Paper and Canvas Contributed
Q & A FROM DERIVAN
A quick visit to your local art store often reveals an amazing array of products, yet it is the standby staples such as visual diaries and canvas that are still in high demand. In some ways these two products represent opposite ends of the creative process. Visual diaries are often used to gather and record ideas. They are more personal, and live in backpacks, and on shelves of their owners. By contrast, canvas is often seen as the end result of a creative process. Once a canvas is on a wall or in a frame the final creative idea is there for all to see.
Canvas
By definition, canvas is a loosely woven fabric used by may artists as a base for their paintings. Interestingly enough, early canvases were actually made from weaved hemp, and the word canvas derives from the Arabic word cannibas, which refers to hemp. Although hemp remains popular in some artistic circles, it’s usually not for canvas manufacturing. Most artists rely on their local art store for canvas. We asked a representative from a Sydney art store to tell us the most common questions about canvas, and the best answers.
Can I just paint straight on canvas?
Yes and No. Water based paints, such as acrylics, can successfully be used over raw canvas or linen but this is not the case with oil based media. Although contemporary painting practices have recently favoured the option of using the natural surface finish of raw linen or raw cotton canvas, incorporated into the artwork’s creative process, it is not always the best option if surface stability and longevity is desired.
Some preparation to your canvas support will be required for optimum paint film adhesion, protection and durability. Cotton and other natural fibre supports have the inherent problem of their reaction to variations in atmospheric conditions (humidity, temperature), which can affect them in several ways. Gesso will also tighten the canvas, making a firmer ground to paint on.
The most conventional method of preparation is the application of a Gesso or Primer to the canvas to seal, protect and condition the weave, providing a suitable surface for the application of subsequent paint layers. A primer or gesso also prevents the canvas from absorbing moisture – which promotes bacterial growth.
Another minor, but not less important, difference of painting over a support prepared with standard white gesso primer is that the intensity of your colours will be increased, as opposed to painting over a raw canvas or linen. Over time, gesso also prevents paint cracking and flaking, and increases the overall archival quality of an artwork. It is typically made from an acrylic binder, calcite grounds and pigment.
Do I need a different gesso for oil and acrylic painting?
Both oil and acrylic paints can be applied over acrylic gesso. There are specialist oil painting primers that specifically cater to the properties of oil paints. Acrylic gessoes can be somewhat absorbent and dull the colour and texture of oils. Oil painting primers are much less common and take longer to both apply and appropriately dry or cure, and can only be used with oil paints. Almost every pre-stretched canvas will come ready primed with an acrylic gesso.
I like the colour and texture of my canvas. How do I keep it?
Use a transparent gesso, like Matisse MM26 Transparent Gesso, which will give you the qualities of a traditional gesso, flexibility, tooth and non-yellowing, but is virtually clear.
What is black gesso used for?
While the majority of gessoes are white, there are black versions available, such as Matisse MM25 Black Gesso. These are mainly used to create a dark background by combining two steps. This can be handy for artists who want the darkness of the gesso to impact the tone of the colours they use.
