Painting on paper vs canvas?
The surface we paint on can really effect what our finished paintings look like.
When learning any medium, using the right materials allows the best techniques to be used.
1. Is it the supplies or our technique?
If we are using lower quality supplies and then experience problems with specific techniques or issues such as the paint not adhering to the surface, then that can begin to make us question our abilities. We may start to second guess and doubt ourselves which isn’t what we need during any learning process.
If the right surface and supplies are used and we are not getting the desired effect we want then that narrows the causes down to the technique we are using.
It’s really reassuring knowing that good supplies will not hold us back.
My preference
For acrylics, I prefer to paint on canvas. I am a big fan of canvas boards. They are really easy to store and frame but as always, the brand we use can vary in quality. Some canvas boards can warp which makes framing difficult. Depending on the gesso the brand has used can impact how the paint adheres to the surface so the right good brand is key.
One other reason I prefer to paint on canvas for my acrylic paintings is that they look and feel more superior. It therefore makes our paintings look more professional which when it comes to selling art is a big deal. Pre-stretched canvases have an even more premium appearance. However, not all pre-stretched canvases are good. The stretchers bars can warp on cheaper canvases and as some clients may want to hang pre-stretched canvas directly on the wall rather than framing them, the warping will be a very serious issue. If the painting doesn’t sit flush against the wall the buyer is in most cases going to be very upset.
I’ve previously had my canvases made by my framer after having issues with many brands of canvas warping. The two brands I have tried that I found didn’t warp was the Winsor & Newton professional cotton canvas and the Fredrix canvas. These are the only two brands I personally would buy.
3. Why not paper?
I personally don’t like painting on paper. The paper has a tendency to warp and buckle which can make it a very difficult surface to paint on. I have also found that paper doesn’t allow for the layering and blending techniques which is a huge factor when painting highly detailed, photo realistic art.
