Plain canvas or white paint?

Question

if youre painting a picture and you have a white background is it bad form to just leave the white canvas as the background or do you need to paint it white? is there any other option?

Answer 1

The question might be better asked, should I leave areas of the canvas unpainted. Man, that's up to you and the esthetic you are trying to create. Jackson Pollock used lots of unprimed canvas and you can see the raw, unpainted surface amid all the splashes and drips. Van Gogh did, too. If the end result works, who cares if its painted or not. Yes, it may yellow with age, but that patina could work to make the painting even more interestng.
There are no real rules...just guidelines. That's what's great about being an artist...you are in control.

Answer 2

Most pre-stretched canvases are already primed so it makes no difference if you prime it again or not. The only difference I could see would be that often painting it white will leave brush marks alterantively if you are painting on an unprimed canvas then the canvas tends to soak up more paint than it normally would. I hope you have a great day painting. Best wishes

Answer 3

Not only should you paint the canvas white, you should prime it first with gesso if it's not already primed. This way your colors will appear coherent and the canvas is not exposed to water, dust or sunlight as it would if left unprimed. You may always prime and paint in one step if you are a hobbyist and do not intend on selling your work by just using the white paint as a primer and paint, but use two coats, and allow 24 hours between coats. Hope that this helps you.

Answer 4

I think it is better to paint it white. Leaving the canvas plain, although intentionally white, makes it look unfinished.

It is you painting do what you feel is right.

Answer 5

Do the background first ,whenever I see canvas not painted I think to myself it's not finish..

Answer 6

There's certainly nothing wrong with leaving portions of your canvas unpainted. However, leaving it unprimed (a bare, exposed canvas) might not be such a good idea. Unprimed canvas will discolor and deteriorate quicker.

Answer 7

Leaving large areas exposed will make it prone to yellowing or staining. Really small areas i probably wouldn't worry about. However, should you ever exhibit your work, that is going to be one more thing you will have to explain to everyone that notices, it will become a distraction which will have nothing to do with what you have painted. To some, they may consider it unfinished.

Answer 8

Canvas over time can discolour etc.
Without going into a long discription and reasons it is best to cover your canvas with paint or primer.It doesnt have to be white.but it does need to have a " foundation"

Answer 9

You should really prepare your canvas so you need to paint it. But you can do whatever you want to its your painting. Do whatever pleases you.

Answer 10

Dont just leave it white, it never looks good-rather try a cream colour or just a bit off white.It'll make it look more realistic and its more pleasing to the eye. White is just too BLANK!