noun · neutral
canvas
/ˈkænvəs/CAN·vas
the heavy cloth on which a painting is made; also a painting made on this cloth
Examples
“She stretched the canvas before starting the portrait.”
“The museum bought three new canvases by the artist.”
“He primed the canvas so the colours would be brighter.”
Band 8 sentence
“Many contemporary artists prefer primed linen canvas because it gives more texture and longevity than cheaper cotton alternatives.”
Collocations
- stretched canvas
- paint on canvas
- canvas print
Word family
Common mistakes
I bought new canvas for the exhibition.→I bought a new canvas for the exhibition.
The artist works on canvas every day (meaning: material).→The artist works on canvas every day (meaning correct if material), The artist painted a canvas last week (if meaning 'a painting').
Say it for a higher band
5picture→6painting→7+canvas
Synonyms
panel
Easily confused
panel
“The medieval altarpiece was painted on wooden panels.”
Related words
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In Art & Culture
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