Yes! It is a simple straight answer, but it has little traps inside of this answer.
Keep reading because I share all the essentials on how you can use colored pencils on canvas. Not many artists are using colored pencils on canvases. But if you reading this post, then it seems you see a challenge.
You won’t try it. Right?
Why not, art is exploring.
Some artists use them for the layout of paintings, and others to explore and draw with them.
We will stick to those that use canvas for colored pencil art.
How to Prepare More Friendly Colored Pencil Surface
You decide to go for it, and nothing will stop you from using canvas with your colored pencils.
How to get started?
- Get smoother canvases from the store, already primed
- Even if the canvas is primed you need to put a minimum of two layers of gesso, I recommend that you go with three layers. You will get a more colored pencil and a friendly surface, and it will save your pencils a lot.
- Sand it and get a smoother surface. That is another power-up to save your pencils softcore.
- Work on pre-stretched canvas
- Use plywood as support from the back, to avoid sagging. Also, you will work more easily along the edges of the canvas.
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Which colored pencils have the best durability on canvas?
The ones that have harder cores, and are mostly without wax. So your options are oil-based colored pencils.
Recommended Professional Colored Pencils for Drawing on Canvas
Faber Castell colored pencils are made from oil and pigment, and because of that they have a harder core.
Luckily their range of colors is very big, you can get 12o different colors. And that will be more than enough for your drawing on canvas.
The Faber Castell price range is the same as for Prismacolor colored pencils, but they will last much longer on rough surfaces like canvas.
Budget-friendly
If you are on a budget then a great choice is Castle Art Supplies 120 Premium Colored Pencils Set. For one-third of the price of Faber Castell, you get Castle pencils, and they are high quality and also oil-based pencils.
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How Do You Protect a Colored Pencil on a Canvas?
Once you finish drawing with colored pencils it is time for protection.
To protect colored pencils on canvas you will need a fixative. If you don’t use fixative your drawing will not last! The same rule goes for graphite pencils
Have in mind when you use fixative colors could run, so approach to this step carefully. Another issue with fixative is that the colors might change.
- Workable fixatif spray protects computer prints, pencil, pastel and chalk drawings
- Prevents smudging, wrinkling and allows for easy reworking of the artwork
- Acid free and archival safe
- Clear, durable finish
- Erase through coating to rework artwork.
- Totally clear, matte film
- Non-yellowing
- Protects against smearing
- Item Package Weight: 0.82 pounds
- Provide invisible protection to your fragile dry media
- Includes an 11-ounce can
- Danger. Extremely flammable-vapors may cause flash fires. Contents under pressure. Vapor harmful.
- Conforms to ASTM D 4236
- Made in USA
