Isabella Flores
The surface on which an artist paints is called the grounds. This can include a range of materials, such as paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, concrete, and natural surfaces like stone. The support for a painting is the underlying structure that holds the painting and can be made of various materials, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different mediums. For example, watercolour paper is a common support for watercolour paintings, while canvas is often used for oil and acrylic paintings. The preparation of the surface is an important step in the painting process, as it can affect both the appearance and longevity of the final work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface names | Grounds, matrix, or support |
| Examples | Walls, paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, concrete, YUPO paper α, Washi paper, stones, trees |
| Preparation | Some surfaces need to be stretched, glued, primed, or sealed before painting |
| Techniques | Impasto, encaustic, watercolour, oil, acrylic |
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What You'll Learn
The 'grounds' on which paintings are painted
The surface on which artists paint is called "grounds". These grounds can vary from portable canvases and scrolls to permanent structures like walls and buildings. Natural surfaces like stones and trees can also be used as grounds. Each type of ground has unique characteristics, and the suitability of a ground depends on the medium used for painting.
The most common grounds for paintings are paper, canvas, and walls. Paper is a versatile ground that can be used for various painting techniques, including watercolour, acrylic, and oil painting. It is a popular choice for artists due to its moderate thickness, which makes it resistant to wrinkling, and ease of use with paintbrushes. Watercolour paper, in particular, is designed to absorb water-based paints and is commonly used for watercolour paintings in East Asia and other countries with long traditions of this art form.
Canvas, another popular ground, is typically made from cotton or linen and can be stretched over wooden frames, glued to boards, or used unstretched. Artists often prime the canvas with a ground, such as gesso, to control the absorbency, texture, and colour of the surface. This preparation step is crucial for the longevity and appearance of the painting. Canvas is commonly used for oil and acrylic paintings, with acrylic paints offering faster drying times and unique effects compared to oil paints.
Walls have been used as grounds for paintings for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman panel paintings and the Eastern Orthodox icon tradition. Today, wall paintings are often referred to as murals and can be found in various settings, from public spaces to private residences. While walls provide a permanent ground for paintings, artists must consider the surface's texture and prepare it properly before painting to ensure the paint adheres well and does not deteriorate over time.
Other grounds for paintings include wood panels, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaves, and even unconventional surfaces like cardboard, newspaper, plaster, and gold leaf. Each ground offers unique possibilities for artistic expression, and the choice of ground depends on the artist's preferred medium, desired effects, and the intended longevity of the artwork.
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The 'support' or substructure of the painting
The surface on which an artist paints is called the "grounds". The support or substructure of a painting, also known as the matrix, is the basic surface that holds the painting. This can include walls, paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, concrete, and more. Each type of support has unique characteristics, and the suitability of the support depends on the medium used.
Paper is a common support for paintings, especially for watercolour paintings. Watercolour paper does not need to be stretched, and its moderate thickness makes it resistant to wrinkling when exposed to water or animal glue. Other types of paper used as support include papyrus, bark paper, plastics, vellum or leather, fabric, and Japanese paper (washi paper). Japanese paper needs to be fixed to a drawing board, panel, or frame, and special pliers are required to stretch and fix it to a wooden frame. YUPO paper α is a very thin type of paper that can be difficult to stretch and apply, requiring special glue.
Canvas is another popular support for paintings, especially for oil and acrylic paintings. The canvas is usually made of cotton or linen and can be stretched over strong wooden stretcher bars, glued onto a board or panel, or used unstretched. Artists often prime the canvas with a ground, such as gesso, to control the absorbency, texture, and colour of the surface. Gesso is made with calcium carbonate (also called whiting, chalk, or gypsum) and a binder, such as animal skin glue.
Other less common supports for paintings include wood panels, walls, and various natural surfaces such as stones and trees. The choice of support depends on the artist's preferred medium and the desired effect, as each type of support offers unique characteristics and advantages.
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Natural surfaces like stones and trees
The surface on which an artist applies paint is called the "grounds". This can include natural surfaces such as stones and trees. These natural surfaces can be used as a base for painting, providing a unique and organic backdrop for artistic expression. Here are some considerations and techniques for using natural surfaces like stones and trees as an artist's canvas:
Preparation of Natural Surfaces
When using natural surfaces like stones and trees, it is essential to consider the preparation required. Unlike traditional canvases or paper, these natural surfaces may need special treatment to ensure the paint adheres properly and does not deteriorate over time. One option is to apply a primer or gesso, which is a type of glue with chalk that can be painted onto the surface to create a suitable base for the paint. This step is especially important if using oil-based paints, as the oil can rot the natural surface if not properly sealed.
Paint Selection
The type of paint used on natural surfaces can vary. Acrylic paints are fast-drying and water-resistant when dry, making them a versatile option for outdoor settings. Oil paints, with their slow drying time, allow for more blending and the creation of glazes. Watercolor paints, on the other hand, require a porous surface and may not be suitable for all natural surfaces. The chosen paint should consider the natural texture and absorbency of the stone or tree surface.
Artistic Techniques
The natural textures and shapes of stones and trees can influence the artistic techniques employed. The impasto technique, for example, involves applying paint thickly to create a textured, three-dimensional effect. This can be particularly striking on natural surfaces, where the paint appears to blend with the organic contours of the stone or tree. The use of light and shadow can also be explored, with the natural surface providing a unique play of light and shadow that enhances the artistic expression.
Environmental Factors
When painting on natural surfaces outdoors, it is crucial to consider environmental factors such as weather conditions and the surrounding ecosystem. Moisture and humidity can affect the drying time of paint and may require additional protection, such as a varnish, to ensure the artwork's longevity. Additionally, the integration of the artwork with its natural surroundings can be considered, perhaps incorporating other natural elements found in the environment to create a cohesive and immersive piece.
Preservation and Display
The preservation and display of artwork on natural surfaces pose unique challenges. Unlike traditional framed artworks, stones and trees may require alternative methods of display, such as incorporating them into a garden or landscape setting. Proper sealing and protection of the artwork are essential to prevent damage from weather conditions or natural elements. Additionally, documentation and photography can be used to preserve the artwork's appearance over time, capturing the beauty of the natural surface and the artistic creation.
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Surfaces that are part of buildings or walls, like murals
Artists have been using walls as a canvas for centuries, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the present day. Mural painting is a unique art form that brings artwork into the public sphere and can be used to address social issues or as a form of propaganda.
When creating a mural, artists must consider the surface they will be painting on. The easiest surface to work with is a flat wall without many obstructions. However, some painters prefer corrugated metal, brick, or even ceilings for the unique texture it can give their work. The type of surface can also determine the type of paint used. For example, acrylic paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, while watercolors require a porous surface like paper.
Before painting a mural, the surface must be prepared. This includes cleaning the surface and applying a primer coat, which provides better adhesion for the paint. The type of primer used will depend on the surface and the type of paint being used. For example, when painting on brick or concrete, a masonry conditioner is recommended.
The location of the mural is also an important factor. Indoor murals may require different materials and techniques than outdoor ones, which must withstand the elements. Additionally, the size and cost of a mural often mean that artists must be commissioned by a sponsor, such as a local government or business.
Creating a mural typically involves a detailed design and layout that is approved by the client. Some artists may grid the area to match the design and allow for accurate scaling, while others prefer to work spontaneously without any prior sketching. Once the mural is complete, it can be protected with coats of varnish or a protective glaze to prevent UV damage and surface damage.
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The use of paper, canvas, wood, glass, etc
The surface on which an artist paints is called the "grounds", and the basic substructure holding the painting is called the "support". The support for paintings includes surfaces such as paper, canvas, wood, glass, walls, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, and concrete. Each type of support has its own characteristics and is suitable or unsuitable depending on the medium used.
Paper is a common surface for painting, especially for watercolour paintings. Watercolour paper or drawing paper does not need to be stretched, and its moderate thickness makes it difficult to wrinkle even when it contains water or animal glue. For oil paint on paper, it is recommended to apply at least three coats of primer, painting both sides of the paper to prevent curling. YUPO paper α is a very thin type of paper that can be stretched and applied to a drawing board using special glue. Papyrus, bark paper, plastics, vellum or leather, fabric, and canvas are also used as support for watercolour paintings.
Canvas is a woven material that has been used for centuries for painting and is usually made of cotton or linen. It can be stretched over strong wooden stretcher bars, glued onto a board or panel, or used unstretched. Most artists prime the canvas with a ground that allows control over the absorbency, texture, and colour of the surface. For oil painting, it is important to seal the surface with rabbit skin glue and prime it with gesso (a mixture of glue and chalk) to prevent the oil from rotting the canvas.
Wood is another support for paintings, and artists can prime the surface with gesso to create a ground on which to paint. Other surfaces that can be used as support for paintings include glass, walls, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, and concrete. These surfaces may require specific preparation or treatment before painting, depending on the medium used.
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Frequently asked questions
Common surfaces used for painting include paper, canvas, wood, and walls.
A ground is the surface on which the paint is directly applied, such as a canvas or scroll. The support is the basic substructure of the painting that holds it all together, like a wooden frame for a canvas.
Surfaces that work well for oil painting include canvas, paper, and wood. It is important to seal these surfaces with rabbit skin glue and prime them with gesso to prevent the oil from seeping through and rotting the material.
Watercolour paper is the most common support for watercolour paintings as it is porous and can absorb the paint effectively. Other surfaces that can be used for watercolour include papyrus, bark paper, fabric, wood, and canvas.
