Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvases feature premium Claessens linen stretched over high quality museum wooden stretcher bars. Available with either oil primed or universal primed linen, these canvases are ideal for a range of techniques, from thin washes to thick impasto marks. In this Artist Review of the Month, Jaroslaw Reszka shares his experience using the canvas for his oil painting practice.
Artist Review of Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas
by Jaroslaw Reszka
As an artist working primarily in oil painting, I’ve explored a range of linen canvases, from ready-stretched options to those I’ve stretched myself. Among them, Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas featuring Claessens 66 Medium Linen stands out. It strikes a perfect balance between texture, tension, and durability, making it ideal for a variety of oil painting techniques. This canvas consistently maintains its tension from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised by its craftsmanship, remaining springy and taut throughout the painting process. It is exactly to my preference, without any signs of sagging or loosening.
Although I haven’t delved into traditional gessoed linen, Jackson’s canvas competes with and surpasses many other surfaces I’ve used. My practice includes working with branded boards, self-made panels, and linen canvases. This particular canvas offers an exceptional blend of quality and ease of use.
The texture of this canvas creates a beautiful interplay between the paint and the surface. Its subtle imperfections add a unique and appealing quality to my work, a characteristic often missing from perfectly smooth surfaces like wooden panels. Also, the natural irregularities in the linen enhance the painting’s character, making each piece feel more dynamic and alive.
I ordered Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas in the 60 x 70 cm format, which is my preferred size. It’s perfect for my intended projects and is remarkably lightweight, making it a favourite surface. Unlike heavier wooden panels, it doesn’t feel cumbersome, allowing for greater ease of handling and placement.
Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas for Oil Painting
I paint in oil, using paints I make from dry pigments. The canvas handles both thin and thick layers beautifully, accommodating impasto and glazing techniques with ease. Removing paint layers with a dry lint-free cloth has proven effective and easy as well.
The product description mentions the presence of pinholes, which initially concerned me. However, I found these minor imperfections to be negligible due to the quality of the priming. I’ve painted directly on the canvas as it was delivered, and should I need to adjust the surface, a layer of gesso or oil primer could easily address any issues. Currently, I have no concerns; the canvas meets my needs perfectly as is.
I work in layers, building up my paintings over extended periods and allowing previous layers to dry before applying new ones. During this process, I haven’t noticed any paint or oil seeping through to the backside. Considering future restorers, if any of my paintings become valuable enough to warrant restoration in a few centuries, they’ll have something to work with. This adds a positive aspect for future generations, ensuring that the canvas is a solid and enduring choice. In fact, renowned artists like Claude Monet also painted on canvases where the linen is exposed and visible, highlighting the lasting quality and historical significance of well-made canvases.
Works in progress in Jaroslaw’s studio using Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas
Given the exceptional quality of the linen, the price of Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas is more than fair. Comparable professional-grade linen canvases often come at a significantly higher cost, yet this product maintains a high standard at a more accessible price. The durability and longevity of this canvas further justify the investment.
The convenience of using a high quality canvas without compromising on quality is a major reason why I will continue to use Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas in the future. It offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it “the canvas”. I can say I found what I was searching for, for so long.
About Jaroslaw Reszka
Jaroslaw Reszka is a contemporary Polish artist, based in Lancashire, England. Influenced by the Baltic Sea’s shores rich heritage and natural beauty, his work spans abstract art, fine art, and miniature oil paintings, reflecting his diverse experiences. While his creative process involves crafting his paints from the highest-quality dry ground pigments and natural oils like linseed and walnut, he embraces spontaneity, allowing the creative energy to guide him. He avoids solvents and additives, reflecting his dedication to purity and sustainability in his art-making practice.
Further Reading
How to Stretch Canvas: a Visual Guide
Removing Dents in Stretched Canvas
Artist Review: Michael Harding Oleo Impasto Medium
Introducing Jackson’s Artist Pigment Sets
Shop Jackson’s Museum Stretched Canvas on jacksonsart.com
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