Canvases

Discover a whole new world of Canvases with ArtStore Online.

At ArtStore Online, we seek to bring you the best Canvas brands available and have a wide range of art supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world. Discover our Canvas brands including Art Spectrum, Fredrix, Jasart, Winsor & Newton and more!

Browse through our extensive range of Canvases and accessories. Whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever Canvases you need.

What is a canvas?

A canvas is a sturdy, woven fabric traditionally made from cotton or linen and stretched over a wooden frame to create a flat surface for painting. It serves as a popular surface for artists to apply paint, allowing for a variety of techniques and styles. Canvases come in various sizes and textures, providing artists with options to suit their preferences and artistic needs. Canvases are also available in a variety of formats including stretched canvas, canvas rolls, canvas panels and canvas pads. Canvas is widely used in both oil and acrylic paint due to its durability and versatility. Additionally, it can be primed or prepared with gesso to create a smoother surface for painting and to prevent the paint from sinking into the fabric.

What are the benefits of using a canvas?

Using a canvas offers artists versatility in size and texture, durability against paint application, a professional appearance suitable for display, added texture for visual interest, moderate absorbency for vibrant colours, tight stretching for stability, and flexible framing options. In summary, canvases provide a reliable and visually appealing surface for creating artworks that withstand the test of time and can be presented in various settings.

What are some tips for using a canvas?

Prepare the Surface: Prime the canvas with gesso or other preparations to create a suitable painting surface that prevents paint from soaking into the fabric.

Stretch the Canvas Properly: Ensure the canvas is stretched tightly and evenly over the wooden frame to prevent warping or sagging during painting.

Experiment with Texture: Embrace the texture of the canvas to add depth and interest to your artwork, or consider sanding the surface for a smoother finish if desired.

Consider Sizing: Choose the appropriate size and shape of canvas for your artwork, considering factors such as composition, subject matter, and intended display.

Layer Paints: Build up layers of paint to create depth and dimension in your artwork, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next for better control and blending.

Use Brushes Wisely: Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various effects and details in your painting, and clean your brushes thoroughly after each use to maintain their quality.

Protect Your Work: Once your painting is complete, consider sealing it with varnish or another protective coating to preserve its colours and longevity.

Display and Enjoy: Hang or display your finished canvas artwork in a suitable location where it can be appreciated and enjoyed by others.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your canvas painting experience and create beautiful artworks that showcase your creativity and skill.

What art supplies will I need when using a canvas?

When painting on canvas, essential art supplies include oil or acrylic paint, a variety of paintbrushes, a palette for mixing colours, canvas of desired size and shape, stretcher bars, a sturdy easel for support, cleaning materials like water and solvents, optionally a palette knife for texture, mediums or additives for paint manipulation, palette cups for liquids, and protective gear like gloves and aprons. These supplies provide the foundation for creating vibrant and expressive artworks on canvas, allowing artists to explore their creativity and bring their visions to life.