|
Canvas a generic term often used to describe a range of material that artist use
for their paintings. Discussed here are two types of canvas, linen (derived from
the flax plant) and cotton (also commonly known as cotton duck, derived from the
cotton plant). There is another type of canvas known as Polyflax, which is not
so commonly used by Aboriginal artists. Flax is usually a cold climate plant
and canvas made from flax come from countries such as Belgium (hence Belgium
Linen), Italy and China. Another popular brand is the Fredrix Galacia Linen and
Galacia Primed Linen (sometimes spelt galicia).
Canvas made from flax is usually more expensive, quite strong and long
lasting. The cotton duck canvas is considered somewhat less durable than linen,
as it is more prone to absorb dampness, although it is still an acceptable
material for painting. Whichever canvas is used, it is the aftercare of the
painting that will give it longevity.
Canvas come in different grade and weight. A lightweight canvas is about 4 -
5 oz, a medium weight canvas is about 7 - 8 oz, and a heavy weight canvas is
about 10 - 12 oz.
Whichever type or brand, the canvas is a woven fabric made of flax or cotton.
Its surface is typically prepared for painting by priming it with a surfacing
material called a ground. Some canvas can be brought pre-primed.
Many Aboriginal artist work with acrylic paint on canvas. The canvas can be of various
quality, from the more expensive ‘Belgium Linen’ usually demanded by the more
upmarket galleries, to thinner cheaper canvas. The type of canvas artist buy may
be dictated by what they are use to or prefer, or by what they can afford. Art
suppliers and retail outlets supply canvas either by the metre, or pre-cut
sizes, with artist buying the canvas as they require, whilst the more prolific
artist may buy the canvas by the roll. |
