How to Prepare Canvas for Altered Art

Altered art can be created on any number of flexible or hard surfaces, including board, Masonite, wood or canvas. For canvas, choose either canvas board for a strong and rigid support, or opt for stretched canvas. Canvas does not have to be made from standard linen or cotton--it could be any stretched fabric, including silk, leather, suede, hemp or burlap. Because the altered art process is highly experimental, creativity can begin with the preparation of the support.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-stretched canvas Gesso Acrylic gloss medium Paper scraps Sand, wood chips or fibers (optional) Fine sandpaper Bristle brush

1. Start with a pre-stretched canvas that you bought or made on your own. Prime the canvas with Gesso to keep the canvas from warping later on. Apply the Gesso with a bristle brush, removing any bubbles with your fingers are you coat the canvas. Allow the Gesso to dry.

2. Apply a second coat to the first coat once it's dry. Paint on three to five more coats of the Gesso. Brush on the Gesso in a different direction in each time, to ensure complete canvas coverage.

3. Sand the canvas when it is completely dry to make a smooth surface for the altered art. Use a light hand while sanding, and cover the entire canvas.

4. Secure the back of a pre-stretched canvas support with a hardboard. Nail in small nails or carpet tacks. This will help protect the back of the canvas while you are creating the altered art.

5. Create an underpainting with acrylic paint in a solid color or with abstract shapes. Only some of the underpainting will show through in the final artwork. It will add color and cohesion to the final piece.

6. Texturize the support with layers of torn paper. Adhere the paper with a clear acrylic medium. Rice paper, torn newspapers, old music sheets or pages from old books may all be incorporated into a textured background for altered art.

7. Add sand, fabric fibers or wood chips to acrylic gloss medium to create natural textures on an altered art canvas.

Tips & Warnings

• Staples in the canvas can be painted over with Gesso.
• For projects with heavy objects, opt for pre-backed canvas board.