Painting on Raw Canvas: Understanding the Differences and Techniques
Painting on raw canvas is very different to painting on primed or gessoed canvas. The type of canvas you choose can greatly influence the outcome of your artwork. Artists often debate the merits of painting on raw canvas versus a primed canvas. To make an informed choice, it's essential to understand the differences, the impact on your painting technique, and how the type of canvas material—whether cotton, linen, or a blend—plays a role. Additionally, knowing what gesso is and its various types will help you prepare your canvas effectively.
What Is the Difference Between Raw Canvas and Primed Canvas?
Raw Canvas:
A raw canvas is untreated and unprimed, meaning it has not been coated with any gesso or other preparatory substances. Painting on raw canvas allows the texture of the fabric to show through, giving the artwork a natural, earthy feel. Leaving the canvas unprimed allows the paint to soak into the canvas, otherwise known as "stain-and-soak". This technique is often used for specific artistic effects and by artists who prefer the organic look and feel that raw canvas provides. It can also be a solution for watercolor artists wanting to start working with acrylic and canvas.
Example Painting on Raw Canvas
Primed Canvas:
Primed canvas, on the other hand, has been treated with gesso or another type of primer. This creates a smoother, less absorbent surface that is easier to paint on and results in brighter, more vibrant colors. The primer also helps to protect the canvas fibers from the acidity in the paint, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Primed canvas is able to handle more paint and layers.
Example Painting on Primed Canvas
What Is the Difference Between Cotton, Linen, and a Cotton-Linen Mix?
Cotton Canvas:
Cotton is the most common material for canvas due to its affordability and availability. It is lightweight and has a smooth surface, making it suitable for both raw and primed canvases. Cotton is easy to stretch and work with, which is why it’s often favored by beginners and professional artists alike. However, cotton is less durable over time compared to linen.
Linen Canvas:
Linen is a higher-quality, more expensive option than cotton. It is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to warping, making it ideal for long-lasting artworks. Linen has a natural texture that holds paint exceptionally well, whether you are painting on raw or primed canvas. It is often preferred by professional artists who want their work to endure and retain its quality over time.
Cotton-Linen Mix:
A cotton-linen blend offers a balance between the two materials. It combines the affordability and smoothness of cotton with the durability and texture of linen. This blend is a versatile choice for artists who want the benefits of both materials without the higher cost of pure linen.
What is Gesso? And what types of Gesso are there?
Gesso is a primer used to prepare the canvas for painting. It provides a slightly textured surface for the paint to adhere to (tooth) and prevents the paint from soaking into the fabric. Gesso also protects the canvas fibers, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Think of it as adding a layer primer onto your walls before painting.
There are different types of gesso, each serving specific purposes:
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White Gesso: The most common type, white gesso, creates a bright, neutral surface that makes colors appear more vivid and true to life. It is suitable for most types of painting, including acrylics and oils.
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Colored Gesso: Colored gesso comes in various shades and is used when the artist wants to start with a toned ground. This can add depth to the painting and influence the mood and color dynamics of the artwork.
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Transparent Gesso: Transparent gesso is clear and allows the natural color and texture of the canvas to show through. Use it when you want to organic appearance of the fabric, while benefitting from the protective qualities of a primer.
Choosing between raw and primed canvas depends on the desired effect and the painting technique you plan to use. Whether you're going for thicker or softer strokes, working with collage or modelling paste will influence the type of substrate you will want to work on. Experimenting with raw canvas, primed canvas or even paper will help you understand where your preference lies.
Places to buy raw canvas (EU)
Places to buy gesso (EU)
Le Franc Bourgeois white gesso
Winsor & Newton clear gesso
Liquitex clear gesso