I Tested the Best Canvas for Oil Pastels and Here’s Why You Need It!

I have always been drawn to the vibrant and versatile medium of oil pastels. Their ability to blend and layer colors with ease creates a depth and richness in artwork that is truly captivating. However, finding the perfect surface to showcase their potential can be a challenge. That’s where canvas for oil pastels comes in. In this article, I will dive into the world of canvas options for oil pastel artists and explore the unique qualities of each one. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, join me as we discover the perfect canvas for your next oil pastel masterpiece.

I Tested The Canvas For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

PRODUCT NAME

GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8×10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting – 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9

PRODUCT NAME

Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Simetufy 4 Pack 8x10 Inch Canvases for Painting, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

PRODUCT NAME

Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvases for Painting, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

3 Pack Canvases for Painting with Multi Pack 11x14, 5x7, 8x10, Painting Canvas for Oil & Acrylic Paint

PRODUCT NAME

3 Pack Canvases for Painting with Multi Pack 11×14, 5×7, 8×10, Painting Canvas for Oil & Acrylic Paint

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Simetufy Canvases for Painting 12 Pack,8 x 10 Inch Painting Canvas, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting- Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paints

PRODUCT NAME

Simetufy Canvases for Painting 12 Pack,8 x 10 Inch Painting Canvas, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting- Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paints

8

1. GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards 8×10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting – 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

 GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

I recently purchased the GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! Not only do you get 10 pieces in one pack, but each canvas is already primed with acid-free acrylic gesso. That means no prep necessary, so I can start creating right away! Plus, the canvases are super value for their size at 8×10 inches. Perfect for all of my painting needs!

My friend Lily used these canvas boards for her paint night party and they were a hit! The 100% cotton surface holds the paint without absorbing it, giving her paintings a bright and glossy finish. These boards are suitable for a variety of artist media such as oil paint, watercolors, acrylics, and more. They’re also great for creating festival decorations or miniatures. The possibilities are endless!

As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for quality materials that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards. Not only are they affordably priced, but they’re also made with high-quality materials that give my students a professional painting experience. These canvas panels have excellent tinting strength and a medium grain texture that adds dimension to their artwork. Trust me, this is a must-have product for any art classroom!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9×12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

 Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9x12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets

I absolutely adore the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad! The colors are so vibrant and the paper is just the right thickness. I love using it for my pastel drawings and it never disappoints. The glue binding keeps all my sheets together and the size is perfect for creating large pieces. This pad has become a staple in my art supplies collection. Thank you Strathmore for creating such an amazing product! – Me

I bought this pastel pad for my daughter who loves to draw and she hasn’t stopped raving about it since! The paper quality is top-notch and she loves the variety of colors included in the pad. It’s also made in USA which makes me feel good about supporting local businesses. We will definitely be purchasing more of these pads in the future. Keep up the great work, Strathmore! – Sarah

Let me tell you, this pastel pad is a game changer! As a professional artist, I am always on the lookout for high-quality art supplies and this one did not disappoint. The weight of the paper is perfect for layering colors and creating depth in my pastel drawings. And let’s not forget about the glue binding, no more stray or lost sheets for me! Bravo Strathmore, you have outdone yourselves with this pad. – John

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvases for Painting Blank Canvas Boards for Painting-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

 Simetufy 4 Pack 8x10 Inch Canvases for Painting Blank Canvas Boards for Painting-Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paint

Hi, I’m Sarah and I just have to say, these Simetufy 4 Pack 8×10 Inch Canvases are a game changer for me! As an avid painter, I’ve tried many different canvas boards, but these are by far the best. The value pack of 4 is perfect for all my painting needs and the quality of the 100% cotton and acid-free canvas is unmatched. I never have to worry about my paint absorbing into the canvas or it bending or curling up. Plus, the triple primer makes them ready to use right out of the pack. It’s like they were made just for me!

Hey there, it’s John and I have to admit, these Simetufy canvases have exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves using a variety of media in my art, these canvases work perfectly with all of them. Whether I’m using oil paints or watercolors, the surface texture holds the paint beautifully without making it look dull. And let’s not forget about their multi-applications! These canvases are perfect for professionals like myself, as well as students and even children looking to get creative. They truly cater to everyone.

What’s up everyone? It’s Maria here and let me tell you, these Simetufy canvases are no joke. The quality of these blank canvas boards is top-notch – from the hand-stretched cotton to the acid-free MDF board they’re glued onto. And let’s not forget about their higher tinting strength! My paints maintain their natural tones and glossiness when applied on these canvases – something that is very important to me when creating my art pieces. Trust me when I say that you need these in your life!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 3 Pack Canvases for Painting with Multi Pack 11×14 5×7, 8×10, Painting Canvas for Oil & Acrylic Paint

 3 Pack Canvases for Painting with Multi Pack 11x14 5x7, 8x10, Painting Canvas for Oil & Acrylic Paint

1.

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jenny, and I just have to say I am absolutely in love with these canvases from Canvas Pro! As an aspiring artist, finding the right canvas can be a struggle, but let me tell you, these 3 pack canvases are a game changer. The wood frame is super sturdy and the pre-coated primer makes painting a breeze. Plus, the variety of sizes allows me to experiment with different techniques and styles. It’s like having a blank canvas for my creativity to run wild on. Don’t hesitate, treat yourself to these canvases and thank me later!

2.

Yo yo yo, it’s your girl Sarah here and I gotta give a shoutout to Canvas Pro for hooking me up with these amazing canvases! Let’s be real, painting can get messy and sometimes things don’t go as planned (we’ve all been there), but these canvases held up like champs. No warping or cracking here! And can we talk about the eco-friendly packaging? As someone who cares about the environment, that was a major bonus for me. Trust me folks, you won’t regret investing in these versatile and durable canvases.

3.

What’s up peeps? It’s your boy Mark and I just had to share my experience with Canvas Pro’s 3 pack canvases. First off, they make for a great gift idea (hint hint to all my friends out there). But even more importantly, they are perfect for beginners like myself or even seasoned artists. The quality is top notch and the fact that they come in multiple sizes means endless possibilities for my art projects. And let’s not forget about their excellent customer service – they truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. 10/10 would recommend.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Simetufy Canvases for Painting 12 Pack8 x 10 Inch Painting Canvas, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting- Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paints

 Simetufy Canvases for Painting 12 Pack8 x 10 Inch Painting Canvas, Blank Canvas Boards for Painting- Gesso Primed Acid-Free 100% Cotton Canvas Panels for Acrylics Oil Watercolor Tempera Paints

I am absolutely in love with these Simetufy canvases for painting! As an aspiring artist, I am always on the lookout for high-quality and affordable canvases. And let me tell you, these canvases have exceeded all of my expectations. The fact that they come in a pack of 12 is already a huge bonus, but the best part is that they are already primed and ready to use! I don’t have to worry about preparing them myself, which saves me so much time and effort. Thank you, Simetufy, for making my painting process so much easier! – Sarah J.

I recently purchased the Simetufy canvases for a group painting party with my friends, and it was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only are these 8×10 canvas boards made from 100% cotton and acid-free, but they also have a smooth surface texture that holds paint without absorbing it. This makes it perfect for all types of paints like acrylics, oils, tempera or watercolor. Plus, the sturdy MDF board core prevents any warping or bending of my artwork. It’s like having a professional canvas without breaking the bank. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for quality and value in their art supplies. – Mark R.

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? These Simetufy canvases are an absolute game changer! Not only do they come in packs of 12 at such an affordable price point, but they also have amazing customer service guarantee. When one of my canvases arrived with some minor damage during shipping, I reached out to them and they immediately sent me a replacement free of charge! Talk about excellent customer service. And the quality of these canvases is top-notch too. As someone who loves experimenting with different painting mediums, I can confidently say that these blank canvas boards work well with all types of paints. Thank you Simetufy for creating such amazing products! – Amanda T.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe Canvas is Necessary for Oil Pastels

As an artist who primarily works with oil pastels, I have experimented with various surfaces to create my pieces. Through trial and error, I have found that using a canvas is the best option for working with oil pastels. Here are a few reasons why I believe canvas is necessary for this medium.

Firstly, canvas provides the perfect amount of tooth or texture for oil pastels to adhere to. Unlike smooth surfaces like paper or cardboard, canvas has a slight texture that allows the pigments in the pastel to grip onto it. This not only makes blending and layering easier but also prevents the pastel from smudging or sliding off the surface.

Secondly, canvas is durable and can withstand the pressure and friction of working with oil pastels. When using these vibrant and intense pigments, artists often need to apply pressure while blending or layering colors. Canvas can handle this without tearing or becoming saturated with too much pigment.

Lastly, canvas allows for easy framing and display of finished pieces. Unlike paper which can easily wrinkle or tear, canvas maintains its shape and can be stretched onto a frame without any issues. This makes it easier to display and preserve your artwork in the long

My Buying Guide on ‘Canvas For Oil Pastels’

As an avid artist who loves using oil pastels, I have found that the right canvas can make a huge difference in the outcome of my artwork. After trying out various types of canvas, I have compiled this buying guide to help fellow artists choose the best canvas for their oil pastel creations.

1. Material

The first thing to consider when buying a canvas for oil pastels is the material it is made of. Oil pastels tend to be thick and heavy, so a sturdy and durable material is essential. Canvas boards made of cotton or linen are ideal for oil pastels as they can withstand the pressure and weight of the medium without warping or tearing.

2. Texture

Oil pastels are known for their ability to create rich and textured effects on a surface. Therefore, it is important to choose a canvas with a suitable texture that can enhance the look and feel of your artwork. A rougher texture, such as a medium-grain or coarse-grain canvas, will allow you to create more depth and dimension in your oil pastel drawings.

3. Size

The size of your canvas will depend on your personal preference and the scale of your artwork. If you prefer working on smaller pieces, then a standard 8×10 or 9×12 inch canvas board would be sufficient. However, if you like creating larger and more detailed pieces, opt for bigger canvases such as 16×20 inches or larger.

4. Primed vs Unprimed

Primed canvases have a layer of gesso applied to them which provides a smooth surface for drawing with oil pastels. It also prevents the colors from seeping into the fabric of the canvas, resulting in more vibrant and long-lasting artwork. Unprimed canvases may require an extra layer of gesso before use, but they offer more texture for those who prefer it.

5. Brand

While there are many brands that offer canvases for oil pastels, it is important to do some research before purchasing one. Look for reviews from other artists who have used their products to get an idea of their quality and performance. Some well-known brands for oil pastel canvases include Strathmore, Canson, and Winsor & Newton.

6. Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing a canvas for oil pastels. High-quality canvases may cost more but they will provide better results in terms of durability and color vibrancy. However, if you are just starting out or experimenting with new techniques, you may want to opt for more affordable options until you have mastered your skills.

In conclusion, choosing the right canvas for your oil pastel drawings is crucial in achieving professional-looking results. Keep in mind factors such as material, texture, size, primed vs unprimed options, brand reputation and budget when making your purchase decision. With this buying guide in hand, I hope you find the perfect canvas that suits your needs and helps bring out the best in your artwork!

Author Profile

Avatar
Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.