Choosing the Right Surface for Your Artwork: Canvas vs. Paper

So many choices and so little time... When it comes to traditional painting, the surface you choose is almost as important as the medium itself. It can affect how your brush moves, how the paint behaves, and how the final piece comes together. Whether you're painting a grand landscape on canvas or sketching a detailed study on paper, the right surface will shape your work in unexpected ways.

Why Surface Selection Matters:

The surface you work on sets the stage for your entire painting process. If you've ever painted on a canvas, a wall, or even a rock, you know that each surface comes with its own unique characteristics. For me and my dad, canvas is the traditional choice. It’s what we most often use for our artwork. But that’s not to say we haven’t painted on almost anything that can hold paint—landscapes on rocks, murals on walls, and even the side of a semi-trailer. Each time we choose a new surface, we learn something new about how our medium works and how it interacts with the environment around us.

Canvas: The Classic Choice for Paintings

Why Canvas Is So Popular:

Canvas is a classic for a reason. It’s versatile, durable, and has a texture that adds depth to your artwork. Whether you’re working with oils or acrylics, canvas holds up well and allows for both controlled detail and expressive brushwork. It’s the perfect middle ground for artists who want the flexibility to work large or small, with a range of mediums and techniques.

The Different Types of Canvas:

Not all canvases are created equal. The most common canvas is cotton, which is affordable and easy to stretch, making it a go-to for many artists. For a more professional finish, linen canvas is the way to go. It’s finer and stronger, with a smoother texture that’s perfect for detailed work. However, linen can be more expensive, so it’s often used for pieces you want to last longer or exhibit in galleries.

If you’re looking for convenience, you can choose pre-stretched canvas. It comes ready to go and saves you the hassle of stretching it yourself. But if you’re the type who likes a little more control, rolled canvas is perfect for stretching at home to your exact specifications.

Texture and Weave:

The texture of the canvas you choose will affect your final piece. There are smooth canvases that are great for detailed work and rougher canvases that make your brushstrokes stand out more. I’ve always appreciated the versatility of medium to rough texture—perfect for more expressive works. It’s a personal preference, but texture really changes the way the paint behaves on the canvas.

Why We Choose Canvas:

For my dad and me, canvas is the traditional choice because it’s reliable. It works with our style, and the texture gives our pieces a nice balance of detail and freedom. But that doesn’t mean we’re confined to canvas alone—over the years, we’ve painted on pretty much anything that could hold paint. Whether it’s full landscapes on rocks, murals on a wall, or a semi-trailer, we’ve learned that experimenting with surfaces opens up a whole new world of artistic possibilities.

Paper: A More Flexible Option

Why Choose Paper:

Paper is often more affordable than canvas and works really well for detailed sketches, studies, and light washes of paint. It’s an ideal surface for smaller projects or when you want to focus on intricate details without worrying about the texture of the surface affecting your brushwork. For us, paper is a good choice for quick sketches or when we’re working on something that doesn’t require the full commitment of a canvas.

Types of Paper:

• Watercolor Paper: If you’re working with wet media like watercolors or gouache, watercolor paper is a must. It comes in different textures—cold-pressed (rough), hot-pressed (smooth), and rough—each giving you a different kind of finish depending on the technique you’re using.

• Mixed Media Paper: This paper is designed to handle a variety of materials, from pencil to ink to light washes of paint. It’s great if you like to experiment with different mediums.

When to Use Paper:

Paper is best for detailed, smaller works or for experiments. If you’re doing a quick study or planning out a larger painting, paper gives you the flexibility to work quickly and move on. It’s also great for sketching, which is something my dad and I do regularly before committing to a bigger piece.

Other Surfaces to Consider

Beyond canvas and paper, there are other surfaces worth exploring, especially if you’re looking to push your creative boundaries.

• Murals, Rocks, and Semi-Trailers: Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to paint on some unique surfaces. From murals on walls to full landscapes painted directly onto rocks, we’ve learned that working with these surfaces brings a whole new set of challenges and rewards. It makes you think about scale, texture, and the way your art interacts with its environment. Sometimes, painting on a massive surface like the side of a semi-trailer makes you rethink your whole approach to composition and technique.

• Wood Panels & Masonite: If you’re looking for a smoother, more rigid surface, wood panels and masonite are both solid choices. These surfaces offer a solid, durable foundation, great for detail-heavy oil or acrylic works.

When to Use Canvas vs. Paper

Canvas:

• Best for: Large-scale works, oils, acrylics, and textured styles. When you want your art to have a bit of presence and durability, canvas is the way to go.

Paper:

• Best for: Detailed studies, sketches, watercolors, and small projects. If you need a surface that allows for more intricate line work or light washes, paper is a great choice.

Conclusion: Start with What Works for You

At the end of the day, the surface you choose really depends on your artistic goals and personal preferences. Canvas might be the traditional choice for us, but we’ve learned that experimenting with other surfaces—whether it’s a rock, a wall, or even a semi-trailer—can lead to unexpected discoveries and inspire new approaches to our work.

In the next post, we’ll dive into the next step: preparing your canvas for painting. Stay tuned as we take you through the process of priming and getting your surface ready for your medium of choice.