Painting On Other Materials

Oils paintings are on canvas, watercolours are on 300g/m² cold pressed paper and pastels are on specially made pastel paper. However, if you wish to experiment or save a bit of money, there are alternatives.

For oils, I have often used pieces of wood. We often have sheets of plywood sitting around. DIY stores regularly sell bundles of wood for kindling or off-cuts if you are looking for something larger. Marine ply is best, but is heavier and a bit more expensive.

Storm Gathering

The advantages of wood over canvases are not only the price and the availability. You can cut a piece to size or trim off unwanted edges or form a particular shape. It provides a consistently sturdy surface on which to paint. and if you are going down the mixed media route, you can easily attach other elements in wood, metal, paper or whatever your imagination requires.

Isn't It Good To Be Lot In The Woods

Watercolours work best on good quality paper, but I have used a few alternatives. Liner paper for DIY can be bought as a roll. I recently purchased a one metre by ten roll of 150g/m² liner paper here in France for 30 euros. Most rolls are less expensive. You need to experiment as every different type of paper works differently with watercolours.

Mountain Goats

I have also used pastel paper with watercolours. By using a more neutral base colour, you are able to really make bright highlights really pop. White gouache can be used if necessary.

Stepping Stones Near Hexworthy

Of course, artist have always put their art on anything they have at hand - walls, slate, cars, metal, furniture, sheep ............