Prepare a series of preliminary studies for your canvas art design. Rule six square or rectangular boxes onto a page of your sketchbook. In the first box draw a random and spontaneous pattern. In the adjacent box, create a second variation by taking elements from the first design. Continue this process until you have filled the six boxes. Add color to your studies using a color medium of your choice. Create a mixed-media study by incorporating sand, textured paper or patterned fabrics, if desired.
On the next page of your sketchbook, rule another six boxes and repeat the design process. This time, try creating a series of collages using torn strips and shapes of colored, textured or patterned paper. Each study should be a variation of the last. Experiment by applying lines of color on top of the collages or other abstract markings. Try adding natural elements to the studies such as twigs, autumnal leaves, pressed flowers or other organic materials of interest. The paper collage could act as a background for the canvas, and you could draw silhouettes of a still life, such as a bowl of fruit or a vase with an arrangement of flowers or whatever else inspires you.
Select a study you want to turn into an art canvas. Alternatively, you could select two or three of your designs to create a sequence of canvases, which is a common characteristic of art canvas design.
Decide on the size of canvas you want to use or how many canvases you need to complete your project. You can purchase ready-made canvases, but you may have to make your own canvases if you intend to work on a larger scale.
Apply a basic wash over your canvas using a warm color of your choice. Wipe off the excess paint to keep your wash thin. Mix your acrylic with a little turpentine to keep the paint thin for the wash. A wash serves to cover the white of the canvas and to add body to your finished canvas. Leave the canvas to dry.
Draw your design with your paintbrush so that you can work freely and expressively without having to obey the strict confinement of a pencil line. Use big synthetic brushes to cover the canvas quickly in a spontaneous manner. The more layers of paint you apply, the richer in color your canvas will appear. Take a bold and experimental approach when painting your canvas and try incorporating different painterly effects and creating different textures by adding sand.