We always keep a solid stash of canvas on hand here at Art Supply Center—great sizes, great prices, and no weird markups. But every now and then, we get a shipment so epic it deserves its own moment. This was one of those times.
Picture it: towers of canvas—boards, studio canvases, and gallery-wrapped beauties from tiny magnetic 2”x2”s to bold 24”x36” showstoppers. We’re talking stacks taller than your average art nerd (we measured). It was a wall of possibility—and we knew we had to talk about it.
So whether you’re picking up your first board or adding to your studio shelf, we’re here to celebrate the humble canvas, share some of our favorite tools and ideas, and maybe get you fired up to create something new.
So… What Can You Do with All That Canvas?
Short answer? Anything. Long answer? Anything, but nerdier.
Let’s start with the basics: these canvases are ready to go. No priming necessary. You can paint them with acrylics, oils, gouache, and even watercolor (yes, if you want that dreamy bleedy edge, it can totally work—just prep with a watercolor ground or go loose and experimental).
You can also go beyond paint: try drawing with charcoal or pastel, collage with fabric, papers, or pressed flowers, or try a sun print technique by layering cutouts and exposing the canvas to sunlight for ghostly silhouettes. (Our summer light here in Portland is perfect for it.)
If you’ve read our blog on Painted Rocks or Sidewalk Joy, you already know we’re fans of tiny art drops—and tiny canvases are perfect for that. Paint a micro-scene, add a positive message, or make a whole set for your fridge gallery. You could even leave a few at your favorite joy stop around town.
And for those of you who are outdoor artists, check out our post on outdoor painting—then pack up a few of the smaller canvas boards and go plein-air painting at your neighborhood park. (Yes, even if it’s just your stoop.)
Starting from Scratch? We’ve Got Your Back.
If you’re staring at a blank canvas and a blank supply shelf, we’ve got everything you need to get rolling. Our staff is always ready to help you build the perfect beginner’s kit without breaking the bank (or your spirit).
Here’s what pairs beautifully with canvas:
- Acrylic paint (we’ll help you choose a palette—primary, pastel, neon? Let’s talk.)
- Brushes (start with a few flats and rounds, and maybe one wild card just for fun)
- Paint pens (hello Posca, our old friend)
- Water-soluble adhesives or collage glue
- Palette knives, texture tools, or anything else that makes you want to swipe paint around
And don’t forget a little surface prep love—masking tape, clips, or a tabletop easel can help make the process smoother (and less likely to result in paint on your socks. Again.)
A Few Canvas Project Ideas
Okay, let’s get into it. Beyond the usual “paint a pretty picture,” here are a few ASC-style creative adventures that start with canvas and end with high-fives:
- Make a micro-gallery of 2”x2”s—each with a different creature, mood, or color palette. Display them in a shadow box or hide them around the neighborhood.
- Create a “rock + canvas” combo set—paint a tiny canvas background, then glue on a painted rock for a multi-dimensional piece. Great for kids and texture nerds.
- Try a sidewalk-style message series—use the magnetic canvas squares to write short phrases and display them like refrigerator poetry. (Pro tip: pair with painted leaves or origami for bonus dimension.)
- Go abstract with texture experiments—try layering tissue, sand, coffee grounds, string, or gesso textures before painting.
Canvas is just the start. The rest is up to your beautifully unpredictable brain.
Come grab a canvas, pick up a few colors, and let us nerd out with you about brushes, layering, and which project is best for your rainy Sunday. Ask us about gesso. Ask us about glue. Ask us what to do with the weird metallic paper you found in your drawer from 2009. We’re here for all of it, including your finished projects. Tag us at Art Supply Center so we can share!
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