Stretched Canvas & Painting Panels

Stretched Canvas & Painting Panels

Art canvasses, canvas panels and wooden panels shape the foundation of every painted masterpiece. Artists stretch linen or cotton across wooden frames to create sturdy surfaces that hold paint with strength and texture. Painters prepare canvasses with layers of gesso, which protect the fabric and help colours stand out with clarity.

Modern artists experiment with canvasses in many forms. Some painters choose large canvasses to capture sweeping landscapes, while others select small ones for intimate portraits. Abstract artists often splash bold colours across wide surfaces, creating movement and energy that draw viewers into the work.

Canvasses also influence the mood of a painting. A rough canvas adds texture and depth, while a smooth canvas allows artists to paint fine details with precision. Many creators build their own canvasses to control size, shape, and surface quality.

Today, galleries, schools, and studios rely on canvasses as essential artistic tools. They support creativity, preserve expression, and allow artists to transform simple fabric into lasting visual stories.

Stretched canvasses have pre-primed canvas stretched tightly over a wooden frame and are the most popular form of painting surface.   Choose them when using oil or acrylic paint.  Make sure to use a good brand and this will allow you to paint directly onto the canvas surface as it is ready to use.

Strong boards known as canvas boards or panels have a layer of canvas bonded to them, and are a cheaper substitute to stretched canvas.

Try the wooden panel option as an alternative to a canvas surface.  Add a layer of gesso primer and start painting on this smooth, solid surface.

Check out the 3 main support or surface options:

Canvas Boards

Canvas Boards are made of strong board, usually 3-4mm thick, and covered in medium grain cotton canvas.  The canvas is gesso primed, stretched and glued to the supporting board.  Suitable for acrylics and oils.  Choose canvas boards as a cheaper option and if using ready-made frames.

Stretched Canvas

Choose stretched canvas when you want to paint with oils or acrylics. Manufacturers stretch the canvas over a sturdy timber frame made from stretcher bars and supports, giving artists a reliable surface for painting.

Select your preferred size from a wide range of lengths, widths, and depths, including square, rectangular, standard/slim, or deep-edged box canvasses. Always invest in high-quality canvasses from recognised brands. Trusted manufacturers prime their canvasses properly with gesso and craft the stretcher bars from durable timber that resists warping over time.

To begin painting, simply remove the plastic packaging and start creating.

Wooden Painting Panels

The Wooden Painting Panel makes me think of Renaissance painting techniques! The panels can either be left as-is and painted in the original raw form, or treated with gesso before painting.  Try these as an interesting alternative.  Use them to create series or grouped panels.  Glue or secure grouped works onto a larger backing board to create a larger piece.