A canvas roll is a large, flexible sheet of primed canvas that artists can use for creating paintings of varying sizes and shapes. Unlike pre-stretched canvases, canvas rolls allow for custom sizing and can be rolled for easy storage and transport. The following points outline how to utilize a canvas roll for painting:
Preparing the Canvas
- Measure and Cut: Use a measuring tape and a sharp utility knife or scissors to cut the desired size and shape of canvas from the roll. Add a few extra inches to allow for securing the canvas to your support.
- Stretching the Canvas: You need to stretch the canvas you have cut. Here are different ways you can stretch it:
- Stretching on a Frame: For a traditional approach, use canvas pliers to firmly attach the canvas to a wooden stretcher frame. Ensure it's stretched tightly and evenly to create a flat, smooth painting surface.
- Mounting on a Board: Alternatively, you can mount the canvas to a board using archival adhesive. Trim the excess canvas after the glue dries.
- Taping the edges: If you are doing a casual painting you can tape the edges of your canvas to a flat surface with tape.
- Priming: Most canvas rolls are pre-primed but if yours is not, you may need to apply a layer of gesso to prepare the canvas for painting. This will create a smooth surface with enough "tooth" for the paint to adhere properly.
Painting on the Canvas Roll
- Choose Your Medium: Select your painting medium (oils, acrylics, watercolors etc.) and prepare your palette.
- Start Painting: Apply your paint to the prepared canvas, as you would on any other surface.
- Allow to Dry: Let your painting dry completely before moving it or rolling it.
Rolling and Storing
- Flexibility: Canvas rolls are flexible, allowing you to roll them after drying. As the provided YouTube video illustrates, paintings become flexible for rolling, but you must ensure the paint is completely dry.
- Rolling: To roll a painting, place it with the painted surface facing outwards. This prevents cracking of the paint.
- Storage: Store rolled paintings in archival tubes or boxes in a dry place to protect them from damage.
Practical Insights
- Larger Pieces: Canvas rolls are ideal for creating large-scale artworks or when you want to work with uncommon shapes.
- Transport: They are convenient for transporting artworks, particularly large ones, since you can roll them into a manageable size.
- Cost-Effective: Canvas rolls can be a more cost-effective option than pre-stretched canvases, especially for artists who paint frequently.
- Experimentation: Canvas rolls encourage experimentation and allow for more freedom in size and format.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Cut the Canvas | Measure and cut the canvas to the required size and shape |
| 2. Stretch the canvas | You can stretch your canvas on a frame, mount it on a board, or tape it to a flat surface |
| 3. Prime (if needed) | Apply gesso if the canvas is not already primed |
| 4. Paint | Apply your chosen paint medium to the canvas |
| 5. Allow to dry | Ensure the painting is fully dry |
| 6. Roll (if necessary) | Roll the canvas, painting side out |
| 7. Store | Store rolled paintings in archival tubes or boxes |
