Isabella Flores
The surface that a painter works on is called the grounds or support. Painters work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, walls, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper, concrete, and cardboard. The choice of surface depends on the painter's intention, style, and technique. For example, a painter might choose a smooth or textured canvas depending on their desired outcome. Other factors that determine the choice of surface include the durability, flexibility, and working characteristics of the paint, such as viscosity, miscibility, solubility, and drying time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General term for surface | Matrix or support |
| Specific term for surface | Canvas |
| Other types of surface | Paper, cardboard, wood panels, walls, scrolls, natural surfaces like stones and trees |
| Canvas texture | Smooth or textured |
| Canvas preparation | Stretched across a frame |
| Canvas material | Linen, silk, polyester, cotton |
| Paper type | Watercolour paper, drawing paper, Japanese paper, acrylic paper, synthetic paper |
| Paper preparation | Glued together, stretched |
| Other surfaces | Hardwood panels, hardboard panels, MDF |
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What You'll Learn
Canvas
There are two basic types of canvas: plain and duck. Duck canvas has more tightly woven threads. The term "duck" comes from the Dutch word for cloth, "doek". In the United States, canvas is classified by weight (ounces per square yard) and by a graded number system. Light-weight canvas is about 4-5 oz/sq yd (140-170 g/m2), medium-weight is about 7-8 oz/sq yd (240-270 g/m2), and heavy-weight is about 10-12 oz/sq yd (340-410 g/m2).
The texture of the canvas is an important consideration for artists. A fine canvas has minimal texture and can be almost smooth, while a rough canvas has a very pronounced weave. The choice of texture affects the painting process and the final appearance of the artwork. Some artists prefer a smooth texture, especially for portrait paintings, as a coarser texture can distort the appearance of skin. Other artists may want the canvas texture to be visible or for the paint to build up on the weave high points.
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Paper
The type of paper used for painting can vary depending on the artist's preferences and the specific technique or medium being used. For example, watercolour paper is designed to absorb water and pigment, allowing for the creation of soft and subtle gradients and blends. Heavier papers can also be used, which can withstand more layers of paint and wet media without warping or buckling.
Some artists may also choose to prepare their paper before painting, such as by sizing or priming the surface to create a smoother or more textured surface, depending on their desired effect. Paper can also be stretched or mounted onto a support, such as a wooden panel, to provide a more rigid and textured surface to work on.
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Wood
There are a variety of wood types and products to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations. Hardwood, for instance, is a well-seasoned wood that is durable and long-lasting but can be expensive. Plywood is a more affordable option, although it may warp over time if not treated properly. Hardboard panels, also known as masonite, are another cost-effective choice, made from wood fibres that are moulded into boards using heat and pressure. These panels are lightweight, durable, and suitable for beginners as well as professional artists. MDF is a newer alternative to masonite, offering potential increased durability, but it contains carcinogenic formaldehyde, which can be released when the board is cut, so precautions must be taken.
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Walls
The materials used for wall paintings have varied throughout history. Ancient Roman murals, for example, utilised fresco techniques, applying pigments dispersed in water with a damp lime wash. In contrast, the Warli painting murals of ancient India were created on the walls of mud houses. Today, mural artists have a range of options, including oil or water-based media, acrylics, emulsion, and aerosol paints.
In modern times, the traditional method of painting directly onto walls has been complemented by alternative approaches. One such technique involves painting or printing an image on poster paper or canvas, which is then pasted onto the wall to create the effect of a hand-painted mural. This method has made the beauty of wall murals more accessible to homeowners as interior decoration. Additionally, tile murals made of stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, or metal tiles can be installed onto existing wall surfaces, adding to the variety of ways in which walls can be utilised as a painting surface.
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Natural surfaces
Painting on natural surfaces such as wood, stone, and leaves is a unique way to create art. Here are some tips for painting on these natural canvases:
Wood
Wood is a good, stable painting surface that can be used with heavy applications of texture medium, gesso, or paint to add extra texture and weight to your artwork. Artist wood panels made of birch or oak can be purchased at most art supply stores and may come already sealed. If they aren't sealed, you can use a clear gloss acrylic sealer to prevent the natural wood resin from seeping into your paint. The moisture in the sealer will slightly raise the grain of the wood, so it's recommended to sand it between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. Once it's dry, you can apply a coat or two of gesso to cover the wood's colour or leave it showing through for a unique effect.
Stone
Painting on stone is a polarizing topic, as some people prefer to keep their masonry natural. However, if you're interested in painting stone, it's important to prepare the surface properly to avoid a peeling mess later. Use a coarse wire brush to gently scrub the surface of the stone and remove any loose dirt or chips. You can then choose the paint finish you prefer. Lighter-coloured stone often looks better with a shiny finish, while darker stone may call for a flat finish.
Leaves
Painting on leaves is a fun way to create unique decorations or prints. Fresh leaves work best, as they won't break as easily as dry leaves when you press on them. You can use spray paint and hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the leaf, or you can paint the backside of the leaf with acrylic paint, making sure to get into all the creases and wrinkles for a detailed print. You can then press the leaf onto a piece of paper to create a leaf print. Alternatively, you can paint around leaves stuck to a piece of paper with double-sided tape, creating leaf silhouettes.
These are just a few natural surfaces that painters can use as a canvas for their artwork. With the right preparation and techniques, artists can create beautiful and unique pieces on these natural surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
The surface that a painter works on is called a "
Painters work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood panels, walls, and canvas.
Canvas is widely used because it is flexible, durable, and suitable for various painting styles. The texture of the canvas can also contribute to the aesthetic and emotional impact of the artwork.
Some surfaces, like canvas, need to be stretched and fixed to a frame before painting. Other surfaces, like paper, may need to be treated with a gesso or primer to prevent wrinkling or discolouration.
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