18x18 Hardcore Pro Santa Cruz Plein Air Canvas Panel #HZ-1818

True 1:1 Square Proportion - 18x18 Size

The 18x18 square size is a little less common but gaining in popularity.

The square is perhaps the most intriguing proportion, as it is root of all of the other proportions. It is commonly used in both photography and art. Squares are typically used as the center canvas of a triptych or as a single canvas hung at a 45° angle. The square proportion is long used with medium format professional cameras, and most photographs we see on websites and social media are based on square images. Since all sides of the canvas are the same length, your eye is drawn evenly across the surface of the painting creating a sense of harmony, balance, and a generally a pleasing visual experience. The square format is also a good choice for artists who focus on geometric shapes or patterns in their work, as the regularity of the square shape can help reinforce these elements. Some artists enjoy the challenge of working within the confines of a square format, as it forces them to think creatively resulting in intriguing compositions.

Explore other sizes in this same 1:1 aspect ratio:

4x4 • 5x5 • 6x6 • 7x7 • 8x8 • 9x9 • 10x10 • 12x12 • 14x14 • 16x16 • 20x20

Explore Related Products to this 18x18 Size:

• Acrylic Primed Linen: Muir™ • Pau™
• Acrylic Primed Cotton: Monterey™ • Carmel™ • Heavy Weight 14oz cotton
• Alkyd / Oil Primed Linen: Malibu™ • Ventura™ • Versailles™ • Poitiers™
• Vincent™ Pro 7/8 • Monet™ Pro 1.5 • 3D™ Pro 2.5

Vegan Ground:

There are no animal products that make-up the sizing and the primer for this fine canvas. Historically, traditional canvas grounds have included egg tempura, pigments with cow urine, and of course, rabbit skin glue. In today's rapidly advancing world, there are many more choices available for artists who prefer non-animal based products that perform far better than their animal-based predecessors.

Santa Cruz™ Acrylic Primed Belgian Linen

This strong and fine weave linen has more of an even tooth is a great all-around great quality painting surface. It has a bright white tone.

• 100% Belgian Linen 7 oz.; Primed Weight 11.3 oz. per square yard
• Medium Heavy Weight, Fine Weave, Fine Texture
• Double Sized and Double Primed with acid-free archival quality acrylic gesso
• Impenetrable ground prevents oil paint from leaching through and harming the canvas
• For acrylics, oils, alkyds, and water miscible oil paints
• Linen has natural oils that prevent disintegration over time.

Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Primer Pigment

This primer contains premium-grade Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) white pigment, renowned for its exceptional performance in acrylic priming. Its standout feature is its enduring whiteness, coupled with remarkable flexibility that persists over time. In contrast to other pigments such as zinc dioxide, Titanium Dioxide maintains its resilience, preventing brittleness as it ages. This quality ensures that artworks retain their integrity and will stand the test of time.

Our Hardcore™ Pro Pro Canvas Panels are the flattest on the market. They are made using MDF (medium density fiberboard) which is the highest quality engineered wood board on the market. Moisture in the board can cause undesirable results to the panel and your artwork, which is why we size the board with four layers on the front before the canvas is mounted, thereby defending against moisture getting into the board and underneath your artwork.

Canvas Panels should be as flat as possible, otherwise, they don't display well in a frame, and can create spaces between the artwork and the frame. A bowed panel is also a sign of having been impacted by the effect of moisture. Canvas can shrink, even after it is mounted on the board. For this reason, Masterpiece® developed a unique proprietary process that stress-relieves each panel, thereby virtually eliminating the bow that is commonly found in competing panel products. Hardcore™ Pro Canvas Panels provide a stable foundation for your art.

Panel Porter™ wet carriers are the most secure and versatile on the market!

• Mix and match to make any size carrier you want!
• For this 18x18 sized Panel, you could buy two pair 18" Panel Porters™
• You can then combine these sizes with other size Panel Porters™ to create an entire new wet panel carrier.
• Each carrier securely transports two wet panels
• Metal locking pins secure frame together to protect your precious artwork
• Carry Panel Porters™ in your bag or backpack to match the panel sizes you paint
• Assemble frame carriers after you have completed your paintings
• Air holes in the corners allow your painting to breathe while drying
• Panel Porters™ are great for shipping your artwork
• Masterpiece® makes over 75 standard sizes of canvas panels, so with Panel Porter™, you are liberated to paint sizes you've never tried before and still have an economical and secure carrier to match

Each panel is inspected and detailed before it's packed for shipment, so you are assured in receiving a very well constructed panel ready to create your next composition. Masterpiece® Hardcore™ Pro Canvas Panels . . . truly professional in every way!

They muddy the water, to make it seem deep. ♦ Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher whose profound insights often cut through societal pretensions, was no stranger to the ways people obscured truths. He lived in a time of great upheaval, where old systems of belief were being questioned, and new ideas were emerging at the forefront of philosophical and artistic thought. Nietzsche's observations, like this particular sentiment, unmask a tendency humans sometimes have: complicating matters to give an illusion of depth or wisdom.

The message is clear. In our endeavor to communicate emotions, concepts, or narratives, there might be temptations to over-embellish or obfuscate. Yet, the most impactful art often thrives in clarity and simplicity. By staying genuine to our visions and not succumbing to the pressure of creating complexity for its own sake, we ensure that our art remains authentic and relatable. Nietzsche's astute observation reminds us that true depth doesn't need muddying; it's transparent, pure, and resonates with an unmistakable clarity.

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As we honor the legacy of Friedrich Nietzsche, we've created our own portrait as well as pass along these words of wisdom and our take on the message. Get to work on yours!