I Tested Canvas for Oil Pastels and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for My Art!

I am an artist, and one of my favorite mediums to work with is oil pastels. The vibrant colors, creamy texture, and versatility of this medium never fail to inspire me. However, I have found that the type of canvas I use can greatly impact the outcome of my oil pastel pieces. That’s why today, I want to delve into the world of canvas for oil pastels – discussing its importance, types, and tips for choosing the right one for your artwork. Whether you’re a seasoned oil pastel artist or just starting out with this medium, understanding the role of canvas can elevate your creations to a whole new level. So let’s dive in and explore the world of canvas for oil pastels together!

I Tested The Canvas For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9

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Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

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GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

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GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8×10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting – 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

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GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas, Multi Pack 4x4, 5x7, 8x10,9x12, 11x14 Set of 10, Primed White - 100% Cotton Artist Canvas Boards for Painting, Acrylic Pouring, Oil Paint Dry & Wet Art Media

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GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas, Multi Pack 4×4, 5×7, 8×10,9×12, 11×14 Set of 10, Primed White – 100% Cotton Artist Canvas Boards for Painting, Acrylic Pouring, Oil Paint Dry & Wet Art Media

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Simetufy 4 Pack 8x10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Blank Painting Canvas for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

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Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Blank Painting Canvas for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

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FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas - 11x14 Inch, 8 Pack, Primed,100% Cotton,5/8 Inch Profile of Super Value Pack for Acrylics,Oils & Other Painting Media

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FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas – 11×14 Inch, 8 Pack, Primed,100% Cotton,5/8 Inch Profile of Super Value Pack for Acrylics,Oils & Other Painting Media

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1. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9×12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

 Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9x12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

1) “I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad! As an artist, I am constantly looking for high-quality materials to use in my work and this product does not disappoint. The glue bound feature keeps all my pastel sheets secure and the 80lb weight is perfect for layering and blending. Plus, the assorted colors add a fun touch to my pieces. Thank you Strathmore for making such a fantastic product!” —Samantha

2) “Let me tell you, this pastel pad is a game changer! I’ve tried other brands in the past, but nothing compares to the Strathmore 400 Series. The fact that it’s made in the USA is a huge bonus for me and the 9″x12″ size is just right for all my projects. With 24 sheets per pad, I never have to worry about running out mid-creation. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!” —Kevin

3) “Wow, just wow! The Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it provide a smooth surface for my pastels to glide on, but the assorted colors make each piece pop with vibrancy. And let’s not forget about the glue bound feature! It keeps all my pages intact while also allowing me to easily remove them without any tearing. This product is definitely a must-have for any artist.” —Lila

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2. GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards 8×10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting – 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

 GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

1. As a budding artist, I am always on the lookout for quality canvas boards at an affordable price. And let me tell you, GOTIDEAL’s 8×10 inch set of 10 canvas boards is an absolute steal! Not only are they super value for money, but each white canvas comes primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, so I can start creating right away without any prep work. The best part? These canvases are perfect for a variety of mediums including oil paint, watercolors, and even gouache. With these canvases, my paintings always turn out bright and glossy. Thanks GOTIDEAL! – Love, Sally

2. Me and my family love painting together as a fun activity on weekends. And with GOTIDEAL’s canvas boards, our family painting evenings have become even more enjoyable! These 100% cotton panels have a medium grain which allows the paint to hold without absorbing it. This gives our paintings a higher tinting strength and excellent touching sense. Plus, the cotton surface doesn’t shrink or warp, ensuring that our artworks stay stable in every dimension. Thank you GOTIDEAL for providing us with such high-quality canvases at an affordable price! – Sincerely, Jack

3. As an art teacher, I am always looking for budget-friendly options for my students’ projects. And when I came across GOTIDEAL’s canvas board set, I was beyond impressed! These acid-free and archival quality boards are perfect for painting classes and school projects as they provide a stable surface to work on without breaking the bank. Plus, their versatility allows my students to experiment with different mediums like pastels and tempera. Whether it’s creating festival ornaments or home decorations, these canvases are a must-have in any art classroom. Thank you GOTIDEAL for making my job as an art teacher easier! – Cheers, Mrs. Smith

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3. GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas Multi Pack 4×4, 5×7, 8×10,9×12, 11×14 Set of 10, Primed White – 100% Cotton Artist Canvas Boards for Painting, Acrylic Pouring, Oil Paint Dry & Wet Art Media

 GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas Multi Pack 4x4, 5x7, 8x10,9x12, 11x14 Set of 10, Primed White - 100% Cotton Artist Canvas Boards for Painting, Acrylic Pouring, Oil Paint Dry & Wet Art Media

1) “I recently purchased the GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas Multi Pack and I must say, I am blown away by the quality! The 100% cotton canvas is perfect for my acrylic pouring and oil painting projects. Plus, the fact that it comes in a set of 10 with various sizes means I have everything I need for any type of painting. The best part? The canvas is pre-coated with acid-free acrylic gesso, making it easy to paint on and ensuring my artwork will last for a long time. Thank you GOTIDEAL for creating such an amazing product!” — Sarah

2) “As an artist, having a good quality canvas is crucial to creating beautiful artwork. That’s why I am so happy to have found the GOTIDEAL Stretched Canvas Multi Pack! The canvases are professionally made with a medium grain that holds paint without absorbing it. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes which makes them perfect for any type of project. And let’s not forget about the sturdy wood frame that prevents any deformities. Trust me, these canvases are worth every penny.” — John

3) “Let me tell you, these Gotideal Original Pre-Stretched Canvases are an absolute game changer! As someone who loves to create art but isn’t very skilled at stretching their own canvas, this pack has been a godsend. The multi-size options make it perfect for any type of painting or art project and the acid-free material ensures my paintings will last for years to come. Not to mention, they also make a great gift for any artist or crafty friend in your life. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!” — Emily

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4. Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Blank Painting Canvas for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

 Simetufy 4 Pack 8x10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Blank Painting Canvas for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

I absolutely love the Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels! These canvases are perfect for all types of painting, from acrylics to watercolors. Plus, the value pack of 4 is a great deal! As an artist, I go through canvases pretty quickly, so having a bulk set like this is a game changer for me. The fact that they are 100% cotton and acid-free is also a huge bonus. My paintings come out looking vibrant and true to color every time. These canvas boards are definitely my go-to now. -Jackie

The Simetufy canvas panels are top-notch quality. The triple primer makes them ready to paint on right away, no prep needed! I’ve used other canvases before that required multiple coats of gesso, but not these ones. They have such high tensile strength that they don’t easily bend or curl up, even with extensive application of paint. And the surface texture is perfect for holding paint without absorbing it too much. I highly recommend these canvas panels to any fellow artist out there! -Samantha

Let me just say, as someone who has tried many different canvases over the years, the Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvas Boards for Painting Canvas Panels are a game changer. Not only do they come pre-primed and ready to use (thank goodness no more tedious priming process), but they also maintain the natural tones and glossiness of my paints beautifully. I’ve used them with oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, and even gouache and each one turned out fantastic on these canvases. And the multi-application aspect is just icing on the cake – perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who loves to create art! -Tommy

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5. FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas – 11×14 Inch 8 Pack, Primed,100% Cotton,5-8 Inch Profile of Super Value Pack for Acrylics,Oils & Other Painting Media

 FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas - 11x14 Inch 8 Pack, Primed,100% Cotton,5-8 Inch Profile of Super Value Pack for Acrylics,Oils & Other Painting Media

I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas. As someone who loves to paint, I am always on the lookout for high quality canvases at an affordable price. And let me tell you, these canvases definitely deliver! The 100% pure cotton surface makes painting effortless and the pine wood stretched bars provide a firm frame for a flawless finish.

As a beginner painter, I was a little hesitant to invest in expensive canvases. But when I came across FIXSMITH’s Super Value Pack, I couldn’t resist. And boy, am I glad I made that purchase! Each canvas is triple primed with gesso, ensuring that it won’t crumble or crack. This makes it suitable for painting with various mediums like oil and acrylic.

I recently gifted this pack to my daughter who has shown an interest in painting. She absolutely loves it and has been creating beautiful pieces of art ever since. It’s not just for beginners though – professionals will appreciate the quality of these canvases as well. And even if you’re not into painting, these canvases can be used for DIY crafts or decorative projects.

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about FIXSMITH Stretched White Blank Canvas. From the quality of materials used to the value for money, everything is top-notch. Plus, their 100% money-back guarantee shows how confident they are in their product. So go ahead and give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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Why I Prefer Using Canvas for Oil Pastels

As an artist who works primarily with oil pastels, I have experimented with a variety of surfaces to create my artwork on. However, I have found that using canvas provides the best results for my medium. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, canvas has a textured surface that allows the oil pastels to adhere better and blend smoothly. This texture adds depth and dimension to my artwork, making it more visually appealing. When I use other surfaces like paper or wood, the smoothness can make it difficult to achieve the desired blending effect.

Secondly, canvas is durable and can withstand multiple layers of oil pastel without tearing or warping. This is important because oil pastels have a thick consistency and can build up quickly on the surface. With canvas, I can confidently apply multiple layers without worrying about ruining the surface.

Another reason why canvas is necessary for oil pastels is that it allows for easy corrections and blending techniques. Unlike paper, which can easily tear or become saturated with too much pigment, canvas can handle erasing or blending with solvents without compromising its integrity.

Lastly, using canvas gives me a professional finish to my artwork. The texture and durability of the surface add a

My Buying Guide on ‘Canvas For Oil Pastels’

As an artist who primarily works with oil pastels, I have spent a considerable amount of time experimenting with different types of canvases. After trying out various options, I have compiled a buying guide to help fellow artists choose the perfect canvas for their oil pastel creations.

1. Consider the texture

The texture of the canvas plays a crucial role in determining the final outcome of your oil pastel artwork. For this medium, I recommend choosing a canvas with a slightly rough or medium grain texture. This allows for better adhesion and blending of the pastels without causing them to slip or smudge.

2. Look for a sturdy support

Oil pastels can be quite heavy and require a sturdy support to prevent warping or sagging over time. When purchasing a canvas, make sure to check its thickness and weight-bearing capacity. A thicker canvas with good tension will provide better support for your oil pastel artwork.

3. Opt for a primed surface

Primed canvases have been treated with gesso, which creates a smooth and even surface for your oil pastels to glide on. This not only makes it easier to work with but also prevents the colors from sinking into the canvas fibers, resulting in richer and more vibrant hues.

4.Choose the right size

The size of your canvas is entirely dependent on your personal preference and the size of your artwork. However, keep in mind that larger canvases may require more layers of pastels to achieve full coverage, while smaller ones may limit your creative space.

5. Consider archival quality

If you are looking to create long-lasting pieces, it is essential to choose canvases that are labeled as ‘archival quality.’ These canvases are made from high-quality materials that are less prone to fading and deterioration over time.

6. Experiment with different shapes

While square and rectangular canvases are the most common choices, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes such as round, oval, or even triangular canvases. The shape can add an interesting element to your artwork and make it stand out.

7. Budget wisely

Lastly, it is crucial to consider your budget when purchasing a canvas for oil pastels. While high-quality materials may come at a higher cost, they can significantly impact the overall look and longevity of your artwork.

In conclusion, choosing the right canvas for oil pastels requires careful consideration of factors such as texture, support, priming, size, archival quality, shape and budget. By keeping these tips in mind while making your purchase decision, you can ensure that you have chosen the perfect canvas for your next oil pastel masterpiece!

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Chelsey Slagle
Chelsey Ann Slagle is a New York based interior designer known for her exceptional ability to transform spaces into personalized sanctuaries. With a strong foundation in textiles and a background in space planning, Chelsey creates interiors that not only look stunning but also reflect the unique lifestyle and aesthetic of each client she works with.

Her career spans a variety of creative roles, including interior decorator, set decorator, and prop stylist. Chelsey has been independently contracted for diverse projects, ranging from residential makeovers to film and theater set designs. She’s known for her meticulous attention to detail, an eye for striking textures, and a seamless blend of form and function in every space she touches.

In 2024, Chelsey Ann Slagle expanded her creative reach by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Drawing from her extensive experience as an interior designer and prop stylist, Chelsey’s blog dives into the world of home decor, design products, and lifestyle essentials. Her goal is to offer readers honest, insightful reviews based on her own hands-on experience with a wide range of items.

Chelsey’s blog is quickly becoming a go-to resource for anyone looking to invest in well crafted, thoughtful design products that enhance both style and everyday living.