premium materials.
Their tightly woven braided yarns offer a reliable, stable support ideal for heavier applications & mixed media work, whilst remaining flexible enough to be easily cut to size as needed. Pre-cut lengths are also available in several weights.
For more on canvas rolls & stretching, check out our previous blog “Stretchers, Crossbars & Making A Canvas”!
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Specially produced to offer a convenient, non-archival method of experimenting with canvas without the bulk or extortionate costs, canvas pads are ideal for newcomers, experimenting with techniques or creating small-scale work.
Although more prone to warping (due to their lack of supportive framework found in stretched canvases), their gummed edge offers easy access to every inch of their working space & allows for removal of individual sheets, whether for exhibition, storage or disposal.
Seawhite
Available in two popular sizes, the canvas pad range from Seawhite offers 10 sheets of robust, structurally sound, quadruple-primed 280gsm canvas ideal for a variety of applications.
Fredrix
Made in the USA, Fredrix canvas pads are available in a broad range of sizes, offering 10 sheets of acid-free, medium grain canvas pre-primed in either a bold black or bright white finish.
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Click here to browse our extensive range of canvases & discover more from Daler-Rowney, Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, Bob Ross and others!
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