Drawing and Painting Surfaces
PAPER AND CANVAS BASICS
The surface on which you draw or paint (also called the “support”) will always influence the quality of your final artwork. Subtleties in texture, the vibrance of the paint, and the length of your art’s life are just a few things tied up in the support. Before you make a trip to the art store for supplies, check out this overview of paper and canvas.
Drawing Paper
Paper can vary in weight (thickness), tone (surface color), and texture. It’s a good idea to start out with smooth, plain white paper so you can easily see and control your strokes. Then check out other options. Paper with a rough texture (also called “tooth”) is ideal for charcoal and pastel—and it may even appeal to graphite artists drawn to bold, broken strokes. (Note that using acid-free, archival paper will increase the lifespan of your art by preventing it from yellowing and becoming brittle.)
Watercolor Paper
This paper is coated with a layer of sizing, which helps the surface absorb the paint slowly. A variety of textures exist on the market, notably hot-press (smooth), cold-press (textured), and rough (just what it sounds like). Watercolor paper is also labeled by weight. I recommend starting with 140-lb paper, which is thick enough not to buckle or warp excessively under the moisture of your paint.
Canvas
Pre-primed and stretched canvas, which is available at any art and craft store, is the best way to go for both acrylic and oil painting. This canvas is stretched taut over a wood frame and coated with acrylic gesso—a white primer that provides an ideal surface for holding paint. Without it, the canvas may awkwardly absorb the paint or become damaged when exposed to the harsh solvents (as used in oil painting). Also, gesso’s bright white color helps the layers of paint above it glow. —ETG