Art Lesson

Jean Hart Artwork 

Jean Hart 

Art Lesson 

What surface do you draw on? 

When I was learning to draw I used newsprint, notebook paper, and typing paper. Just about anything that was available to me.  Of course back then the drawings were all practice and no one but me saw them.

Once I started to use paints my paper and canvas surface changed.

If you are just starting out it is still important to use the proper paint surface for your medium. You don't want your masterpiece to be on flimsy paper that will not sustain the life of your artwork. 

The surface that you paint on is called, "support" and it will hold your paint to canvas or paper. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping for support. 

From The Daily Book of Art 

Drawing Paper 

Paper can vary in weight , tone , and texture. It's a good idea to start out with smooth, plain white paper so you can easily see and control your strokes. Then check out other options. Paper with a rough texture is ideal for charcoal and pastel and it may even appeal to graphite artists drawn to bold, broken stokes. 

Watercolor Paper 

This paper is coated with a layer of sizing, which helps the surface absorb the paint slowly. A variety of textures exits on the market, notably hot-press (smooth), cold-press(textured, and rough, Watercolor paper is also labeled by weight. I recommend starting with 140-lb paper which is thick enough not to buckle or warp excessively under the moisture of your paint. 

Canvas 

Pre-primed and stretched canvas, which is available at any art and craft store, is the best way to go for both acrylic and oil painting. This canvas is stretched taut over a wood frame and coated with acrylic gesso. Without it, the canvas may awkwardly absorb the pain and become damaged when exposed to the harsh solvents. 

I hope you found this helpful. 

Be Inspired,

~jean 

www.zazzle.com/jeanhar1*