Favourite Canvas Size?

Regan

Do you have a favourite size of canvas to work on? If so, why?

Just wondering if people find that they get better results painting larger or smaller pictures. The first few paintings I did were on 18x24 and 16x20 canvases, but since then I started using mostly smaller 12x16. Would a larger picture make details look finer?

TheLandscapePainter

I think its a matter of personal choice and also it depends on what you're used to. Apart from that it shouldn't make any difference to detail if you adjust the size of your brushes accordingly, you should be able to get all the details in. You might have to be a bit creative with how you use your existing larger tools. After 5 years of using 18x24 stretched canvas, due to cost and storage issues I recently opted to try 12x16 canvas panels. They were a little bit awkward at first as I had to introduce some smaller brushes, no need for a two inch for sure, and your brushes have to be sharp, no good trying to get away with using an old liner thats past its best for detail work, but I really like them now I'm getting used to them. I think the main issue now for me is how the finished painting looks on the wall, I prefer the look of the 18x24. I've done a couple of 3x3 and 5x7 just for fun and that's a whole different ball game. But I wouldn't go smaller than 12x16 now.

jlstutz98

After starting with mostly 16" x 20" canvases, I've become more comfortable and prefer working on smaller ones, especially 11" x 14". Part of it relates to storage and economics, but the larger canvases often "feel" too big now. With practice, you better understand what tools and techniques work best for your chosen canvas size. I agree that a good liner brush is a must have; I switched to nylon after much frustration with natural bristles.