Is it normal to think too much about canvases?

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6 Comments

So there's this particular art store that I go to frequently. I used to purchase only Fredrix Green label linen canvases but when I discovered that I could purchase a Fredrix red label canvas I started buying them. However, I feel that having linen sounds really nice as it is of high quality and superior to the standard canvas. Am I being too materialistic? I haven't even painted on them yet; I've just been buying them to draw on because I didn't like how something came out the first time I drew it as I'm a perfectionist. When I asked the guy if he had linen he asked me why I wanted it. I told him I heard it was better quality. He says "NOOOOOO". "You're not going to pay more for linen". In a joking manner he says "Get out of here" smiling. I decided to just stick with the red label canvas and I did feel somewhat glad that he was looking out for me money wise. Some people are not that concerned about what you buy and just want your money. However, I wish the Green label canvas was cheaper. I want to paint on one. What do you think? Should I stick with the red label? I am just about to embark on an oil painting experience and I've been told that someone starting off wouldn't buy linen...however I have great artistic talent and still want the Green label....the idea of a linen canvas hanging on my wall is satisfying but if this is the only reason does it sound superficial? If you think so, what would be a good reason for buying linen? PLEASE COMMENT.

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27% Normal
Based on 11 votes (3 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • disthing
    9 years ago

    Oh lordy - why are you worrying about this?

    Your life must be pleasant and relatively stress-free, so enjoy it.

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  • CloverFish
    9 years ago

    I would go ahead and try the linen at least once and see if you like it or not. If you end up not, then alrighty. If you do, then you do. Art's really free like that; just experiment~

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  • VirgilManly
    9 years ago

    "Art is whatever you can get away with."
    -Andy Warhol-

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  • Freedom_
    9 years ago

    Why do you feel you must commit to the linen? By all means, experiment. But you don't have to stick to one material if you don't want to. I choose my surfaces by how long i care for the work to last, the technique i plan to use or even just by how i want the paintbrush to feel against the surface.

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  • Avant-Garde
    9 years ago

    There's nothing wrong with using materials that you like. Lots of artists have preferred products. If it is putting a strain on your finances, definitely don't buy so much. Use what you've bought and then buy some more when you can. You don't even need a canvas to paint! You can paint on any surface! Stripped bark of wood. A leaf. Pottery. The wall.

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  • squirrelgirl
    9 years ago

    Buy whatever materials you feel comfortable working with. If you're living within your means, then money is no object when it comes to being creative.

    For example, I just recently spent around $100 on materials to use for a project I wanted to do involving the Cut-up technique: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut-up_technique

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