What is canvas? Canvas is not really canvas at all. Most of what is called canvas is cotton duck. This, made from cotton, comes in various weaves and thicknesses. Smaller paintings and often portrait artists use a very fine weave canvas. Larger paintings are done with a much more course weave for strength. Back to top
What is Belgian Linen? Belgian Linen is a linen made in that country. At times is is called by that name but is really not made there. Belgium is famous for centuries of linen weavers. Linen is a form of what artists call canvas made from linen which comes from a fiber called flax. It is a variation of the same material used to make linen clothing. For painting it is made very pure and acid free. Linen is much stronger than cotton and due to the complex production process is far more expensive. It is also capable of a very smooth surface and is often used in portrait painting. Many of my works are done on Belgian linen. Back to top
What are stretchers? Stretchers are the wooden strips on which the canvas or paper is fastened and then stretched to create a smooth surface for painting. If you look at the back of a stretched painting you will most likely see little pieces of wood in the corners. These are properly called "keys" but often called wedges and are tapped in to further stretch the canvas or paper to keep it very tight and smooth. Back to top
