Canvas Painting for Beginners
School break is near and students now have all the free time in the world to do anything they want. Instead of wasting your time in front of the TV or laptop, why not do something productive this summer? This summer, dip your fingers in canvas painting. You may think you don’t have the talent and money to do painting but with the right knowledge, you can start this creative activity. The Internet is full of helpful tips and information, and even videos, on how to start canvas painting. If budget is your problem, there are many local art supply retailers offering art supplies at a discount.
Before you start on that first brush stroke, you first have to know the various tools required in canvas painting.
Types of Canvas
You first have to have a canvas to be able to start painting. Two of the most common material for a canvas are cotton and linen which are available in different qualities and color. Both canvas are available primed or unprimed. For beginners, choose the cotton canvas since it is less expensive than linen and get the primed version so you won’t have the trouble of priming it at home. Primed canvas may cost a bit more than the unprimed one but you don’t have to mix, apply the sizing and ground. Ask your art supplier about the perfect canvas for your painting.
Types of Paintbrushes
Try experimenting with different paint brushes. For oil and acrylic painting, bristle and sable brushes are recommended. Bristle brushes have harder bristles than sable. Use different shapes of brushes to see which brushes suits your painting style. For amateurs, use large-sized brushes to help you focus on the whole painting and less on the fine details of your piece. Use the small brushes when you’ve had practice and you’re confident with your painting skills. Also, start with the cheap brushes first.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is recommended for beginners since it is easy to use, dilute, clean up, and affordable. If you’re not sure which shades of paint to buy, here are some suggestions for a basic palette. These paints are available from high end acrylic brands.
- Burnt Sienna
- Burnt Umber
- Napthol Crimson (red) or Cadmium Red
- Yellow Ochre or Cadmium Yellow
- Pthalo Blue or Ultramarine Blue
- Pthalo Green
- Ivory or Mars Black
- Titanium White
- Titanium Buff
Other Materials
Mediums
Mediums are used to thicken or thin the oil. You have to take time in using mediums to know which suits best for the painting you have in mind.
Paint Palettes
Paint palettes are available in different materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Paper is easier to use since you can just throw each sheet after use.
Painting knives
Painting knives are used for mixing the paint, and for some artists, for painting as well.