How to Paint on Canvas: A Beginner's Guide

From the first brush strokes to your first masterpiece (or almost)

Canvas instantly makes you a "real artist," but it can be intimidating. Spoiler alert: there's no reason for that. Painting on canvas is liberating, fun, and much more accessible than it seems. All it takes is a few practical tips and the willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

What you need: basic materials to get started

Your starter pack: a pre-stretched canvas, acrylic paints (easier and quicker than oils), a set of brushes in various sizes, a palette, and a glass of water. No easel? No problem: you can even start by placing the canvas on a table.

The bottom first: prepare the base

Even if commercial canvases are already primed, a coat of acrylic gesso evens out the surface and helps the paint adhere. You can also paint the base with a light color to eliminate the "all-white panic."

Trace the drawing: yes, even with a pencil

Before painting, sketch out your subject with a light pencil or charcoal. You don't need to be precise down to the last millimeter; you just need a guide. Some people use stencils or grids, and that's not cheating!

Basic techniques: from full to brush

With acrylics, you can work in layers: start with the base colors, then add details with smaller brushes. The colors dry quickly, so you can layer them easily. Looking for special effects? Try a palette knife, dry brush, or sponges.

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