Watercolour painting is renowned for its luminous colours, delicate washes, and ethereal beauty. However, many artists wonder if they can achieve the same effects on canvas as they do on traditional watercolour paper. Join us at Kings Framing Art and Gallery as we explore the possibilities of painting with watercolours on canvas and discover how this versatile medium can elevate your artistry to new heights.
Can You Paint with Watercolours on Canvas?
While watercolours are traditionally painted on paper, it is possible to use watercolours on canvas with the proper techniques and materials. However, you should be aware of some key differences between painting on canvas and paper.
Preparing the Canvas:
You can purchase a Fredrix watercolour canvas of 100% Cotton, which combines the texture of natural, woven fabric with a specially formulated gesso designed for all water-based paints.
When using a regular canvas, before you start painting, it's essential to prepare the canvas properly. Unlike watercolour paper, which is absorbent, canvas is not. To make the canvas more receptive to watercolours, you can apply a layer of Daniel Smith watercolour ground or gesso to the surface. This will create a more absorbent surface for the paint to adhere to.
The nice part of a watercolour canvas is that it will not tear like paper, and you can lightly lift out pigment or thoroughly wash out your painting surface without damaging the canvas surface.
Painting Techniques:
When painting with watercolours on canvas, it's important to use a lighter touch than you would on paper. Since canvas is not as absorbent, the paint may not spread as easily or blend as smoothly. To achieve the characteristic transparency and luminosity of watercolours, you can use a wet-on-wet technique, where you apply wet paint to a damp surface. This will help the colours blend and flow more easily.
Finishing Touches:
After you finish painting, you may want to apply a fixative or varnish to protect the painting and enhance the colours. This will help seal the paint and prevent it from fading or smudging over time.
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolour Sticks
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The lush, vibrant sticks are packed with pure artists’ pigments and contain no fillers, making them the ideal mixed media tool. These watercolour sticks are a versatile and convenient way to paint with watercolours on canvas. They offer the same high-quality pigments and lightfastness as traditional watercolour paints but in a solid form. You can draw with the stick, leave it dry for textures or paint directly on the canvas, or wet the stick with water and apply it directly to the canvas, then use a brush to blend and manipulate the paint. The sticks are ideal for creating bold, expressive strokes and can be utilized on their own or in conjunction with traditional watercolour paints.
At Kings Framing Art and Gallery, we offer a wide range of high-quality watercolour paints, brushes, and canvases to help you explore the world of watercolour painting on canvas. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to experiment, our products are designed to inspire and support your artistic journey. Join us in discovering the beauty and versatility of watercolours on canvas, and let your creativity soar!
