What would be a suitable substitution for real canvas in painting?

Question

I want to paint, but I don't know if I can afford a real canvas when I'm just experimenting.

Answer 1

Actually bristol board is pretty sturdy, and it's not too expensive, especially considering how much you get. It comes in a pad, in several different sizes (it's in the same area as sketch pads and papers). And they have canvas pads, which are the same canvas material only not wrapped onto a wooden frame. Also, they have thin canvases which normally come in packs and are much cheaper. Here's a link to all the different mediums you can paint on. Your options are limitless!!



http://www.dickblick.com/categories/canvaspapers/





Also, if you want to use paper and it keeps wrinkling, it helps to wet the paper first and keep it stretched out while you paint, that way it gets wet evenly and doesn't wrinkle as badly. If it's a stronger paper you could submerge it in water, or if it's thinner, just get a big paint brush, dip it in water, and wipe the whole thing quickly.

Answer 2

They make canvas boards which are less expensive than real canvas.



You can also stretch your own canvas which is less expensive.



I've also used old bed sheets that i tacked to the wall. That works well for experimenting.



Cardboard works pretty well too.



Pretty much any surface that isn't too porous or thin will work (because the paint won't absorb and make the surface wrinkle, like normal paper will)



Hope that helps :)

Answer 3

Cover a Masonite board with white house paint.

That will prime the surface for your oil paints.

When you do decide to go to canvas build your own stretcher bars.

Raise the canvas off the edges with a piece of half inch or larger quarter round. Get your canvas from an awning supply company. Prime the canvas with gesso or white latex house paint.

These are student solutions to save money.

Don't skimp on quality brushes or paints.

Good luck.

Answer 4

You can also get canvas pads, which are in sketch book form but use a thicker paper that is a lot like canvas. Cheap and you get many at a time.

Answer 5

Just one thing--don't use house paint to prime your surface.

It isn't intended to prime or be used in art. It isn't made to be compatible with artist's paint. A studio or student grade gesso will not cost more than $20 a gallon and is a much better primer for your efforts.



masonite is a great alternative to canvas.

Answer 6

in case you paint you're a real artist. basically considering which you're no longer extensive-unfold or especially much as good as various the grasp artists would not advise you're no longer a real artist. Paint your little coronary heart out and strengthen. those people who say you're no longer a real artist do no longer understand something approximately artwork.