The Acrylic Painting Academy: Stretching Canvas
This course features:
4 Hours of Instruction
15 Videos
14 eBooks
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Lesson Description
A step by step look at stretching and preparing canvas for painting. In this lesson, we learn to stretch canvas and prime the surface with gesso.
Lesson Materials
Unprimed canvas roll, stretcher bars (4), Gesso, Gesso brush (polyester fibers) or sponge, staple gun, staples, scissors.
Lesson Resources
Download eBook
Course Curriculum
Lesson 1: Introduction and Materials (7:59)Lesson 2: Light and Form (11:57)Lesson 3: Stretching Canvas (7:27)Lesson 4: Direct Painting - Part 1 (18:25)Lesson 5: Direct Painting - Part 2 (23:29)Lesson 6: Color Theory and Mixing (21:11)Lesson 7: Color Theory in Action (25:49)Lesson 8: Acrylic Mediums (12:09)Lesson 9: Underpainting - Part 1 (27:06)Lesson 10: Underpainting - Part 2 (26:19)Lesson 11: Glazing - Part 1 (18:44)Lesson 12: Glazing - Part 2 (13:31)Lesson 13: Painting with a Knife (19:17)Lesson 14: Abstraction / Non-Objective (11:12)Lesson 15: Conclusion (3:49)
Just wondering why make our own canvas? Is it cheaper to make our own? thanks
Hi Wayne,
Yes, it is cheaper and you have total control over the sizes that you create.
matt,
1.what unprime canvas recommended (cotton,linen-white/gray,)and from company?
2.how many layers of gesso recommended? do you recommend sanding inbetween?
3.generally,about how large a frame you recommend the use of stretching plyiers?
thanks,
raquel
This is exactly what I want to know. I have a roll of canvas, and mustard linen cloth.
Hi Linda and Raquel,
Sorry I missed this one before…
1. It depends. If you want a textured surface that will accept the paint a little easier, then go with cotton. If you want a very smooth surface, perhaps for a portrait, then go with the linen. For most raw canvas, I haven’t found a huge variance in quality, so any brand will be fine.
2. I would suggest applying as many layers as it takes to cover the raw canvas completely. Depending on how thinned the gesso is with water, it may take just a few or several layers.
3. This also depends. If you can stretch things by hand then you don’t need the pliers. If it is difficult to stretch the canvas effectively, then pliers may be used. For me, anything above 18″ by 18″ or so and the pliers come out. Since I don’t usually create paintings that are large, I rarely need the pliers.
This is exactly why I have stayed away from painting! If I don’t plan on selling paintings or becoming another Kahlo, is there anything really wrong with using already stretched and gessoed canvas?
Hi Maureen,
No, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using pre-stretched and gessoed canvas. In fact, most of the surfaces that I use are purchased “pre-made” from an art supplier.
Am I suppose to water down the gesso? I buy it by the gal and usually only apply one coat, which helps seal my corners and backside over staples. I will sand a little if the surface is too rough. I have made very large canvas paintings but they are usually no wider the 40″ and have never used pliers. I might start using them however.
I make my own frames as well. Do you apply the Gesso to the backside of the painting?
Hi Patricia,
You can water it down a little if you wish. I’ve applied gesso in lightly watered down layers before to create a slightly smoother surface.
Hi matt How did you do your website
Hi Matt how did you do your website
Hi Maria,
It’s custom coded.
Did you make il on wix
I only use canvas board I don’t have the room or the patience to to make canvas. I’m still a beginner.
Hi Matt – do you apply gesso to the sides of the canvas? I’m assuming the answer is yes if you anticipate that the finished painting will be unframed?