A question about oil painting?

R

Ritaah

New member
I'm just starting out using canvas paper rather than real stretched canvasses which are more expensive.

I've done a few pictures so far, most not very good but the latest one isn't bad (plenty room for improvement of course) and I'd like to keep it. I don't know anything about the keeping quality of the canvas paper. If I mounted it on board and framed it how long is it likely to keep?

I put gesso on the canvas paper first (the pad didn't say whether it had any on or not so I thought I had better do so) so will that have preserved it to some degree?

I feel rather intimidated when I look at the big stretched canvas and very nervous about putting the first bit of paint on it. Is this usual - should I just grit my teeth and do it, do you think? Is it easy to cover up any mistakes I might make? I haven't done any covering up on the canvas paper, just kept them for a short time to remind me not to do it that way again.
 
an easy way to do paintings is through paint at a canvas and sell it on e-bay as a 'modern art masterpiece' and if some idiot buys it, lucky you!
 
I recommend you start with stretched canvas over a wood frame. You can get them at Michael's or other art and craft store. Start with a few small frames, such as 11 x 14. Consider getting the Bob Ross starter kit. It has the primer white that is an excellent medium to spread on the canvas before beginning.

If you blotch a painting in mid-stride it is no big deal. Simply take the painter's knife and scrape the paint from the canvas.

The brushes that come with the Bob Ross kit are excellent beginner tools. You would also need some odorless thinner, a dropcloth, a palette, and an easel. With an oil painting you would always start with the background, such as the sky and land, unless you're doing a portrait of someone. Even if the painting is a still life, such as a vase of flowers, paint the background first before attempting to start on the main subject. The paint does not have to be dry before continuing.

Painting on board canvas has its positives, but stretched canvas, as you will learn, is much more enjoyable to work.

Don't worry about making mistakes because you will make them. If you don't like what was painted, use the painter's knife or a cloth dampened with thinner and remove what you don't want.
 
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