- 1). Paint the surface of the canvas with gesso--or plaster of Paris--using a foam roller or a paint brush in order to make the surface suitable for painting. Avoid overdoing it by just painting a few strokes at a time to create thin layers. Rub the surface with sandpaper after two coats to smooth out any ridges. Apply another two coats of gesso and again sand, then wipe the canvas with a wet cloth to remove any bits. Wear gloves for this as gesso is extremely hard to wash off the skin.
- 2). Create a drawing on paper cut to the same size as the canvas, then transfer the drawing onto the canvas using carbon paper. Trace over the lines with brown ink before painting as the first layer of oil paint will wash off the pencil marks.
- 3). Paint using light colors and shades for the first layer. Carefully wipe the surface of the canvas with onion and linseed oil between layers, and wipe with a wet cloth to increase the absorbency of the material, which is better for painting. Use only bright colors on the top layers of the painting.