Choosing a canvas size and orientation

Custom canvases currently come in two sizes, 8 × 10 and 11 × 14 inches, and each size can be portrait or landscape. This guide helps you pick the combination that fits your design, your group and your tables.

Comparing the two sizes

8 × 10 inches

  • Suits bold, simpler designs.
  • Good for children, first-time painters and shorter sessions.
  • Takes less table space.
  • Easier for small hands to carry home flat.

11 × 14 inches

  • Leaves more room for detail and lettering.
  • Gives painters more to do in a longer session.
  • Suits a painting meant for display.
  • Needs more elbow room and drying space, and is larger to carry.

Portrait or landscape

Match the orientation to the shape of the design:

  • Portrait (taller than wide) suits single flowers, figures, pets, and wording stacked over several lines.
  • Landscape (wider than tall) suits scenery, skylines, groups of objects, and a name on one line.

If a design looks cramped at the sides or at the top, it probably wants the other orientation.

Using your own outline

You can send a regular photo or a finished outline. Choose the orientation that fits the subject. We turn your image into a paintable outline, and can help you choose a size. Seeing and approving a preview is optional.

Designs in the Shop

The two sizes above are for custom canvases.

Online ordering is not available yet.

More about the canvas

Both sizes are the same canvas: primed cotton stretched over a wooden frame, with a permanent printed black outline. You can mix both sizes in one order. See What is a pre-outlined stretched canvas?. For quantities and kits, see Buying for a group.

Keep planning

Canvas Paint Party supplies physical pre-outlined canvases and optional paint kits. Your organizer arranges the venue, facilitation and other event supplies. Ask about a custom canvas or contact us about group supplies.