What Do Artists Put On Canvas Before Painting?

What Do Artists Put on Canvas Before Painting? Unveiling the Secrets of the Subsurface

As a wandering artist, your canvas is your muse, a blank expanse ready to be adorned with strokes of inspiration and emotion. However, before the chromatic symphony begins, there lies a crucial step that lays the foundation for your masterpiece – preparing the canvas. This unassuming process holds secrets that can both enhance the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your creation.

1. Sizing: The Foundation of Adhesion

The first layer applied to the canvas is sizing, an adhesive substance that creates a barrier between the canvas fabric and the paint. Its primary purpose is to prevent the paint from absorbing too deeply into the canvas, ensuring that it remains vibrant and firmly attached. Sizing also helps to seal the canvas, protecting it from moisture and dust. Traditional sizing materials include animal glue, gelatin, or acrylic polymer emulsions.

2. Gesso: The Universal Canvas Primer

Gesso is a white primer specifically formulated for canvases. It provides an even, absorbent surface that enhances paint adhesion and opacity. Gesso is typically applied in multiple thin layers, each allowed to dry completely before the next is applied. By creating a textured surface, gesso allows for smoother application and blending of paint. It also helps to prevent the canvas from showing through the layers of paint.

3. Acrylic Gesso vs. Traditional Gesso

While traditional gesso is derived from animal hide glue, acrylic gesso is a synthetic alternative. Acrylic gesso dries faster, is less prone to cracking, and offers more flexibility. However, traditional gesso is considered more durable and provides a slightly more absorbent surface. The choice between the two depends on the artist’s preference and the specific painting technique being used.

4. Canvas Texture and Sizing Options

Artists have a range of canvas textures to choose from, each offering unique effects. Fine-grained canvases provide a smooth surface ideal for detailed work, while coarser canvases add texture and depth to the painting. Additionally, canvas can be purchased pre-sized or unsized. Pre-sized canvases are ready to use, while unsized canvases allow artists to apply their own sizing or gesso for customized results.

5. Special Considerations for Oil Paintings

When preparing a canvas for oil painting, it is crucial to use an oil-based primer. This provides a non-absorbent surface that prevents the oil paint from sinking into the canvas and becoming brittle. Artists can apply a thin layer of oil paint directly to the canvas or use a commercial oil-based gesso.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between sizing and gesso?
A: Sizing is an adhesive layer that seals the canvas and improves paint adhesion, while gesso is a white primer that creates a textured, absorbent surface for painting.

Q: Can I paint directly on an unsized canvas?
A: It is not recommended to paint directly on an unsized canvas as the paint may absorb too deeply and compromise its adhesion and durability.

Q: How many layers of gesso should I apply?
A: Typically, two to three thin layers of gesso are sufficient, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Q: Which is better, traditional or acrylic gesso?
A: Both traditional and acrylic gesso have their own advantages. Traditional gesso is more durable and absorbent, while acrylic gesso dries faster and is less prone to cracking.

Q: Can I use canvas that is not specifically designed for painting?
A: Using non-painting canvas is not recommended as it may not have the appropriate surface texture or durability for artistic purposes.