When it comes to painting, the canvas you choose can significantly impact your creative process and the final outcome of your next work. With a multitude of canvas types available, each with its unique characteristics, navigating through the options can be a tad overwhelming. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand and select the perfect canvas best suited to your practice.
There are a lot of choices to be made to think about before choosing your canvas of choice. This article aims to simplify the canvas selection process, whether you're an experienced artist seeking the perfect surface or a newcomer exploring the possibilities. From linen to cotton, canvas rolls to wooden panels, we'll explore the nuances of each canvas type to help you make your choice
Canvases are generally tightly stretched on to a frame that creates a spring in the fabric when pressure is applied. The more taut the canvas ia the more enjoyable it is to paint on, as the tension in the surface has an element of vibrancy and creates a more rigid surface to paint on. The tightness of a canvas must be the same across the whole frame so that the grain of the fabric is square to the edges, with no skewing. Readymade or pre stretched canvases most commonly have a universally primed canvas stretched on to a wooden frame with bevelled edges or quandrants.
Canvas can be a great motivation for every artist to create something new, thanks to its versatility. It is also the most common support medium for oil painting as well as other styles of painting, including acrylic, acrylic pouring and mixed media collages. Available in various sizes and textures, these canvases cater to diverse artistic needs, ideal for both seasoned professionals and emerging artists. Discover our collection, known for its quality and adaptability, allowing you to express your creativity effortlessly.Shop our range of stretched canvas from brands such as Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Loxley as well as Cass Art own brand of professionally made canvas.
SHOP COTTON CANVAS
Linen canvases are meticulously crafted from premium linen fibers, offering durability and a smooth texture for your artworks. Available in various sizes and depths, these canvases suit diverse artistic needs, whether you're aprofessional or an emerging artist. Explore our collection known for its archival quality and ability to enhance intricate details in your artwork.
SHOP LINEN CANVAS
A lot of artists prefer to make their own canvases to their own specifications, so If you're struggling to find the right length, width or depth, in the one canvas we also have canvas rolls and stretcher bars available to meet your needs too! There are a couple of things to consider when choosing your ideal canvas and stretcher bars.
WEAVE
Canvas is measured in grams per square metre (or gsm as you'll commonly see) or ounces per square yard (oz). If the cotton or linen has a heavy weight then one or both of the following is true: it is a thick, tough yarn and/or it is tightly woven. The lighter weight canvases are usually used by artists who draw and/or have a much more delicate touch in their work.
WEIGHT
The heavier the weight of the canvas means the more tension the fabric can take without any tearing or ripping occuring.
Our stretcher bars are produced from high quality European pine and measure 36mm in depth, 8mm lip and 40mm in width. Available in a range of sizes from 25 to 180cm in length. They are strong due to the laminated construction to ensure zero warping.
- Unique & exclusive to Cass Art
- Produced from the same highest quality European pine as existing Exhibition range
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable, whilst offering the same and durability and high quality
- Stretcher Bars sized 100cm+ are mortised in the centre for interlocking cross bars to add greater dependability and stability.
SHOP CANVAS ON A ROLL AND STRETCHER BARS
Canvas board is the term used for when a canvas is adhered to a rigid surface such as wood or card. They are wrapped around the board and glued to the reverse, whereas boards have canvas glued to the front only, with shear edges. They are perfect for both quick sketches and more accomplished finished pieces.
- They are durable and more portable making them perfect for al fresco painting.
- These canvas boards are triple-gesso primed, with a medium grain surface making them perfect for all forms of Oil, Acrylic and mixed media applications.
- High quality, dependable alternative to using stretched canvas.
- Triple Gesso Primed.
SHOP CANVAS BOARD
Wooden panels, offer a sturdy and versatile surface for your painting endeavors. Crafted with premium-quality wood, these panels provide a durable base ideal for various mediums such as oils, acrylics, and mixed-media techniques. Available in different sizes and depths, these wooden panels cater to diverse artistic preferences, providing stability and support for your creative process. Whether you prefer a smooth finish or a textured surface, these panels offer options to suit your artistic style.
Made with 100% recycled plastic bottles, this canvas is suitable for both acrylic and oil paints. The high-quality surface has been tested by professional artists in the studio and by our technical team in the lab, so you can create with confidence while reducing your impact on the environment.
- Cloth made from 100% recycled plastic bottles
- Finished weight 565gsm/20oz for stretched canvases
- Finished weight 385gsm/13.58oz for unprimed roll
- FSC wood for stretcher bars & wood key
- Back stapled with folded uncut, tailored corners
- Triple primed with highly pigmented titanium dioxide gesso primer
- For use with both acrylic and oil Paints
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