In the Arts community there are certain terms that are used for determining where painting will take place.  A term that I love hearing from fellow artists is “Horizon Line”.  When I first heard this term, I immediately thought of a sunrise over a nondescript beach setting.  I knew that it was incorrect but I had no idea what the term meant so naturally, I Googled it!  For my fellow lay artists that are new the world of Fine Art and painting on canvas allow me to help you become familiar with one of the most important terms you will use throughout your career.

The Horizon Line means “eye-level” or as Ask.com’s Marion Boddy-Evans puts it:

” In ‘real life’, the horizon is where the land (or sea) and sky meet. In painting perspective, it’s the level your eyes are at, an imaginary line to which things recede. It’s important to know where it is if you’re painting a realistic scene, and it needs to be put in straight, as you need to apply perspective rules to the objects in relation to this. ”

Seems pretty cut and dry, right?  That’s because it is!

Just know this term and how it relates to your relationship with canvas can help you determine the amount of canvas you will need to complete projects and commissions!  Think about it: Once you’ve determined your horizon line, or eye-level perspective, for a landscape painting that features a barn and a roost of chickens you’re halfway done with your creation… you just have to paint it!

Horizon lines are also important because they aide you in deciding the size and shape of the canvas you will need to purchase to make a certain idea work.  For example, you may be commissioned to paint a portrait of a client’s child or parent.  For this type of painting, a canvas size of 18″w x 24″ h would be a good start.  Knowing this size will help you determine where the horizon line needs to be for the portrait.

Horizon lines also come in handy when explaining abstract artwork to clients and individuals the love you but may not necessarily understand your art!  I’ve found that by helping those individuals that are unaccustomed to viewing some of my own abstract artistry to focus on the eye-level starting point of my work, they’ve developed a firmer grasp on what I’ve been painting all of these years.

In a nutshell, that is how the Horizon Line can help you as a canvas artist save yourself more time for creativity and less time priming for a canvas purchase.

Until next time, stay informed by keeping a bookmark on CanvasLot.com’s Blog!

Many of us enjoy canvas art.  We frequent art galleries, employ or commission artists to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for our home or office, and even go well out of our way to gain inspiration from the most revered artwork in far-and-away cities states and countries.  So what happens when we decide that we can paint just as well as any famous artist, and forgo the cost of paying someone else to create art for an empty wall in our home?

After many hours of forced creative concentration and a few art supply store expeditions, we decide to make a canvas our own!

Now that the power of self-sufficiency and creativity has been mustered up, where do we begin?

I will tell you, my friend!  Here are a few suggestions I have for you as a burgeoning self-taught artist that is interested in mastering canvas for your home office and/or living spaces!

1.  Visit CanvasLot.com and purchase bulk pre-stretched canvas at a discounted, wholesale rate.  Since Canvas Lot offers top quality canvas at the most affordable prices online, you can’t go wrong!

2.  Select a few of your favorite colors of oil-based paints – be as wild or as subtle as you’d like to be!  Since I am a sucker for loud colors, I recommend a happy marriage of turquoise and chocolate brown for just about any canvas.

3.  Using two coats of paint on every sides, paint all of your canvases a solid color.   Then, take a step back and let those beautiful solid panels of paint dry!

4.  After the paint is dry, the fun can begin!  If you’re artistically inclined but pressed for time, the simplest form of canvas mastery is to take multiple colors of paint and smear them on your canvas surface without thinking about placement or horizon lines: just go for it!  With this style of free-flowing creativity, you will be amazed at the abstract art you can create for your home and living space!  If you’re not too keen on free wheeling brushstrokes and lines, create a simple stencil instead and paint inside the lines with a paint brush or art sponge.  Some of the most popular stencils of today are birds, flowers, stars, and even the old stand-by happy face!

5.  Let your paintings dry!  If you are using an oil-based paint as I recommended you will need to allot for a longer dry time than with most other paints.  As the old adage goes: good things come to those who wait!

As you can see, these five simple steps to making canvas your own can take up very little time and money.  Canvas Lot will help you expedite the creative process by cutting your drive time to an art supply store, too!  So get started, Picasso!  Your canvas awaits!

Fredrix Artist Canvas is one of the world’s most well-known art supply companies that sells high quality art supplies, canvas, paper, and notebooks.  But why should you, the beginning artist or seasoned veteran, choose to purchase canvases made of Fredrix materials from CanvasLot.com?  Because of both companies, you are going to receive the best quality pre-stretched canvas at the best discounted prices from companies that are locally established.  Pretty cool, eh?

Founded in 1868 by entrepreneur E. H. Friedrichs, Fredrix has been the go-to art supply company for beginning artists and is now being brought to you through the online shop of CanvasLot.com.  Fredrix canvas material is primed with acrylic gesso, which creates an excellent surface for your oil based painting needs!

According to ARTTalk.com:

“Fredrix shops all over the world to find the finest artist grade cottons, linens and blends, which are all woven to their rigid specifications. Thousands of years before what we now know as artist canvas was available, cotton and linen (flax) were being used in many ways. For instance, the linen used to wrap mummies in the ancient tombs of Egypt was created over 6,000 years ago. It was part of their unique burial method and, along with the dry climate of the desert, preserved the linen. The Shroud of Turin, believed by some to be the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped after his death over 2,000 years ago, was also linen. These examples speak volumes of linen’s archival qualities.”

Wow!  That is fascinating!  Not only is Fredrix wildly popular in the art world, it is apart of an extensive history that dates back centuries… impressive!

With so many options to buy quality canvas online, CanvasLot.com is your best budgeting bet for your buck because of its use of Fredrix canvas.  All canvases are hand stretched with the Fredrix’s carefully woven duck that allows for a smooth and absorbent surface.  This means that you’re paying for pre-stretched canvases pulled and primed by hand as well as allowing yourself to be apart of history by painting on the world’s most popular surface!

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about Fredrix and the history behind your brand new painting surface, visit the Canvas Lot site to purchase your piece of the pie!  CanvasLot.com offers multiple size options to fit your painting needs.  You can also order multiple canvases at discounted, wholesale rates that will please your financial sensibilities and keep your pocketbook plump with savings!

CanvasLot.com strives to provide all artists and individuals who use pre-stretched canvases for projects with the best product they can offer.  What you may not know is that the material used to create your brand new blank canvases is a traditional, well-known textile called cotton duck canvas.  Let’s explore this remarkable textile that is as rich in its historical uses as it is beautiful hanging on art gallery walls!

This material has been a tried and true textile for the arts community since the sixteenth century!  It gained popularity in Italy, one of the world’s most well-known places for Fine Art and modern design.  Although it is known that panel painting was used most commonly and widely throughout Europe, duck cotton began to make its move within the Arts community as the centuries rolled on.  Today, cotton duck canvas is the common textile used to stretch into a canvas for artists all over the world.

Oftentimes, duck is un-sized, and its uses are determined based on weight.  For those of us outside the textile industry, the material duck is known as “canvas” and is commonly used to make fashion accessories such as shoes and handbags.  Did you know that it is also used to make shower curtains and sails?  What a versatile textile!

The editors of Wikipedia have the most comprehensive explanation for those of us that need information in lay terms:

“A numbering system is used to describe the various weights of duck cloth, based on the weight of a 36×22-inch piece. Weights below 19 ounces are called numbered duck. The grade of numbered duck refers to the number of ounces subtracted from 19 for a 36×22-inch piece of fabric. For example, a piece of #8 numbered duck with dimensions of 36″×22″ weighs 11 ounces (19 − 8 = 11); those above 19 ounces are called naught duck.^[2]

Numbered duck is nominally made in weights from 1 to 12, but numbers 7, 9, and 11 are no longer used. ”

[Retrieved on July 18, 2012 – Gerilyn Hayes]

Another point of interest to you should be the good company that CanvasLot.com is keeping with renowned Fredrix.  Fredrix has been an art materials and canvas supply company for over one hundred and forty years!  That’s quality you can believe in, and one that I recommend for artists in need of bulk blank canvas purchases.

So it’s true!  Cotton duck canvas really is all it’s quacked up to be!  To purchase your very own canvases at discounted, wholesale prices visit CanvasLot.com.

Attention all canvas artists who need a online promotional overhaul!

You’ve gotten your pre-stretched canvas from CanvasLot.com.  You’ve painted and painted your well-measured ideas.  You’ve told your friends and your family about your masterpieces.

What’s next?  Online promotion, of course!

If you do not know where to begin, I am here to help you!  As you can see, CanvasLot.com is not only a place to purchase the best quality canvas for your buck but a hub of relevant information for artists just like you!

Well, here are the details in a nutshell… take notes!

HOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE PROMOTION CAMPAIGN FOR YOUR ONLINE ARTS BUSINESS IN 3 EASY STEPS

No. 1 Determine your goal – Developing your fan base!
A good starting point to your brand new online promotion campaign is to determine your goal, which in this case would be to develop your fan base.  Although you may have the support of many friends and family members, your ultimate reach should be to potential buyers of your artwork.

In order to do this, create a buzz!

No. 2 Create a Buzz Online!
If you are living in the 21st Century, you are most likely a social entity on the beautiful beast we all know as Facebook.  By using this amazing social networking resource, you can create a buzz about your canvas art by premiering your art on your Fan Page (if you do not how an art business page please visit www.facebook.com/help/pages/getting-started) and, if you’re feeling particularly entrepreneurial, create a release date for your new big art piece.  Think of it as a virtual lifting of the veil!

The Facebook Fan Page is the one place where you can post photographs and images of your artwork other than your website.  Also, you can encourage your regular site visitors to “Like” your artwork on Facebook!

That’s what I call a win-win, my friend!

No. 3 TELL EVERYONE via Your Social Network
We’ve already determined your goal to develop your fan base into a more financially generous demographic, created your own Facebook Fan Page where new fans can enjoy perusing your virtual wares, and picked a release date for one or more of your prized pieces.  The next, and final, step to this online promotion campaign is to tell people about it!

Facebook is probably the best social network to start telling your virtual audience about the release of your unveiled canvas art piece, but don’t forget about Twitter and Pinterest!

I highly recommend that you create at least five Twitter feeds per day to keep your audience abreast of your big reveal – this creates anticipation for your art’s big moment.

I also recommend using Pinterest as a source of advertisement and promotion since you can develop an interactive fan base that can re-pin your artwork onto their social networking space.  It creates double exposure for your business!

SIMPLE IS AS SIMPLE DOES
As you can see, online promotion for canvas arts businesses, whether freelance or fine arts professional level, can be quite simple.  If you have the proper social media tools and know-how you can promote every aspect of your business without a hitch!

For more cool tips about Art and Arts Promotion for Canvas Artists, stay bookmarked to CanvasLot.com’s Blog!

If you are an artist who loves the rush of feeling paint smoothly cover the surface of canvas, you’re probably anxious to share your passion with the world.  If you do not know how to go about doing this, especially as a canvas artist in the beginning stages of your career, you’ve come to right place!

I am going to share a secret with you to help your art be seen by an international audience!

Ready to learn more?  Great!  These websites are hosts to my top choices for the best online art communities for canvas artists!

RAW Artists –  Raw Artists is an excellent international community for canvas artists because this company is hip, young, and fresh with a keen eye for exceptional talent!  What’s even better is that anyone with a passion for canvas art can sign up and begin showcasing their work on the RAW network.  If you’ve been dying to have your art shown in public arenas, RAW has a space for you at one of their amazing monthly events.  More information is available on their website.

 

deviantART – deviantART is much like Facebook or Myspace, where you can create a new social identity that helps you exhibit your art in a virtual setting.  This community is particularly beneficial to canvas artists because the network enables artists to develop a following of fans that are also artists!  From graphic designers to black and white illustrators, deviantART is a community of people that virtually display their wares for money.  Visit their website, and remember to purchase your bulk canvas on the way!

 

Blue Canvas – If you have yet to visit Blue Canvas, I highly encourage you to do so.  You’ve been searching a community that provides you with an outlet to feature your canvas art for a while now , and Blue Canvas is one of the premier networks to help you!  Artists and art lovers are welcome within this community that also has its own quarterly publication that specifically features its members.  Best of all… it’s FREE to join and you can begin posting your artwork as soon as you register.  Visit their website to begin showing the world your canvas art!

GET STARTED TODAY
These are just a few truly wonderful artists communities on the world wide web that will help you exhibit your artwork to a large audience, and build a loyal following!  Make sure you adhere to the community policies, as each social network has their own set of standards.

Until next time, keep your bookmark on CanvasLot.com’s Blog!

There are many benefits to online shopping for pre-stretched canvas in lieu of traditional retail shopping.  I’ve discovered that online shopping is much more convenient than planning the fastest route to the local art supply store, increasing my gas costs to drive my car (however fuel efficient my lovely Yaris may be), and spending money on just two large canvases that may lack the quality I was looking to find.  Not mention, online shopping for pre-stretched canvas guarantees me exceptionally low stress levels!

I enjoy making smart canvas purchases through CanvasLot.com because I trust their quality and a click of my mouse saves me money!  Below, I will tell you why.  Let’s get started!

RETAIL THERAPY OR AN INEVITABLE FINANCIAL HEADACHE
Although traditional retail shopping does provide a genuinely positive shopping experience most of the time, I’ve found that it does not keep gas money in my pocketbook which causes me stress.  Sure I could budget properly for gas costs but I usually remember that I need to go to the grocery store for a random replenishment item or just find another reason to shop on impulse.  You’ve been there before, I’m sure and it takes an exceptional amount of willpower to ignore a sudden itch to spend.

To alleviate the pitfalls of spending while shopping at retail stores, I’ve chosen to shop for art supplies and canvas in the comfort of my own home.  This way, I know what I want to purchase and how to get it to my home in a timely manner.  I also do not feel the pressure that comes with spending in public or guilty if a nice salesperson makes me feel obligated to purchase just one more little item that will improve their metrics.

ONLINE SHOPPING IS A GOOD MOVE FOR YOUR BUDGET
As previously mentioned, I refer to Canvas Lot  for my bulk canvas purchases.  When you land on their website, you’re immediately greeted with videos that detail their production process.  If you can believe it, there are real people that are stretching the canvas by hand!  Made-to-order and custom-fitted, these canvases are the real deal.  You’re not going to purchase five canvases wrapped haphazardly in celophane that have been warped due to poor shipping and storage practices.  You’re going to receive hand-stretched canvases that have been given the attention that you’d expect.

Many artists, such as yourself, know how to stretch their own canvas but in the event that you just don’t have the time to do so, you need to sit in front of your computer and go to CanvasLot.com to get your bulk canvases.

ONLINE SHOPPING WITH CANVAS LOT
If you have a budget of $100.00, you can get at least 9 quality canvases, if not one more for giggles!  Sure, you can go to Amazon.com to search for a more affordable price but are you going to receive the same quality?  Do you know where your canvas is coming from?  Do you know who made it?  Most likely you won’t know the answer to these questions – with CanvasLot.com you have the assurance of knowing that your dollars will get you the most canvases at the best quality from the experienced hands of Austin, Texas residents.

It’s just that simple!

What are you waiting for?  Follow me to CanvasLot.com today!

With so many options to buy pre-stretched art canvas at a reasonable price, you may be asking yourself why you should pick CanvasLot.com as your canvas retailer.  I’ll give you a few good reasons why CanvasLot.com is the online art supply retailer for you!

THINK GLOBAL, GO LOCAL!
Many art supply companies purchase their products from vendors that offer their products at discounted rates but sometimes the quality just isn’t there.  The benefit of shopping through CanvasLot.com is that you know exactly where your canvas is coming from: Austin, TX.  Every canvas is stretched by hand under the supervision of well-trained technicians that know that quality will always override quality.  If you ask me, that’s a bargain in and of itself because you’re getting the best canvas for your hard earned buck!  Plus, you’re helping the local economy and when you take care of the locals, the locals will take care of you.  It’s a win-win, my friend!

BULK BUYING IS THE WAY TO GO
For many artists, students, and teachers buying art supplies and canvas in bulk is the most reasonable and affordable route to take on a spending spree.  Most art supplies are not very costly on a need-to-buy-now basis.  It’s the long-term, big picture business of art supply management that typically eats away the dollars of the customer.  Since you want to save yourself money and time, buy in bulk!  CanvasLot.com offers you this option in addition to high quality pre-stretched canvas.

WHOLESALE DISCOUNTS
Did you know that CanvasLot.com offers discounts to wholesale buyers?  For the past ten years, Canvas Lot has made every effort to perfect their quality standards to offer their customers the best canvases at the most affordable prices.  Canvas Lot also understands the importance of offering wholesale discounts to individuals and entities that need them most.  If you’re a school teacher who wants to provide art canvases to your entire class or a volunteer at an art therapy office, you have a reliable foundation for buying your canvas at a wholesale price!  Isn’t that a relief?  Now, you can get down to the business of making art not wasting time with an affordable art supply treasure hunt!

What Are You Waiting For?  Buy Your Canvas Today!
These are just a few reasons why CanvasLot.com is your one-stop online shop for the best canvases.  Once you actually receive your brand new blank pre-stretched canvas that’s been waiting to exhibit your imagine on its fibers, you’ll see just how brilliant your decision to buy from them was… go ahead – pat yourself on the back for your future frugality!

De Stijl on Canvas

De Stijl is everywhere, and you love it but you don’t even know it!

One of my favorite forms of artwork is De Stijl, a composition of lines angles and primary colors on a stark white background.  I would imagine that art history teachers find this particular art movement very exciting to teach based on its exultation of the abstract and the pure forms within human beings’ everyday lives.  De Stijl was a direct result of neoplasticism, which rejects the idea of painting or recreating objects in a traditional sense.  Only the form and color were the absolute highlight of De Stijl.

The most well known artists that used De Stijl on canvas were Piet Mondrian (1872–1944), Vilmos Huszár (1884–1960), and Bart van der Leck (1876–1958), and  architects Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964), Robert van ‘t Hoff (1887–1979), and J.J.P. Oud (1890–1963).  Theo van Doesburg (1883-1931) was the founder of the De Stijl art movement that has influenced so much of our modern art and design.

Piet Mondrian is important to canvas art because of his idea of De Stijl as an art movement that claimed to reflect the absolutes of form in nature.  This idea has influenced many artists around the world, and it has also influenced individuals who are not typically thought of as canvas artists but performing artists and scientists.  His most recognized work is a series of “lozenge” paintings that are canvases tilted at 45 degrees to create a diamond shape.  They are known as Composition With Blue and Composition in White and Blue.

Outside of the art world, De Stijl on canvas has influenced brilliant minds.  Frank Lloyd Wright, the world’s premiere architect with a personal history full of intrigue, uses the most recognizable form of De Stijl in the erection of commercial and residential buildings.

Of all Wright’s creations, the most famous and revered is located east of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Fallingwater.  I think of it as a residential structure that was influenced by De Stijl because of its sharp lines and neutral color scheme.   This building was erected in the mountains over a 30′ waterfall.  De Stijl is a movement that heralds nature.  In my humble opinion the Fallingwater home encompasses many of the ideals that De Stijl upheld, and that is why I love it so much! Take a look for yourself!  I plan on packing up a suitcase and leaving Austin to visit this amazing structure one of these days.  Until then, I’ll continue to study the De Stijl movement in canvas art and modern architecture.