Canvas Painting for Beginners: A Guide

Posted on January 20, 2024 in Painting for Beginners

You can technically paint on anything, but your choice of surface is just as important as choosing the right brush and paint type. While much can be said about the different surfaces one can paint on, chances are good that if you’re interested in picking up painting as a pastime, you’d probably like to try painting on canvas at least once.

Well, what are you waiting for? It’s time to learn everything you need to know about canvas painting for beginners!

Related: Learn About Paul Kirby’s Amazing Painting Robot

Choosing the Right Canvas

The canvas serves as the foundation for your artwork. Consider the following factors when selecting a canvas:

• Material: Canvases come in various materials, each with its own characteristics. Cotton canvases are the most common and budget-friendly option. They offer a smooth surface and are suitable for most painting styles. Linen canvases are more durable and have a finer texture but come at a higher cost. Synthetic canvases, like polyester, are lightweight and less prone to warping but may lack the texture of natural fibers. Consider your painting style, budget, and preferences when selecting the canvas material that suits your needs. Cotton canvases are budget-friendly and widely used by beginners.
• Texture and Weight: Canvas texture ranges from smooth to heavily textured. The texture affects how paint adheres to the surface and influences the final look of the artwork. Heavier canvases, measured by their weight per square meter (GSM), are sturdier and less likely to sag or warp over time. A medium-weight canvas (8-10 ounces) is a good starting point for beginners, offering a balance between durability and ease of use.
• Preparation: Some canvases come pre-primed with gesso, a white paint-like substance that provides a suitable surface for painting. Pre-primed canvases save time and effort, allowing artists to start painting right away. However, unprimed canvases require a layer or two of gesso to create a smooth, paint-receptive surface. Applying gesso also helps prevent the canvas from absorbing too much paint. For how to prime a canvas, skip down to the section on priming below.

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Priming a Canvas

Gesso is a widely-available art supply used to ready (or “prime”) a canvas for painting. It’s somewhat similar to glue or watery paint, and dries hard. It comes in white, black, clear, and colored varieties, and produces a stiff surface that enhances paint adhesion and color vibrancy. Gesso makes surfaces less porous and absorbent, allowing paint to be applied without overly soaking into fibers. Gesso can also be used to prime a number of painting surfaces (like wood, plastic, and more) in addition to canvas.

How to Use Gesso to Prime a Canvas

To prime a canvas or other surface, apply gesso in thin, even coats using a brush. Sand the surface lightly between layers to achieve a smoother finish. Depending on personal preference, apply multiple layers of gesso for added smoothness and durability.

Gesso manufacturers typically recommend a 24 hour drying period before you start painting. Even if the gesso feels dry after an hour or so, it’s best to be patient and allow the material to fully bond. Failing to do so could spoil your work and send you back to square one!

Create a Textured Background

For a textured canvas, you can apply “super heavy gesso.” This can be mixed with water or regular gesso to achieve different consistencies. It can then be applied with a heavy brush or palette knife to create different textural effects, similar to stucco or plaster facades.

Looking for some painting inspiration? Check out Dulcinea the robot painter’s gallery of artwork!

Finishing and Caring for Your Canvas Artwork

A finished canvas requires just a little more work to look its best.

• Drying: Allow your completed artwork to dry thoroughly based on the type of paint used. Acrylics dry relatively quickly, usually within a few hours, while oils can take days or even weeks to fully dry. Follow manufacturer recommendations for drying times before applying any additional layers or protective coatings. Patience is a virtue in art, as with all things.
• Varnishing: Applying a coat of varnish protects a painting from dust, UV rays, and moisture, while also enhancing color vibrancy and providing a uniform finish. Choose a varnish appropriate for the type of paint used (acrylic or oil) and apply it in thin, even coats following the manufacturer’s instructions. Varnishing should be done after the painting has completely dried.
• Storage: Store finished paintings in a controlled environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Proper storage helps preserve the quality and longevity of your paintings for years to come.

Start Your Painting Journey

It’s time to put your first work to canvas! Don’t expect it to be an instant masterpiece — exploring your creative side and being open to growth are the keys to a rewarding artistic journey. Mastery comes with practice, so embrace each stroke as an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist. As you venture into this colorful realm, let your imagination flourish, and may your canvas become a beautiful reflection of your inner self.

Looking for more painting tips and tricks, inspirational material, and inspiring stories? We have everything you need to scratch your itch for art and science on the Kirby Foundation Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest pages, and all our updates can be tracked with our newsletter. Let’s get creative!