Priya Kapoor
Artists use a variety of tools and surfaces to paint on. Some of the most common surfaces include canvases, which can be made of materials such as linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, and panels, which are typically made of wood but can also be made of other materials such as metal or plastic. Artists also use a variety of tools and techniques to prepare their surfaces for painting, such as priming the surface with a substance called gesso or primer to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to. In addition to the painting surface itself, artists also use palettes to mix and arrange their paints, and easels to hold their canvases or panels in place while they work.
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What You'll Learn
Artist drawing boards and clipboards
Artists use a variety of tools and surfaces to create their work. A palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes their paints. Palettes can be made of wood, paper, glass, ceramic, or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes.
- The Richeson Drawing Clipboard, which is perfect for artists, architects, and professionals needing a reliable surface.
- The Alvin Lightweight Drawing Board, a durable, strong, and portable option for sketching, drawing, or painting on the go.
- The Julian Sketch Board, made of oiled beechwood, which provides a solid surface for sketch pads and loose sheets.
- The Blick Portable Tabletop Drafting Board, a compact and portable unit that offers the convenience of a studio work surface.
- The Pacific Arc STP Portable Drawing Boards, which are portable, efficient, and affordable, and arrive fully assembled.
Artist clipboards are also available from various retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Dick Blick, and can be made from lightweight acrylic with metal clips.
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Palettes for mixing paint
A palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints. Palettes are made of materials such as wood, paper, glass, ceramic, or plastic and vary in size and shape. Some palettes are designed for specific types of paint, such as watercolours, while others are more versatile.
For example, the Richeson 7 Well Flower Porcelain Mixing Tray is made from pure white porcelain and is suitable for mixing paints. The Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal is another option, providing an airtight container for storing a wet palette and preventing paints from drying out. This product is ideal for water-soluble paints.
Disposable paper palettes are also available, providing an economical and eco-friendly option for artists. The Canson XL Disposable Palette contains 40 sheets of heavy white paper suitable for mixing oils, acrylics, and watercolours. The New Wave Grey Pad Disposable Palettes feature neutral grey paper sheets that make it easier to mix accurate colours.
For artists who prefer a more traditional option, wooden palettes are also available. These palettes are often round or rectangular and provide a natural surface for mixing paints. Additionally, some artists may prefer palette cups or pots for holding and mixing their paints, especially when working outdoors or travelling.
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Paint tubes
The invention of the collapsible paint tube in 1854 marked a significant change in the way artists worked. Prior to this, artists had to grind their pigments with oil and varnish each day, which was a time-consuming process. The collapsible tube, which functioned like a syringe or toothpaste tube, allowed artists to buy or mix their paint and store it in a ready-to-use, easily transportable container.
The development of commercial paints in the 1870s further contributed to the popularity of paint tubes. Artists could now purchase a wide range of colours and textures, including thicker paints that allowed for dramatic brushstrokes. Manufacturers experimented with synthetic pigments and inert materials to create new colours and consistencies, catering to the evolving preferences of artists.
Today, paint tubes continue to be a staple in the art world, offering a practical solution for storing and transporting paint. They are widely available through art supply stores and online retailers, providing artists with the convenience of pre-mixed paints or the flexibility to create their own unique colour palettes.
Additionally, paint tubes have played a significant role in the history of art, enabling artists to work outdoors and experiment with new techniques. The Impressionists, for example, were known for embracing modern materials and technologies, including the latest paint colours, textures, and tubes.
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Easels
An easel is a structure that artists use to support their work—usually a painting—while they are creating it. Easels are typically made of wood and are available in a range of styles, including the H-frame easel and the A-frame easel. They can be collapsible and portable, which is ideal for painting outdoors. The height of an easel can often be adjusted, allowing the artist to work at a comfortable height, or stand back to view their work from a distance.
The word "easel" comes from the old northern French "esel", which means "ass" or "beast of burden", reflecting the way in which an easel supports and bears the weight of an artist's work.
In addition to easels, artists may also use a range of other tools to support their work. For example, a palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes their paints. Palettes can be made of wood, paper, glass, ceramic or plastic, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Artists may also use a board or clipboard to provide a protective barrier between their artwork and their workspace. These can be purchased from art supply stores or made at home using hardboard.
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Paper, canvas, or wood panels
Artists use a variety of surfaces to paint on, including paper, canvas, and wood panels. Each surface has its own unique characteristics and is suitable for different types of paint and artistic techniques.
Paper is a versatile surface for artists to work on. It comes in a wide range of weights (thicknesses), textures, and colours. When choosing paper, it is important to consider the porous nature of the material. While this can allow for interesting effects, such as allowing paint to bleed and move around, it can also be unforgiving of mistakes. The weight of the paper is also important, especially if the artist plans to use thin glazes or unsealed paper. Heavier-grade paper is less likely to buckle or sag when painted on and is easier to frame. Watercolour paper that is cold-pressed tends to have a rougher surface, while hot-pressed paper is smoother.
Canvas is another popular surface for artists, particularly for oil and acrylic painting. It is typically made from linen or cotton and is stretched over a wooden frame. Canvas is known for its durability and ability to withstand the application of multiple layers of paint. It is also relatively easy to prepare and prime for painting.
Wood panels, also known as artist panels or painting panels, provide a rigid and durable surface for artists to work on. They are typically made from hardwood, such as birch or maple, and are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. When preparing a wood panel for painting, it is important to seal the wood to protect it from the paint and prevent warping. This is especially important for oil painters, as the acidic oil in the paint can cause the wood fibres to rot. After sealing, a primer can be applied to enhance adhesion and optimise the appearance of the paint colours.
Each surface has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between paper, canvas, or wood panels depends on the artist's personal preference, the desired effect, and the type of paint being used.
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Frequently asked questions
Artists paint on various surfaces, including canvas, paper, glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, and walls. These surfaces are sometimes referred to as substrates.
Before painting on a surface, it is essential to prepare it properly, especially if permanence is a concern. This preparation includes using a primer or a ground, such as gesso, to create a suitable texture and an opaque colour.
A palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints. Palettes can be made of various materials, including wood, paper, glass, ceramic, or plastic, and come in different shapes and sizes.
