Have you ever wondered what artists put their paint on? It’s a question that has intrigued many of us, as we marvel at the beauty and creativity that emerges from a blank canvas. From delicate strokes to bold brushwork, artists have mastered the art of expressing their thoughts and emotions through paint. But what lies beneath these mesmerizing paintings? In this article, we’ll explore the various surfaces artists choose to work on, uncovering the secrets behind their masterpieces. Get ready to dive into a world where imagination and skill converge on the perfect canvas.

Canvas

Traditional canvas

Traditional canvas is a popular choice among artists for painting. Made from woven fabric, usually cotton or linen, this type of canvas is known for its durability and ability to withstand the test of time. Traditional canvas has a tight weave, which gives it a smooth surface that is conducive to both oil and acrylic paints. It often comes in rolls or pre-stretched over wooden frames.

When you paint on traditional canvas, the surface’s slight texture adds depth and dimension to your artwork. The canvas absorbs the paint, allowing for layering and blending techniques. It also gives a traditional and classic look to your paintings that is highly desired in the art world. Many artists love the versatility and forgiving nature of traditional canvas, making it a staple for their art practice.

Stretched canvas

Stretched canvas offers a ready-to-use solution for artists. It consists of traditional canvas stretched tightly over wooden frames, providing a stable surface to work on. Stretched canvas is available in various sizes and shapes, allowing artists to create artworks of different dimensions.

One of the benefits of using stretched canvas is its convenience. As the canvas is already stretched and fixed to the frame, artists can dive straight into their creative process without the need for additional preparations. Stretched canvas is also lightweight and easy to hang, making it suitable for both studio work and exhibitions.

Canvas panels

Canvas panels are a great alternative for artists who prefer a more rigid surface. These panels are made by mounting canvas onto a sturdy board, such as MDF or hardboard. The canvas is adhered securely, providing a flat and stable painting surface.

Canvas panels offer several advantages. Firstly, they are less susceptible to warping or damage compared to traditional canvas. This makes them an excellent choice for artists who work with heavy brushstrokes or require a more robust surface. Additionally, canvas panels are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for plein air painting or art classes where ease of transportation is essential.

Canvas boards

Canvas boards are similar to canvas panels, but instead of being mounted onto a solid board, they consist of canvas glued onto a cardboard backing. This makes them lightweight and inexpensive, making them popular among beginner artists or those on a budget.

Canvas boards offer a smooth and stable surface, making them suitable for oil, acrylic, or even mixed media techniques. However, it’s worth noting that their lightweight nature makes them more prone to damage or warping if not handled carefully. Despite this, many artists appreciate the affordability and versatility of canvas boards for their art practice.

Paper

Watercolor paper

Watercolor paper is specially designed to withstand the water-based nature of watercolor paints. Its unique texture and absorbency allow for smooth color transitions and effortless layering. Watercolor paper is usually made from cotton or cellulose fibers and comes in various weights and textures.

The weight of watercolor paper determines its thickness, with heavier weights being sturdier and more resistant to buckling or warping when wet. Artists often experiment with different weights and textures to achieve the desired effects in their watercolor paintings. Thicker watercolor paper is also more suitable for techniques such as wet-on-wet or heavy washes.

Drawing paper

Drawing paper is a versatile option that artists often use for pencil, charcoal, or ink drawings. It has a smooth surface that allows for precise lines and detailed work. Drawing paper is available in various weights and finishes, ranging from lightweight sketching pads to heavyweight papers suitable for more detailed pieces.

The weight of drawing paper affects its durability and ability to handle different mediums. Lighter weight papers are suitable for quick sketches or preliminary work, while heavier weight papers can withstand multiple layers of shading and blending without tearing or smudging. Artists can choose the type of drawing paper that best suits their preferred drawing techniques and desired results.

Mixed media paper

Mixed media paper is specifically designed to accommodate a variety of art mediums. It combines the qualities of different types of paper, such as watercolor paper and drawing paper, to provide a versatile surface for artists to work on. Mixed media paper is usually heavyweight, allowing it to withstand the application of wet and dry mediums without buckling or warping.

Artists often use mixed media paper for techniques that involve combining different mediums, such as watercolor and ink or acrylic and collage. The paper’s durability and ability to handle a wide range of materials make it a popular choice for artists who enjoy experimenting and incorporating various techniques into their artworks.

Acrylic paper

Acrylic paper is specifically designed for use with acrylic paints. Unlike traditional paper or sketching paper, acrylic paper has a higher polymer content, allowing it to handle the unique properties of acrylic paints. It has a heavyweight and highly absorbent surface that prevents the paint from seeping through or bleeding.

The texture of acrylic paper varies, with some options resembling canvas or linen. This allows artists to achieve a similar look and feel to painting on canvas while enjoying the convenience and affordability of paper. Acrylic paper is also available in pads or sheets, making it easy to transport and work on.

Wood

Birch plywood

Birch plywood is a type of wood often used as a painting surface due to its smooth and durable nature. It consists of thin layers of birch wood glued together, creating a sturdy and stable panel. The smooth surface allows for even paint application and is suitable for various painting techniques.

Birch plywood is popular among artists who work with acrylic or oil paints. Its rigid structure prevents warping or damage, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Artists can also choose to leave the wood grain visible or prime the surface for a more traditional look.

MDF board

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) board is another type of wood commonly used by artists as a painting surface. It is made by compressing wood fibers with resin, resulting in a smooth and uniform board. MDF board is relatively inexpensive compared to other wood surfaces, making it accessible for artists on a budget.

One of the advantages of MDF board is its resistance to warping or cracking, making it a durable and reliable option. It also has a neutral color, making it suitable for a wide range of art styles and mediums. Many artists find MDF board to be a cost-effective and versatile choice for their artwork.

Hardboard

Hardboard, also known as high-density fiberboard (HDF), is a dense and smooth surface used by artists as a painting substrate. It is made by pressing wood fibers under high heat and pressure, resulting in a rigid and durable panel. Hardboard is often used for oil paintings due to its ability to support heavy paint layers.

The smooth surface of hardboard allows for precise brushwork and detail, making it suitable for highly realistic or detailed artworks. It is resistant to warping or moisture damage, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Many artists appreciate the stability and professional look that hardboard provides for their paintings.

Metal

Aluminum panels

Aluminum panels, also known as aluminum composite panels, are a popular choice for artists seeking a sleek and contemporary painting surface. These panels consist of two thin aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core, providing a lightweight and rigid surface for artwork. Aluminum panels come in various sizes, typically with a white-coated surface suitable for paint application.

Artists often choose aluminum panels for their reflective properties, adding a unique and dynamic element to their artwork. The smooth surface allows for even paint application, and the durable nature of aluminum ensures the longevity of the artwork. Aluminum panels are commonly used with acrylic paints, and they provide a modern and sophisticated look to any artistic creation.

Steel panels

Steel panels offer a robust and industrial painting surface for artists. The smooth and durable nature of steel makes it suitable for heavy-bodied mediums such as oil paints. Steel panels are often preferred by artists who enjoy working with palette knives or applying thick layers of paint.

One of the advantages of steel panels is their ability to hold up well to rough handling or extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to warping or damage, ensuring the artwork remains in pristine condition. Steel panels are available in various sizes and can be primed or left unprimed, offering artists flexibility in their creative process.

Copper panels

Copper panels provide a unique and luxurious surface for artists’ paintings. The warm tones and reflective qualities of copper add depth and a touch of elegance to artworks. Copper panels are typically made by adhering copper sheets to a rigid backing, ensuring stability and durability.

Artists often choose copper panels for their ability to enhance certain color palettes and create a distinct visual impact. The natural oxidation process of copper over time can also add an aged or antique effect to the artwork. Copper panels are commonly used with oil or acrylic paints, and they offer artists a chance to experiment with different techniques to achieve captivating results.

Glass

Glass panels

Glass panels provide a smooth and luminous painting surface that offers a unique visual effect. Artists often use glass panels for techniques such as reverse glass painting or stained glass art. The clarity of glass allows for vibrant colors to shine through, creating artworks that are visually striking and captivating.

When working with glass panels, artists usually paint on the reverse side, applying the paint in layers from back to front. This technique allows for a depth and three-dimensional quality to the artwork. Glass panels can be framed or hung using standoffs, enhancing their transparency and allowing light to interact with the artwork.

Glass jars

While Glass jars may not be the traditional surface for artwork, they have found their place in the artistic realm. Artists often repurpose glass jars as paint mixers or storage containers for various art supplies. The transparency of glass allows artists to see the colors and textures of their paints, making it convenient for color mixing and experimentation.

Glass jars can also be used for techniques such as acrylic pouring or creating layered art. Artists can pour different colors of paint directly into the jar, allowing the layers to interact and create abstract patterns. The versatility and accessibility of glass jars make them a valuable tool for artists to explore their creativity.

Fabric

Silk

Silk is a luxurious and delicate fabric that provides a unique painting surface for artists. The smooth and lightweight nature of silk allows for the creation of delicate and intricate artwork. Silk is often used for techniques such as silk painting or batik, where dyes or paints are applied directly onto the fabric.

Artists appreciate silk for its ability to absorb the paint or dye, creating vibrant and saturated colors. The sheen and translucency of silk add depth and a luminous quality to the artwork. Silk paintings are often framed or stretched over wooden frames, allowing them to be displayed as standalone pieces or as part of a larger art collection.

Cotton

Cotton fabric is a versatile and widely available painting surface that is suitable for various art mediums. Artists often use cotton canvas or cotton panels for their artworks. Cotton provides a smooth and absorbent surface that allows for even paint application and blending techniques.

Cotton fabric can be primed with gesso to enhance its durability and prevent the paint from seeping through. It is commonly used with acrylic or oil paints and offers artists a wide range of possibilities in terms of size, shape, and texture. Many artists appreciate the affordability and accessibility of cotton fabric for their artistic endeavors.

Linen

Linen fabric is often considered the premium choice among artists for its durability and high-quality surface. Linen is made from fibers derived from the flax plant, which gives it a slightly textured and robust nature. It is widely used for oil paintings due to its ability to withstand heavy brushstrokes and multiple layers of paint.

Artists prefer linen for its archival qualities, ensuring the longevity of their artwork. The texture of linen adds depth and character to paintings, allowing for a variety of brushwork techniques. Although linen fabric may be more expensive compared to other options, many artists believe that the investment is worthwhile for the exceptional results it can produce.

Plastic

Acrylic sheets

Acrylic sheets offer a versatile and lightweight painting surface for artists. Made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic sheets are durable and resistant to breakage. They come in various thicknesses and sizes, allowing artists to create artworks of different dimensions.

Acrylic sheets are often used with acrylic paints due to their compatibility. The smooth and non-porous surface of acrylic sheets allows for easy paint application and blending. Artists also have the option to create layered or textured effects using acrylic gels or mediums. Acrylic sheets can be framed or hung directly on walls, offering a modern and minimalist aesthetic to the artwork.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that artists utilize as a painting surface. It is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to water and chemicals, making it suitable for various art mediums. Polypropylene sheets are available in different thicknesses and sizes, providing artists with options for their creative needs.

One of the advantages of polypropylene as a painting substrate is its resistance to warping or degradation over time. Artists can apply acrylic, oil, or even watercolor paints on polypropylene sheets, depending on their preferred techniques. Polypropylene sheets can be framed or mounted, offering a versatile and durable surface for artworks.

Easels

Wooden easels

Wooden easels are a classic and traditional choice for artists to hold their canvases or boards while painting. They are usually made of sturdy wood, such as beech or oak, ensuring stability and long-lasting use. Wooden easels come in various sizes and designs, offering versatility for artists’ specific needs.

Artists appreciate wooden easels for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The natural look of wood adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any studio or exhibition space. Wooden easels provide adjustable heights and angles, allowing artists to work in a comfortable and ergonomic position. They are a reliable tool for artists of all levels and are an essential part of their creative process.

Metal easels

Metal easels offer a sleek and contemporary alternative to wooden easels. They are typically constructed from lightweight yet sturdy materials, such as aluminum or steel. Metal easels come in various designs, including tripod-style and H-frame, providing artists with options depending on their painting preferences.

One of the advantages of metal easels is their portability and ease of storage. They are often collapsible or foldable, allowing artists to transport them easily or store them when not in use. Metal easels offer stability and adjustable features, ensuring artists can work comfortably and efficiently on their artworks.

Tabletop easels

Tabletop easels provide a compact and versatile painting surface for artists who prefer working on a smaller scale. These easels are designed to sit on a table or desk, offering a stable and elevated platform for painting. Tabletop easels come in various sizes and materials, including wood and metal.

Artists appreciate tabletop easels for their convenience and space-saving qualities. They are ideal for artists with limited studio space or those who enjoy painting in different locations. Tabletop easels offer adjustable angles, accommodating different painting techniques and preferences. They are a practical and portable option for artists wanting to explore their creativity in a compact setting.

Walls

Brick walls

Brick walls provide a unique and textured surface for artists to create murals or large-scale artworks. The rough texture of brick allows for a distinctive visual effect and adds an element of urban art to the artwork. Artists often use specialized paints or coatings designed for outdoor or mural applications.

Working on a brick wall requires careful planning and preparation. Artists may need to clean or repair the wall surface before applying their paints. It is also essential to consider outdoor elements, such as weather protection or sealing, to ensure the longevity of the artwork. Despite the challenges, painting on a brick wall can be a rewarding experience for artists looking to make a bold and impactful statement.

Concrete walls

Concrete walls offer a solid and durable painting surface for artists. They are commonly used for street art, graffiti, or large-scale murals. Concrete walls provide a neutral and industrial backdrop for artists to unleash their creativity and make a bold visual statement.

Artists often use specialized paints or spray cans designed for outdoor painting on concrete walls. It is essential to consider the condition of the wall surface and any regulations or permissions required for public art installations. Concrete walls have the advantage of longevity and weather resistance, making them a popular choice for artists to showcase their talents in an urban environment.

Drywall

Drywall, also known as plasterboard or gypsum board, is commonly used as a painting surface for interior walls. Drywall provides a smooth and relatively inexpensive option for artists wanting to create murals or large-scale artwork in indoor spaces.

Before painting on drywall, it is necessary to prepare the wall by applying primer or a base coat to ensure proper paint adhesion. Drywall has a slight texture, so artists may need to consider this while planning their artwork. Painting on drywall offers the opportunity to transform a plain wall into a vibrant and visually captivating focal point within a room.

Furniture

Tables

Tables serve as both a functional and creative surface for artists. Artists often use tables as workstations or easels, allowing them to paint or draw comfortably. The sturdy and flat surface of tables provides stability and support for artists during their artistic process.

Tables come in various sizes and designs, catering to different artistic needs and preferences. Some artists prefer large tables for ample workspace, while others may opt for smaller tables for specific projects or portability. The versatility of tables makes them an essential piece of furniture in any artist’s studio, offering a dedicated space for creativity to thrive.

Chairs

Chairs, although not primarily used as a painting surface, play a vital role in an artist’s comfort and posture. Artists often spend long hours seated while working on their artwork, making the choice of chair crucial for their overall well-being.

Ergonomic chairs with adjustable features, such as height and lumbar support, are highly recommended for artists. A comfortable and supportive chair ensures that artists can focus on their creative process without discomfort or distraction. Investing in a high-quality chair can significantly enhance an artist’s painting experience and contribute to their overall health.

Desks

Desks provide artists with a dedicated workspace for various art-related activities. Whether it’s sketching, drafting, or organizing art supplies, desks offer a stable and organized platform for artists to work on. Desks come in various sizes and designs, offering options based on the individual artist’s needs.

Artists often look for desks with ample storage options, such as drawers or shelves, allowing for efficient organization of art materials. The flat and solid surface of desks is suitable for drawing, writing, or even painting smaller artworks. Desks provide artists with a comfortable and functional environment where they can immerse themselves in their creative process.

In conclusion, artists have a vast array of options when it comes to choosing a surface for their paintings. From traditional canvas and paper to unconventional choices like wood, metal, glass, fabric, plastic, walls, and furniture, each surface offers unique qualities and possibilities. The choice of painting surface depends on the artist’s preferred medium, techniques, desired aesthetic, and practical considerations. Regardless of the chosen surface, what truly matters is the artist’s passion, creativity, and ability to transform any canvas, paper, wood panel, or even a brick wall into a captivating work of art.