Part of the many things you can control as a painter is the canvas that you work on. Linen by its nature is much stronger and durable than cotton and has been proven to stand the test of time. Serious painters should paint on linen. Cotton canvas, although the most popular today, are not as strong and deteriorate almost five times faster rate than linen. Originally offered for students it is unfortunate that cotton is so often used because the value of linen is so often overlooked.
For over 40 years, the Narozni family have been crafting fine art supports in Provence France where the warm dry climate is deal for slow and stable drying of the primed fabrics. Close attention to detail makes Artfix not a commodity but a premium product for the educated artist wanting the very best.
By combining time-honored European methods of priming with modern chemistry, Artfix canvases provide a conservator's grade painting surface that assures the direction that you want to take and preserves finished art century after century.
All Artfix linen canvases feature the longest natural thread (fewer knots) for strong, flawless surfaces. All are double sized for protection against oil paints allowing uniform "breathing" which reduces paint film stress. Primers up to 4 layers (84C and 84U) are hand applied and sanded, care that prevents peeling, flaking or cracking. Imagine the time required to apply 6 layers of sizing and primer. An amazing process that produces unbelievable primed canvas.
- Getting Started - There are two ways to get started. Our recommended way is to purchase cut sheets and experiment on several paintings. Getting familiar with their nuances will provide you with a rich knowledge that will allow you to use these canvases to your best advantage. The other way is to purchase a swatch book and make a selection from a swatch. However many artists find the small swatch too restrictive for making a true evaluation. If you love to paint the important thing is to get started so please do.
- Lead Style Oil Primed Canvas - C Styles - The traditional qualities of a lead priming without its toxicity. It unique absorbency allows oil paints to "bite" into the surface, increasing adhesion and depth of color. When glazed, colors glow from within. Oil primed styles are highly recommended for oil color painting and Alkyd painting.
- Universal Primer - U Styles - Emulates the many characteristics of oil-based primers, with acrylic's durability and elasticity. Unlike "glossy" acrylic primers, its surface is more matte and a bit more absorbent. It is excellent for oil paints, acrylic paint, egg tempera, casein, and even drawing media.
L21C and L22U - These linens are very strong and offer a tight weave. This style is adaptable to virtually any style of painting and is the most common used on pre-stretched cotton canvas products. When first upgrading from commercial canvases this texture will be familiar to you and may be the best choice.
L42C and L43U - These linens have a heavier thread and tight weave. They are extremely strong and durable and perfect for murals and large scale artwork where a pleasant, gentle texture is desired.
L64C and L64U - These portrait linens have a very tight weave and very fine even grain. Most other manufacturers stop at this fineness but Artfix goes over the top with the 84 series.
L84C and L84U - Internationally recognized as the finest linen surface for precise detailing and portraiture work. Extremely smooth and uniform surface is unequalled by any other product.
L92C - Thick double threaded strand linen with a tight and strong weave and rough tooth. For large formats its more pronounced texture makes for beautiful landscapes and abstract pieces. The grain is the largest offered by Artfix but still refined to be pleasant to paint on. Its major advantage is ability to take extremely heavy paint layers.
P72U - This canvas is a lightweight very tight polyester with beautiful, fine and even grain. The reverse side has a white finish. Excellent for portraits and detailed artworks where the lighter weight and long term stability is important. Polyester is recommended by conservators.