Over the centuries artists have improvised with many different painting supports, but what's the best material to use to give your painting any chance of standing the test of time?looking good in the future? This is a question that will largely depend on the type of paint being used. Oil and acrylic are comparatively flexible mediums, so can be used effectively on fabrics that have been properly prepared. More brittle mediums such as tempera, gouache or pastel, require a more rigid support such as prepared boards. Even so, no support is perfect and all will fall foul over time to chemical changes and the atmosphere. A conscientious artist will make sure they use the correct support, properly prepared, for the medium they're using. By doing so, they can create a picture that will last for thousands of years. Here's a list of supports that can be used by the artist. Processed wood The best of the processed woods and arguably the best rigid support for the artist, is MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board). This is stronger and more stable than other processed woods and so is less likely to warp. The surface is quite smooth, though does take ground preparations well. Natural Wood Natural wood used to be often used, but it needs to be well seasoned. The best examples will show straight close growth rings which where possible are aligned across its thickness. Wood with knots and sap wood should be avoided. As a general rule hardwoods make a better support than softwoods. Linen Linen is the best cloth for painting, it is a strong, durable fabric that, if well made, offers a relatively blemish free surface with a fine weave. It's also more stable than canvas. Canvas Canvas is cheaper than linen and easier to come by, although it isn't as durable as linen. The more expensive cloths are heavy (10oz or more) have a close weave and few stubs or knots. Canvas is produced in fine, medium and course grades, a course canvas can be useful for adding texture to paintings. Paper and card Paper is an ancient product that has it's origins in China. It is made from vegetable fibres matted together to form a sheet. Western paper was originally formed from linen waste (known as rags). If well made using quality materials, paper has a long life expectancy, but tends to be fragile. In painting it tends to be used as a ground for water colour, gouache, tempera, pastel and acrylics. Though, if heavily sized, can be used for oil colours. If papers are expected to last they must be acid-free. Stone Several types of stone have been experimented upon as painting supports. Some exquisite examples have survived from the renaissance. Slate is an obvious choice as it comes in sheet form, but other materials such as marble and onyx may provide more interesting backgrounds that can also be employed. Non-absorbant surfaces do not need preparation, even so it is advisable to wipe down with white spirit before starting.
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In the past artists have experimented with all sorts of different painting supports, but what's the best material to use to give your painting any chance of withstanding the rigours of time?
Rob Tyrrell is a professional artist specialising in pet portraits. He works mainly in oils and water colour. To find out more or see samples of his his work, go to http://www.robtyrrell-petportraits.co.uk
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