Using the best support for your painting
Several materials can be used as a support, but the pet portrait artist has to decide what will be the most suitable material for the longegity of his or her painting. Much will depend on the type of paint being used, oil and acrylic tend to be a more flexible medium so can be applied with reasonable confidence 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. All the same, no support is perfect and all are affected by the atmosphere and chemical changes over time, the craft of the artist is to make sure they use the correct support for the medium they use and if done properly can produce a picture that will last for centuries.
Here is an outline of the typical supports suited to painting.
Processed wood
Of all the processed woods arguably the best 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 has been used by artists since early art history, but it does have to be well seasoned. Suitable 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 hardwood make a better support than softwoods
Linen
Linen is the king of cloths for painting, it has a strong, durable consistency that, if well made, offers a relatively blemish free surface with a fine weave.
Cotton
Cotton costs a lot less than linen and is easier to come by, but it isn’t as durable as linen. The better cloths are heavy (10oz or more) have a close weave and few stubs or knots.
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) but when cotton came into general use, cotton rags came into use. Paper that is made well, using high quality materials, can have a long life expectancy, but tends to be quite fragile. In painting it is 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. Acid-free paper is the only choice for those who want their pictures to last.
Stone
A few types of stone that have been tried as painting supports. Some fine 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 utilised. Non-absorbant surfaces do not need preparation, though it is advisable to wipe down with white spirit before starting.
