Hints and Tips
New to art or not there is always something to learn, Find the basics here, I am learning with each painting something new and have made many mistakes which I take as lessons, If you have an tips you've discovered send us a message to help others too.
What types of Canvas are there?
Cotton Canvas
Cotton canvas is an affordable option for painters who are just starting out. A properly prepared cotton canvas will last a long time. It’s naturally flexible and durable and is often primed with acrylic primer making it easy to get straight to painting.
Linen Canvas
Linen is made from flax and is more durable, rigid, and longer-lasting than cotton. It’s also the more expensive option. Linen canvas is often primed with oil-based primers and doesn’t warp as much over time, mostly used by the pro’s. You don’t have to worry about this type of canvas becoming too brittle either as linen retains its natural oils.
Canvas Board
Canvas board is another common option for new and student painters. Some are made of primed cotton canvas that’s stretched over a fibreboard, while others are simply a board that’s been primed and stamped to have the texture of canvas. They’re cheaper and great for practicing before you start on your canvas art piece ,practice makes perfect right?
What paint brushes are the best to use on canvas?
The paint brushes you choose have to be able to withstand the hard, rough canvas surface. We recommend brushes with stiff bristles that are graded for acrylic and oil painting.
Avoid grabbing any water-colour brushes you have lying around they’re known for being softer and are going to break down,
A bonus to using firm-bristle brushes? They make it easier to do unique acrylic painting techniques like dry brushstrokes and help your detail really stand out making your painting show its beauty.
Don't forget to have clean water,towels and supplies close to you at all times.
If you are unsure on what brushes are intended for you also do a quick google search or what I like to do is have a scrap piece of paper and I just test different lines by painting around a few basic shapes which gives me a feel for the brush.
How do I prepare before painting?
Canvases need to be “primed” before you start painting, which is when you apply a layer of material that creates a smooth barrier between the canvas and paint.
Priming makes it easier for the canvas to grip paint, keep the pigments bright, and stay rigid and usable as it gets wet. Without this process, the canvas would absorb too much paint, have dull patches, or sag too easily.
Most of the canvases that you can purchase are pre-primed but always check,
The last thing you want is to be running around trying to find a brush or more paper towels while you’re in the creative zone. Once you start painting, you want everything you need within arms reach so that you don’t lose inspiration,
Who says you have to start your painting on a plain white canvas? Try a toned background Simply choose an interesting colour, paint the canvas, let it dry, and then start on your artwork. It can make colours pop and enhance the painting’s luminosity. Have fun experimenting with different colours to see what effect it has. Check out colour wheels and colour theory too
Colour Blending
While painting with Acrylics if you want to get lighter or darker shades in your artwork rather than mixing paints together you can also use water to change the shade, This also help with smoothing the paints out giving a cleaner line perfect for blending colours - Eg - beach image sand to water.
Remember also some paints are oil based and others are water based, Trying to use them together could end in the painting not setting to well or not holding onto your canvas very well. (I learned this by mistake)