Is it normal to think too much about painting surface?

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9 Comments

I am a novice to painting and will soon be embarking on an oil painting experience. I will be painting a picture of a tropical scene with sunlight reflecting off trees on to the water which creates bright colors (magenta, purple) in the water. I've been going back and forth in my head as to what surface I should use: a linen canvas or a linen board. A linen board is a sheet of linen mounted on to a sturdy panel usually made of wood. I saw online that a linen board will allow for brush strokes that mimic the drawing style. I'm not 100% sure which surface would be better for what I am doing. Again the sunlight is being reflected off the tropical trees (somewhat palm-like in nature) and onto the water. What do you think? Would you use a linen board for this type of scene or a linen canvas for pronounced texture? I'm interested in what you have to say even though my mind is set on using a linen canvas for this work. Linen canvas is the most beautiful of all canvases (Belgian linen).

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 29 votes (23 yes)
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Comments ( 9 )
  • VirgilManly
    9 years ago

    If you are a novice, I would advise using the least expensive materials available.

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    • [Old Memory]
      9 years ago

      Quality is important though.

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      • VirgilManly
        9 years ago

        It seems like kind of a waste. If you can afford it, great! buy it. But face it, if you're a novice it stands to reason that the quality of materials may be superior to the quality of the work.

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      • [Old Memory]
        9 years ago

        The artist has to choose what materials work best for him or her.

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  • Avant-Garde
    9 years ago

    I have never used a proper canvas, as of yet. I only have experience with using drawing paper and watercolour paper, the latter which I can't stand. I hate the texture of the paper, the way it trips my brush and absorbs way too much water leaving the majority of the paint clumped and dry like mud!!!!! I have some canvas, but I don't think it is linen. How much does a linen canvas cost? I could buy one to try it out and tell you how it worked for me, if you like. However, if it is expensive, I won't be able to get it. :(

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    • [Old Memory]
      9 years ago

      You can purchase one for $17.50 on MisterArt.com.

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      • Avant-Garde
        9 years ago

        Thank you.

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  • reminiscent
    9 years ago

    I have only ever used oil on linen canvas and canvas paper. I enjoyed both. I tend to thin the paint since I like to have a smoother blend from one color to another.

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    • [Old Memory]
      9 years ago

      Yes. Thinning the paint is vital for the painting I'm doing.

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