Choosing the Right Canvas for Your Watercolor Painting

As a watercolor artist, a critical decision is what canvas to use for your painting. With many types of canvas available at an art supply store, how do you determine the suitable canvas for your watercolor? A canvas designed explicitly for watercolor painting absorbs the paint without dripping or running. There are various types of watercolor canvases, and the best art stores can assist you in choosing the best canvas for your artwork.

Watercolor Canvas Board

The watercolor canvas board is popular and pre-primed, and you can begin your project immediately. Canvas boards have a stiff cardboard backing with a glued canvas. Your painting can be displayed framed or unframed. Watercolor canvas boards are durable and easy to ship. If you are new to watercolor painting, a canvas board is an excellent choice. 

Aquaboard

Aquaboard is an acid-free, coated panel that is gaining popularity with watercolor artists. It has the texture of sketchbook paper but is mounted on a hardwood board. It is absorbent like standard canvas and is the perfect surface for delicate brushstrokes and detail work. 

Stretched Canvas

A stretched canvas is a traditional canvas made from cotton or linen fabric glued or stapled to a wooden frame. Stretched canvas comes in various sizes, or a custom-made canvas is available from your local art store. A stretched canvas does not require a frame.