Surfaces

Canvas + Supports - Stretched canvas and cradled birch panels are suitable surfaces for acrylic or oil painting. Rollstock canvas and stretcher bars are available for painters who prefer to prime and stretch their own canvasses. Unbraced wood panels, canvas panels and canvas pads are great for smaller works and are an economical choice for practice pieces or for plein air painters wanting something compact and lightweight.

Paper - is often made from natural fibers such as cotton rag, mulberry, wood pulp or a mixture of fibers. Paper comes in different weights (thickness) and may or may not have external and/or internal sizing. Paper sizing becomes important when using watermedia or for printmaking. The sizing will allow the pigment/ink to remain vibrant by controlling absorbtion into the paper.

Watercolour Painting, Printmaking and Drawing are traditionally done on paper - although new Grounds - Absorbent Ground, Watercolour Ground, Pastel Ground have opened up the possibilities to work on other surfaces such as canvas and board.