I’ve recently taken to experimenting with airbrush on canvas instead of illustration card. I have to say that it’s been a real challange. I’m not fussy on the results so far, but I’m learning a hell of a lot.
I usually try to use a techique that is light on the paint, and allows me to correct, or texture with an electric eraser, knife, or similar, as well as detailing in pencil crayon or conte. However, the rough textured surface of a canvas presents unique challanges to an airbrush artist.
The rough texture of canvas requires that more paint get used for certain light effects, and makes it virtually impossible to get clean light effects, texture with a knife, or touch up with crayon, so many of my renderings feel flat and lifeless to me. I’m having to learn to layer textures very differently, and how to get the most use out of transparent extender. I’m also finding it very difficult to control the exact position of paint, and finding that colors fade very quickly in the drying process. Even with a well gesso’d canvas, the amount of pigment that seems to get soaked up is astonishing.
Still, I am finding new ways to do things, which is always a good exercise. However, after I finish the piece I’m currently working on, I may have to go back to illustration card for the next one, just to soothe my badly bruised artist ego. 
