I Have been given 6 canvases, stretched over a wooden frame, probalby quite inexpensive, as they came from a book club at work. I am keen to try them! However, could I have some information on canvases in general please? I'm sure the range and cost must be vast. I am interested in a canvas that is not tricky to paint on, and not too expensive. What should I look for? ie, manufacturer, surface texture etc? I prefer to use ACRYLICS, and have only been painting for 18 months.
Many thanks, Charlotte. Berkshire

Hi Charlotte! My favourite medium is also Acrylic, though when I run demonstrations and workshops, I use SAA Practice Paper as its very cost effective. As I'm a fairly quick painter I don't have problems with it drying in.
I hear a lot of comments, likes and dislikes for certain canvasses, but in my opinion, any reasonably priced canvas will be up to the job. The main area for personal choice is usually in the surface, as to whether it is a smooth weave or a little coarser.
Regardless of the quality of the canvas, any canvas is still more of a joy to paint on than Acrylic Paper, which tends to be very absorbant, and some of the pads can also have a very sharp weave effect on them, though these tend to be the Canvas Pads.

I hope the above sheds a little light on the subject but please come back to me if you want any more specific information.

Good luck and very best wishes,

Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan area

Thank you Steve. I noticed you contribute some great solutions to so many of the queries on the Forum! By coincidence, Jacksons are doing a special offer on canvases and got an email from them today! A couple more questions please!

Will most canvaces come ready to use, or does some other surface spray need to be applied? and are there any benefits to choosing deeper backings, or is it just personal choice?

Canvas Pads? Can't imagine what they must look like?!

When would one chose a smooth weave stretched canvas, or a coarser weave, or does that depend on the picture being painted/layered/several coats of acrylic etc?

Thanks again,
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte! I think you'll find that most canvasses are ready to accept paint; either Acrylic or Oil, so don't need priming with anything.
Deep backings are a personal choice, and these are often known as "Block Canvas", and can be hung either framed or unframed (Like Next prints). Normal thickness stretcher Canvasses are generally best framed, but there is no written law on this! I often complete an Acrylic painting and simply paint the edges black. It can then be hung as it is, or framed by the purchaser.
A Canvas Pad is just like a pad of Watercolour Paper, but the leaves, or pages, are meant for painting with Acrylic Paints. If you use these, the painted Canvas Paper would need to be mounted onto a board and, probably, under glass.
As far as the roughness or smoothness of the weave, this will, as you say, depend upon the painting; if the painting is detailed, then perhaps a smooth weave would be used, or a looser, less detailed painting may suit a rogher weave.

I hope this answers your questions, but come back to me with any other information and I'll always do my best to help.

Good luck and very best wishes,

Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan area