Canvas Roll

I would like to try the canvas that comes in rolls. One thing that I run into is not finding the rite size of canvas and having to eliminate a part of a photo to fit the canvas size that I have. I wouldn't be bothering to put them on stretcher bars and just rolling them up after they're completed and if I feel they're good enough at some point I'll get them stretched unto stretcher bars. My only dilemma is how to work with it on my easel. Is their something you can buy that's adjustable for any size that can be used temporarily to work with just the canvas? I was thinking that something like this scroll frame that's for needlepoint would work without the stand part but I'm not sure if something similar is sold for painting: http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/scrollframe.html

Couldn't you tape or clamp it onto a board?
I've got a few of these - they're perfect for canvas paper or pieces of cut canvas. But any board will do.



Your paintings can also be glued onto a board or panel rather than stretched - much easier to do and you don't need as deep a frame for them as with stretcher bars.

Thank you Callie that's a great option! I have several sizes of those boards also. I was wondering about losing the bounce of the canvas. I thought you needed to work on stretcher bars of some sort with canvas. Great to know I don't need to bother.

I buy panels with canvas already mounted on them (I'm lazy ). I like the texture and I do like the spring of a stretched canvas, but sometimes a rigid surface is good, and I do prefer the panels for painting outside.
A lot of artists who buy rolled canvas make their own canvas boards rather than stretch it - it's just a matter of preference.

From personal experience - I'd say if you want to stretch your paintings after they're done; be sure to leave a good amount of edge and don't put details close to the edges. So if I wanted to end up with a 16 x 20 picture - I'd paint the background out to around 17 x 21 so all I have to worry about is keeping the subject positioned when I stretch it, and not whether I might end up with some unpainted canvas showing if it's not perfectly done.

I hope that made sense

Thank you Callie for the additional information! Great tip on painting out the background.

How much extra canvas should be left around the edge so it can be stretched properly at a future date?

One thought would be that if you typically use staples to stretch your canvas, try using tacks instead. These could be used to pin the canvas while you work; although, you'd still need to have the frame built. You could then tape it to a board for flat storage, which I would prefer over rolling the canvas.
I've read about and seen engravings of old master paintings in progress where the canvas was hung in a sort of vertical trampoline-like frame. This allows for the same sort of give that a stretched canvas would offer instead of painting on a firm support.

David, Great idea! I know my husband wouldn't mind building a frame. Thank you for your help!

I discussed the frame project with my husband. He's an engineer so the perfect man for the job. One idea we had was four pieces of wood with several holes in it to make it adjustable.

I wasn't able to purchase the canvas roll the last time I went to an art store. They stated they usually carry some so at least I know I'll be able get some in the near future.

Can someone explain the difference between linen vs canvass, why one would use one rather than the other?

Linus wrote:

Can someone explain the difference between linen vs canvass, why one would use one rather than the other?

I assume you mean cotton since linen is a canvas also. Linen is stronger than cotton, has proven longevity, and is less likely to become brittle over time. It also doesn't react to relative humidity changes as much as cotton. Cotton Duck is easier to manufacture which makes it less expensive. It's easier to stretch but can sag in large sizes.

Thanks David. Which would be more suitable for portraits and fine work?

"Suitable" is a relative term that you'll have to determine for yourself. Either one works fine for me. You might find the surface texture of linen more desirable.

There are synthetic blends of cotton and polyurethane fiber ("polyflax") that can add life of the canvas. It's also less expensive than linen and fairly smooth in texture.

Thanks again David. I think I will try the polyflax if I can get it locally. If that works well I'll try the linen.

Ed

I finally bought Canva Paper in 18x14 in. sheets, 10 sheets to a pad for $20. It has a nice smooth surface and is made especially for oil and acrylic. We will see how it works.

Ed