Belgian Linen
 

I see most artists use Belgian Linen for their Portraits. I've been using commercial canvas purchased at the art store. They are all made from Cotton Duck, and frankly, they seem to work just fine. I looked for Belgian Linen at some of the local art stores, but didn't find any. So can someone please educate me on Belgian Linen and where it is purchased? Thanks! Oh, I am pt pro for 2 years

RE: Belgian Linen
 

Belgian Linen is superior archivally. You will not be able to find it in the stretched product, but it is widely available in rolls which you will need to stretch yourself. You can find rolls of linen canvas in any of the assorted art catalogs, ie. Jerry's Artarama, Dick Blick, ASW, etc. I prefer Fredrix Rix or Kent, single primed. My prefered stretcher pliers are the Holbien pliers (around $80). I use Fredrix stretcher stripes for smaller paintings, Daniel Smith medium width stretcher strips for larger paintings. I have an artist friend work with me as I stretch. I'll pull the canvas with the pliers, he'll secure the canvas with a staple gun. There is an art to stretching a canvas (note the instructions on stretching which come with the canvas roll...), but it is a necessity for a professional artist. BTW, I have a cotton duck canvas I painted 35 years ago which is already starting to deteriorate. FT professional, 18 years

Belgian linen
 

Dear Marta,

Try New York Central (212-473-7705). Commercially prepared Claussen 13DP is a good choice. NY Central also has a linen they seal with RSG and prime with real lead. Should you wish, they will stretch for you to any size you like.

Either is a world of difference from what you are using.

Belgian linen is the best surface on which to paint portraits, but it might take some getting used to, especially if you use your fingers. The texture of the linen requires a more delicate touch. But there is no question that the linen 'treats' paint differently, affecting the paint layering comfort and final look.

Of all the linens I've used, I find Claessens No.15 SP to be the best. There are others that come close, among those the Utrecht Belgian SP and American Canvas Manufacturers' Nos. 8 and 9. Right now I don't particularly recommend - even though I've used them in the past - Fredrix Rix 111 or Kent 125, and by all means stay away from the 'cheaper' linens. A company in Brooklun, NY, AMERICAN CANVAS MANUFACTURERS CORP, makes linen that compares very favorably with the best Belgian, at almost half the cost. As I've indicated, their Nos. 8 and 9 linens are outstanding. ACM can be reached at (718) 384-2300

Contrary to previous information, Fredrix supplies pure Belgian linen in a pre-stretched, pre-gessoed form, in a range of standard sizes. It can be mail ordered from both Pearl and Dick Blick. It costs roughly twice the price of their cotton duck pre-stretched canvas. And is comparable to purchasing unstreched linen.

I have found that Masterpiece makes some wonderful Belgian Linen pre-stretched canvas. It can be special ordered through Dick Blick or Daniel Smith Online Art Supply Stores. I'm not really fond of the Fredrix version, but it's probably Ok for student use.
I really appreciate all the good advice I received from the Pro's in here. If I ever get to the point where I could afford it, I know it is important for a professional artist to use the finest materials available, even if that means learning to be proficient at making one's own canvas. Does anyone offer lessons in their workshops at making canvas?

Thanks!

John,

I've been using Claessens for many years and I'm thinking of trying Fredrix Rix 111 again. Could you tell me why you can't recommend it? Have you had a specific problem with it in the past?

Thanks,
steve

Fredrix Rix 111
 

Steve, I don't recall any specific problems with the Rix, but going from the Claessens (the one I prefer and currently use, by the way, is No. 13 SP) back to the Rix is like going from a Ferrari to an Oldsmobile. Ultimately, of course, it's a matter of comfort, of that elusive 'feel', and Oldsmobiles (very fine cars, now more than before), may be more comfortable and easier to drive. In any case, not a bad idea to try different linens at different times.

John,
I, like you, use Claessens No. 13SP, and sometimes No. 12. I'm looking for something less slick. I would like to find a canvas that will grab the paint a little better for alla prima painting. I'll drive a Yugo if that will get me where I want to go.
Steve