SCRATCHING THE SURFACE

A brief overview of some of the new surfaces being used today with a focus on painting

- Vanessa Rothe

In the exciting world of art today, the traditional stretched canvas has taken a backseat to new, innovative surfaces that have hit the art supply market. From watercolor paper on board to wood to brilliant copper, there's a vast array of surfaces for artists to choose from. These unique new surfaces may, in fact, change or inspire something new within your own work.

Traditional Stretched Canvas

The old method of buying a full roll of canvas-cutting it to the right size, buying wood stretcher bars and adhering it to the wood is still used as a tried and true method, especially when painting larger sized works. The wooden frame with canvas can provide stability for very large sizes, but the downside is that these canvases, once stretched, can be easily ripped or torn.

Linen on Board