Surface Options

Canvas is the most popular choice for artists looking for a surface to paint on, and for good reason. One of the main benefits of canvas is its durability. Canvas is made from sturdy cotton or linen fabric, which means it can withstand the rigors of heavy painting and frequent handling without tearing or warping. Additionally, the texture of canvas provides a unique tooth that’s ideal for holding paint and allowing it to sit on the surface in a way that creates depth and dimension. Finally, canvas is readily available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find the perfect canvas for your next painting project. This is a great option for beginners and established artists. The only downside can be storage, if you’re like me and have alot of paintings than it can be tricky to store, especially if you use the chunky depth.

Canvas board is a versatile and convenient option for artists who want a portable and easily accessible painting surface. One of the biggest benefits of canvas board is its rigid structure, which provides a stable surface that won’t bow or warp over time. This makes it ideal for small paintings and studies, as well as for artists who are always on the go. Additionally, canvas board is affordable and easy to find in a variety of sizes, making it a cost-effective option for artists of all levels. Canvas board is also easy to store as there is little depth to it. This is a great option for both new and established artists.

MDF, or Medium-density fiberboard, is a popular choice for artists who want a low-cost and lightweight painting surface. One of the key benefits of MDF is its stability and uniform texture, which makes it an ideal surface for painting with a variety of mediums. It also accepts primer and paint very well, allowing you to achieve a smooth and even finish. Additionally, MDF is readily available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes, making it easy to find the right surface for your painting needs. Furthermore, MDF is an environmentally friendly option, as it’s made from recycled wood fibers, reducing waste and preserving natural resources. If you choose this option you will need to add several coats of primer as the paint will get absorbed very quickly. This is a great option for both beginner and advanced.

Artists paper is a versatile and popular choice for artists who want a surface for quick sketches, studies, and watercolor or acrylic paintings. One of the biggest benefits of artists paper is its absorbency, which makes it ideal for working with water-based mediums like watercolor or gouache or acrylic. Additionally, artists paper is available in a wide range of textures and weights, allowing you to choose a surface that’s perfect for most painting styles. Whether you prefer a rough surface that provides a lot of tooth for holding paint or a smoother surface that’s ideal for fine detail work, artists paper has both options. Furthermore, artists paper is easy to transport and store, making it a great option for artists who like to work on the go or have issues with storage.

When practising or doing exercises, you can use basic watercolour paper, the thicker, the better, as it won’t buckle as the thinner paper will. We will talk about stretching paper in a later video, but you only really need to do that for finished pieces.