Canvas Painting Ideas for Beginners - Six Clever Sisters (2024)

FAQs

How to do canvas painting step by step for beginners? ›

Never. Why would you think this is a good idea? Yes, acrylics are water-soluble, but they aren't watercolors. Water sprayed directly onto stretched canvas is rarely a good idea, because the canvas will react unpredictably, either in slumping, or tautening up for the moment, then slumping later.

Pop art or cartoons are a great choice when you're looking for easy things to paint on a canvas. They can be any shape or style that you like, so it's easy to hide any mistakes that you don't feel confident in painting over. Try recreating some of your favorite characters, or be bold and invent one of your own.

Two of the most commonly used paints for canvas art are oil and acrylic paint. Acrylic comes in as an all-time favourite with its favourable qualities; it's easy to work with and dries quickly. Oil paint is another winner with its thick, gluey consistency it is the perfect paint recipe paired beautifully with canvas.

Priming is the process of creating a barrier between the canvas and the paint. It's typically done by applying layers of acrylic gesso, clear acrylic medium, or oil primer. Prepping your canvas makes it less absorbent, helps your paint sit better on the surface, and protects your canvas from natural corrosion.

Toning the canvas is a step that has been used by artists for centuries. It involves applying a thin, translucent layer of color to the canvas before painting. This helps to set the overall mood and atmosphere for the piece before getting started with color.

The Wetting-Drying Method

Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to mist water over the back of the canvas. Then leave the canvas to air dry and it should tighten once it has dried. If it is still not tight enough, repeat this wetting and drying process until it is tight enough.

What do you want to avoid when painting with acrylic? ›

I treat my canvas with primer first and then with gesso. I generally apply 2 coats of both the items so all of the canvas gets covered. I do not want one bit of canvas to be left out without the coat. These coatings will have immense effect on the painting.

Priming is the process of creating a barrier between the canvas and the paint. It's typically done by applying layers of acrylic gesso, clear acrylic medium, or oil primer. Prepping your canvas makes it less absorbent, helps your paint sit better on the surface, and protects your canvas from natural corrosion.

Before you begin, you'll need to “prime” your canvas. This means applying a thin, smooth layer of a substance called gesso onto the material to paint on. This is an important step, as primed canvas will allow you to paint freely, make the surface more robust and ensure the paint's pigment remains strong.

Canvas: Purchase pre-stretched canvases or canvas boards from an art supply store. Paints: Acrylic paints are a great choice for beginners due to their versatility and quick drying time. Paintbrushes: Get a variety of brushes in different sizes and shapes. Palette: For mixing and holding your paints.