When it comes to oil painting, you’re going to need to find something to hold your paint. There are many options to choose from. For instance, you might want to consider purchasing some canvases, which have already been stretched. On the other hand, you may want to purchase a roll of canvas, which will give you the ability to stretch your own canvas, but you’ll also need some stretcher bars. Of course, panels are also another option, which many oil painters enjoy.
Already Stretched Canvas
This is always an option, which is usually very cheap. Of course, that price comes with a few downfalls, at least to me. I prefer to have canvas, which is stretched very tightly. In fact, I usually rub my thumbs raw, while trying to get the perfectly stretched canvas. If it doesn’t beat like a drum, I don’t like it, but that’s just me. Some people like a loose canvas and won’t mind this type of canvas.
Of course, this all depends on the quality of the product. Pay a little bit more, if you’re going to crafting a masterpiece. If you’re just practicing, don’t be afraid to waste a little money on a bunch of stretched canvases.
Canvas Roll and Stretcher Bars
This is slightly more expensive, since you’ll need canvas and stretcher bars, but I prefer this method. Although it is slightly more time consuming, I like the feel of freedom and total control over my works. You’ll need to learn how to properly stretch a canvas, but you may just fall in love with it, as I have.
Panels
A lot of artists love panels. They’re firm and generally fairly cheap. Although this is just personal opinion, I don’t like panels, because I like to use the same stretcher bars over and over. With panels, this isn’t possible, especially if you paint in a impasto manner. Otherwise, panels are very awesome and firm.
Unprimed Canvas or Primed Canvas
If you want to take things a little bit further, you will want to break it down and consider the difference between unprimed and primed canvas. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to choose a primed canvas, since it is typically easier and cheaper. As a somewhat moderately experienced oil painter, I still prefer the primed canvas, since gesso can be a hassle. Still, an unprimed canvas will give you the ability to create a completely unique piece of art right from the beginning. Some artists like to mix their gesso, with a little bit of colored oil paint, to create a good underpainting.
My Preference
As already mentioned above, I like purchased canvas and stretching it on bars myself. I prefer Jack Richeson Caravaggio Finest Italian Canvas, which is already primed, but sometimes I will go with a thick Fredrix canvas. What do you prefer?
Already Stretched Canvas
This is always an option, which is usually very cheap. Of course, that price comes with a few downfalls, at least to me. I prefer to have canvas, which is stretched very tightly. In fact, I usually rub my thumbs raw, while trying to get the perfectly stretched canvas. If it doesn’t beat like a drum, I don’t like it, but that’s just me. Some people like a loose canvas and won’t mind this type of canvas.
Of course, this all depends on the quality of the product. Pay a little bit more, if you’re going to crafting a masterpiece. If you’re just practicing, don’t be afraid to waste a little money on a bunch of stretched canvases.
Canvas Roll and Stretcher Bars
This is slightly more expensive, since you’ll need canvas and stretcher bars, but I prefer this method. Although it is slightly more time consuming, I like the feel of freedom and total control over my works. You’ll need to learn how to properly stretch a canvas, but you may just fall in love with it, as I have.
Panels
A lot of artists love panels. They’re firm and generally fairly cheap. Although this is just personal opinion, I don’t like panels, because I like to use the same stretcher bars over and over. With panels, this isn’t possible, especially if you paint in a impasto manner. Otherwise, panels are very awesome and firm.
Unprimed Canvas or Primed Canvas
If you want to take things a little bit further, you will want to break it down and consider the difference between unprimed and primed canvas. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to choose a primed canvas, since it is typically easier and cheaper. As a somewhat moderately experienced oil painter, I still prefer the primed canvas, since gesso can be a hassle. Still, an unprimed canvas will give you the ability to create a completely unique piece of art right from the beginning. Some artists like to mix their gesso, with a little bit of colored oil paint, to create a good underpainting.
My Preference
As already mentioned above, I like purchased canvas and stretching it on bars myself. I prefer Jack Richeson Caravaggio Finest Italian Canvas, which is already primed, but sometimes I will go with a thick Fredrix canvas. What do you prefer?