Painting on canvas is a step up from using paper or recycled supplies like cardboard, although you cannot use watercolor paints on canvas. In general, even the work of an amateur artist looks more polished when painted onto a canvas. Canvas paintings are easier to hang and look better than paper when hung on the wall.
Instructions
1. Buy a canvas and prepare it by applying a layer of gesso to it, then allow it to dry. The gesso gives the canvas an even surface that is "stickier" or easier for the paint to adhere to.
2. Prepare your paints by pouring a small amount onto your palette. The best paints for canvas are acrylic, which dries quickly; oil, which dries slowly and has a glossier appearance than acrylic; and less common paints such as spray paint, which is typically used for decorative effects, including paint splatters or spray paint stencils.
3. Dip your brush into the paint and then apply it to the canvas. There are no rules when it comes to painting, just technique, which varies depending on the type of paint you choose. If you are a beginner, draw a shape to paint on the canvas. You can use pencil, charcoal, color pencils, markers or anything you prefer to do this. You should also practice applying the paint and mixing it to see what effects you can create.
4. Allow the painting to dry and apply a fixative or spray sealant to protect your painting from damage.
