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Canvas Panel or Stretched Canvas,  Which should you use?  Which is Best?

To answer the question,  canvas panel or stretched canvas which should you use.  You need to first think about what project you have in mind. Also, it is crucial to factor in your preferences as an artist. In other words, work with what you feel comfortable using. This might take some time if you’re new to the art world, but as I’ve studied and created I’ve come to know it doesn’t take long to find a medium you prefer.  Based on my experiences so far, I have picked up on a couple things.

Canvas Panels

For starters, if you like working on a flat surface, meaning without an easel, a canvas panel is the best choice. Also, canvas panels are a great choice due to their thin, yet sturdy structure. These panels are ideal for any type of medium from graphite to even the thickest oil paint.

Stretched Canvas

On the other hand, if your preference is in working with easels, I would suggest a stretched canvas, especially if you are working with oil paints. The reason being that the stretched canvas usually comes with supports that can be manually installed to the back of the canvas. This allows the canvas to be stretched to its limit, which provides the most support to the oil paint and allows better coverage of the paint.

Another thing that is important when it comes to stretched canvas is the concept of easels. In this case, there are two types of easels that can be used: tabletop and standard. Most may ask the common question: what is the difference and why does that matter? Well, I can tell you that the size of the stretched canvas has a lot to do with it,

Easel

A canvas panel is strong and sturdy.  But the middle area of a stretched canvas is more delicate and needs to be propped up to avoid tearing.  Let’s say that the stretched canvas you have chosen is a smaller size like an 8×10.  In this case, a tabletop easel would be the best option.

The tabletop easel still gives the canvas just as much support as a standard easel and it gives the artist the option of working while seated, rather than spending long amounts of time standing as required  with a standard easel.

However, if the stretched canvas is larger than 11×14 it would be best to use a standard easel. The reason is that when the canvas is larger than your working surface.   A tabletop easel becomes less able to support the canvas.   Which makes  it so one can work while still being seated.  At least that was the experience I dealt with when I had to use my school’s small working area.

Canvas panel or stretched canvas which should you use?  Using these few pointers and of course which medium you’re comfortable with.  Will help you make the most out of your artistic endeavors.

Now on to a medium to use with these canvases

Water color

Paintings can add to the beauty of your home. If you have the skill and ability to paint, you should do your very best to develop that talent. Learn more about painting by enrolling in painting classes or you can research about it online. Whether you’re an adult,  or a kid, learning how to paint is not that hard.   Especially if you put your heart and mind into it. While you’re searching for a media to use,  try watercolor paintings.

You can create and show  off your art through the use of watercolors. There are many advantages in using this water colors over other types of media. It is also a beautiful way to convey your feelings through your painting.

Here are some reasons why you should try watercolor painting.

• 1. It is simple to get started – as compared to other types of painting, watercolor painting is really easy and you can expect better results in a very short time.
• 2. Fast – there are certain techniques that you should learn in watercolor painting. Once you learn such techniques, you can do quick washes and spontaneous strokes. This is the advantage of watercolor painting that you can finish your piece in less than an hour and the greatest thing is that you will get satisfying results.
• 3. It’s portable – if you travel often, carrying paints is not a problem. The kits are lightweight and come with compact boxes that you can carry around with ease. The paper used in watercolor painting can be purchased in blocks so you don’t need a lot of space. Preparing the papers needed is also not required.
• 4. Does not smudge – as compared to charcoal and pastel, watercolor painting doesn’t smudge.
• 5. Dries quickly – in a short time, your art piece is already dry. But if you use oil paints for your painting, it would take days or even weeks before the piece dries up completely.
• 6. Watercolor is also fluid by nature – because of this, with only a few strokes, you can already fill large areas.
• 7. ‘Accidents’ can contribute to your creativity – you don’t have to worry about accidents during watercolor painting because it can magically develop into something beautiful. You can even pour the watercolor on the paper as you start your painting and see what designs it can create.
• 8. Watercolor painting is versatile in look and style – you can do illustrational works as well as abstract arts. You can experiment in some designs that you haven’t done before and it will all depend on your skill and creativity.

Ease of creation

Experts say that using watercolor is hard because the artist or painter can’t control it easily. For beginners, here’s a good advice – let the watercolor’s magic work for you. Don’t interfere with any oops moments at first and see the designs it can help create and start painting from there. Allow time to explore and you will surely enjoy your creative side for the rest of your life.

As an art lover, you already know that sometimes beautiful paintings come as accidents. But this should not be the reason to stop practicing. If you frequently paint, in time, you will be able to control your strokes and create more artistic and unique watercolor paintings. Never stop learning because by doing so, you can develop more interesting and artistic ideas that you can use in your paintings.