If you’re an amateur or pro painter, art lecturer, or hobbyist, you know that what you paint on matters almost as much as what you paint with. The canvas is the foundation. Get it right, and it supports your vision. Choose poorly, and you’ll fight it every step. Let’s talk about what to consider so you pick a canvas that works, not one that works against you.
If you paint whether professionally, as a hobby, or teach others, you’ve probably asked: should I use a wood panel or stretched canvas? Each has strong points. Picking the right one can influence how your work looks, lasts, how you handle it, and even what techniques feel natural. Let’s dig in.
If you’re a painter–amateur, pro, lecturer, or hobbyist–you’ve probably felt it: the fear that your work won’t be seen, that your voice won’t reach anyone. It’s real. But it doesn’t have to stop you. You can build visibility, even when fear is heavy. Here’s how.
If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas and felt a pang of hesitation or found your colors lacking pop, toning your canvas could be the secret to unlocking more expressive, confident painting.
When your brushes are loaded and your vision is flowing, you’d rather paint than build. But is buying canvases or making your own more cost-effective? The answer depends on your goals and teaming up with pros like CanvasLot often comes out ahead in both value and quality.
Making your own canvases–be it stretching your own fabric or securing DIY panels–can cut material costs by up to 50 percent, especially if you’re making multiple or unusual sizes. You get total control over fabric choice and priming which can be tempting if you’re budget-conscious. But, that time isn’t free. Building, sizing, gessoing, these steps slow you down. Not to mention, if you’re not yet practiced, small mistakes can creep into corners and tension.
Choosing the right canvas size isn’t just guesswork, it’s a balance of composition, subject, display space, and presentation. While there’s no single “golden size,” artists often rely on easy rules of thumb to find the right fit. Here’s a guide that you can use.
Choosing a canvas isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest one, it’s about matching the canvas to your style, medium, and budget. Here’s a guide to help both hobbyists and pros pick wisely.
Mixed media art is wonderfully expressive but it often combines delicate materials that age differently. To keep your work looking great for years, a little care goes a long way. Here are practical steps to preserve your mixed media pieces without losing their creative spark.
Working on a painting and thinking, “I need a size that fits just right?” You’re not alone. Choosing custom‑sized canvases lets you match your vision exactly—to the space, the medium, and the feel you want. It’s about purpose, scale, and avoiding compromise.
When you sell or transport artwork, especially stretched canvases, framed pieces, or mixed-media panels, proper packaging isn’t optional. It protects your work, your reputation, and your investment. Here’s a guide to packing and shipping artwork safely.