Canvases are a type of floral arrangement that is often made from a woven canvas material. Canvas is a very durable, plain-weave textile material used primarily for producing sails, tents, marquees, portraits, backdrops, and in certain other artistic style objects such as handbags, computer cases, shoes, and other similar items. In its natural form, canvas is an extremely hard, stiff fabric that is long-lasting, capable of producing heavy amounts of paint, and resistant to tearing and mildew. Canvases are also known as windcheaters, windlasses, or canvases because the wind that is forced through the canvas when being used creates a unique pattern in the canvas that produces the effects desired by the artist. These different types of patterns that can be found in a Canvases all have different purposes and uses.
Canvases are produced with a specific use in mind. Some are made to be used as decorative sails on the top of boats and other water vessels. These Canvases are normally made of fiberglass mesh and are stretched over an aluminum frame to allow a certain amount of lightness to pass through the Canvas Boards so that the sail shape is created. As the sails are pulled upwind, or toward the wind, they appear to have an arched shape because the light has been allowed to penetrate through the mesh to the Canvas Boards and reflect back on the surface of the Leinwände.
Canvases are produced for all types of decorative uses. The same basic manufacturing process used to produce Canvases also produce the panels that make up the Canvas. There are four basic manufacturing methods that are used to stretch Canvas Boards. The most commonly used method is called “stretching by stretching.” This is achieved by placing a panel of canvas on the stretcher in the forward and upward position. The Canvas panels are placed across the frame, touching each other, with one panel of fabric on the inside, while the other panel of fabric on the outside touches and criss-crosses the bottom panel of the frame.
“Stretching by stretching” produces the smoothest finished surface possible. When stretched on an aluminum frame, the stretched Canvas panels maintain their tight, even from across the frame because the light is allowed to penetrate through the mesh. These panels are generally referred to as “rolling Canvas”.
The second type of Canvas stretched is called “stretching by compression.” This method involves pulling a heavy, woven curtain of canvas through a frame that is fitted with metal rods at each point. When the Canvas is pulled across the rods it gives the impression of a tight coil being wrapped tightly around the frame. This type of stretched Canvas produces a very soft surface that is easy to paint on.
Many artists prefer ready-made canvases because of their affordability and quick installation. Ready-made stretched Canvas consists of the fabric and backing already rolled onto a wooden frame. A rubber sealant is added to the surface of the fabric, which retains it permanently. Some ready-made canvases come in three-pocket versions. Other ready-made canvases do not have the sealant and the fabric has no protective backing.
Canvases prepared for use in art classes generally contain either one or two layers of acrylic paints and a primer. The acrylic paint is pigmented using a special pigment so that it will react with the primer. Primer is usually a medium which holds color until the final application of the paint. Primer is available in a variety of colors, textures, and strengths. Most artists use a medium with good coverage so that they can apply a very thin layer of paint and allow it time to fully dry before the final coat.
Oil paint canvases are used primarily for dry- brushing techniques. Oil paint is a difficult medium to work with but produces beautiful results. This type of painting surfaces should be made very smooth by working with a medium such as a soft uncured acrylic paint. For this reason, oil paint canvases may take longer to dry than acrylic paint. If you are a beginner, do not use oil paint canvases.
