Soft Pastel on Canvas?

ecarmo wrote

on 14 Apr 2012 7:13 AM

Is there a way to do soft pastel on canvas?

KatPaints wrote

on 14 Apr 2012 11:05 PM

It all depends on the type of canvas, the type of pastel drawing, etc. There is a type of canvas with a fuzzy flocked  surface made for pastels. Primed canvas would not be advisable since the dust would not adhere to the surface. Pastel drawings with the use of mineral spirits on a fine grain unprimed canvas may work. It would be best to do test before trying this effect.

ecarmo wrote

on 16 Apr 2012 11:40 AM

Thank you for responding to my question! I was looking around online and someone else suggested priming the canvas with COLOURFIX PRIMER.

Do you know anything about it?

Laura Garramone wrote

on 17 Apr 2012 8:53 AM

I'm not sure, but maybe stretching something like Wallis paper over a canvas frame might be an option.  It would have to be a higher quality paper that can get wet, then stretch over a canvas frame.  I have never tried this but who knows.  Also, I have made surfaces for pastel work by mixing pumice/ acrylic gel and applying it  to gatorfoam.  It might work on a canvas.  Laura

ecarmo wrote

on 17 Apr 2012 10:24 AM

Thank you so much for your help!

KenyonStudios wrote

on 19 Apr 2012 11:53 AM

Hi!  Yes, there is a wonderful pastel canvas I've been using for my soft pastels for over 10 years. Here is a direct link to the product I use.  Product number 118 Pastel Velvet by Fredrix.  http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/canvas-and-boards/canvas-rolls/fredrix-roll-canvas/fredrix-acrylic-primed-cotton.htm

Here is a portrait I've completed on the pastel canvas which also has an acrylic wash in the background.

Hope this helps,

Andy

ecarmo wrote

on 19 Apr 2012 12:11 PM

Andy,

Yes this does help, and your portrait is beautiful, a great inspiration!

KatPaints wrote

on 19 Apr 2012 5:39 PM

I checked Colourfix primer online and it sounds interesting. Supposedly it allows you to work on any surface. I would suggest contacting the manufacturer by email. I was wondering why you seem so set on using canvas? Do you already own lots of canvas??

ecarmo wrote

on 20 Apr 2012 6:44 AM

A friend of a friend gave me a lot of art supply's that belonged to her father and several canvas. I like to work big and most of the canvas are big. I am just learning color and am not comfortable painting yet. But pastels seem fun and I really want to do a big group portrait of the kids (7 of them) when they were here at Christmas. I have a board canvas that is 24x36 and would be easy to put under glass (I am very optimistic!). I went ahead and ordered the Colourfix yesterday. I will let you know how it works out.

ninelika wrote

on 11 Jul 2012 3:50 AM

Thanks for the link,

My brother found it quite useful :)

ivo55 wrote

on 25 Nov 2012 4:29 AM

There is always way to do it and perhaps you can preserve it with a varnish.

ecarmo wrote

on 25 Nov 2012 7:46 AM

Thank you!