FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why did Van Gogh cut off his ear?
We don't know. There's something about insanity and genius...

What is the difference between sizing and priming?
Size is a glue barrier that prohibits the ground and paint from contact with and penetration into the fabric. In the case of rabbit skin glue sizing, it adheres all the fibers to each other so that they expand and contract together and react to environmental changes as one unit rather than each thread acting independently. When different areas of the painting react separately to the environment, then you get cracking of the paint film, and similar problems. 

Priming, also known as the 'ground', or 'gesso' is an absorbent coating which provides the paint a porous, reflective surface to adhere itself to. The gesso is not a size and will not seal or create a barrier: just the opposite it is absorbent.

Can I use oil paint on an acrylic primed canvas?
It is not the best idea, and you will get much better results painting with oil paints on an oil ground. This practice has also led to oil painters doing underpaintings in acrylic and then painting over the acrylic with oils, a practice frowned upon by art conservators, yet in widespread use. The potential problems are adhesion issues between the acrylic and oil paints, especially in the long term. When choosing a ground or 'gesso', choose the appropriate type for your application; water base media = an acrylic ground, oil base media = an oil ground.

Why would I want to use a panel?
The painting lasts longer and stays in better condition. It is supported over 100% of its surface. It is protected from the back, insulated from temperature, moisture, and hard knocks, etc.

Why should I bother with high quality art supports- my artwork is going to look the same either way, isn't it?
Increased value of your artwork is one major reason. If you have ever lost a sale because the supports were warped, wouldn't hang flat on a wall, or you couldn't frame your work because it was out of square, then you know that quality matters. The art world is a business where looks are everything. Galleries and collectors don't want to put extra time and money into your art just to make it presentable, and they may pass on your work if its not as professional as that of the next artist through their door. With quality materials, your work will last, you show that you care about your artwork, and the investment in yourself should reap good dividends. If you care, so will others.
 
 
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