Multi-Supports

The surface you paint on plays a crucial role in your artwork. There are various options for supports, depending on the type of painting you’re working on, from quick sketches and studies to final pieces. Artist Nina Weiss shares important things to consider when selecting a pre-stretched canvas at the art store, such as choosing a back-stapled canvas over a side-stapled one for a more polished edge. Another factor to consider is the canvas weave and how to prepare the surface with gesso if it feels too rough.

If you want a more customized size or surface, stretching your own canvas might be the way to go. Nina guides you through the process step by step, including how to choose stretcher bars and assemble them, how to measure and attach the canvas to the bars using a staple gun and canvas pliers, and finally, how to apply gesso to prepare the canvas for painting.

Next, Nina introduces watercolor paper as an excellent choice for quick studies. Using a watercolor block prevents warping, and the size is easily customizable. Remember to frame any paper-based work under glass for protection.

She also talks about masonite as an alternative support. Masonite is a sturdy wood panel that can be cut to any size and is suitable for studies, exercises, or finished paintings. You can find it unprimed at a hardware store or pre-primed at an art supply store, though pre-primed masonite usually comes in standard sizes.

Another option Nina discusses is book board, which is archival, lightweight, and easy to customize, making it perfect for travel. She demonstrates how to cut book board, noting that it can be trickier to keep a straight edge. After gessoing the board, Nina shows how to prevent it from warping.