made in heaven

There is a selection of materials that can be utilised as a support, but the pet portrait artist has to decide what will be the most suitable material for the longegity of his or her painting. Much will depend on the type of paint being used, oil and acrylic tend to be a more flexible medium so can be applied with reasonable confidence on fabrics that have been properly prepared. More brittle mediums such as tempera, gouache or pastel, require a more rigid support such as prepared boards. However, no support is fool-proof and all will be affected by atmospheric and chemical changes over time, the craft of the artist is to make sure they use the correct support for the medium they use and if done well can produce a picture that will last for a very long time.

Below is a brief description of the different types of support for painting.

Processed wood
From the selection of processed woods now on sale, probably the best support for the artist, is MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board). This is stronger and more stable than other processed woods and so is less likely to warp. The surface is quite smooth though does take ground preparations well.

Natural Wood
Natural wood has been used for centuries in painting, but it does have to be well seasoned. Suitable examples will show straight close growth rings which where possible are aligned across its thickness. Wood with knots and sap wood should be avoided. As a general rule hardwood make a better support than softwoods

Linen
Linen is the best cloth for painting, it is a strong, durable fabric that, if well made, offers a relatively blemish free surface with a fine weave.

Cotton
Cotton doesn’t command the high prices of linen and is much easier to get hold of, unfortunately it isn’t as durable as linen. The better cloths are heavy (10oz or more) have a close weave and few stubs or knots.

Paper and card
Paper is an ancient product that has it’s origins in China. It is made from vegetable fibres matted together to form a sheet. Western paper was originally formed from linen waste (known as rags) but when cotton came into general use, cotton rags came into use. If made with care using the best materials, paper can last a long time, but tends to be fragile. In painting it is tends to be used as a ground for water colour, gouache, tempera, pastel and acrylics. Though, if heavily sized, can be used for oil colours. Acid-free paper is the only choice for those who want their pictures to last.

Stone
Various types of stone have been experimented upon as painting supports. Some fine examples have survived from the renaissance. Slate is an obvious choice as it comes in sheet form, but other materials such as marble and onyx may provide more interesting backgrounds that can also be utilised. Non-absorbant surfaces do not need preparation, though it is advisable to wipe down with white spirit before starting.

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