DIY Hand Painted Canvas Backdrop for Photography Studio like Oliphant

[@tayoakinmulero]

People charge a premium for this information you've given freely. God bless you

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you! I can use all the blessings I can get :)

[@divusiulius7539]

That's exactly where I put my backdrops. Behind my Livingroom couch. When my wife finally discovered them there, she had a hissy fit. I asked her why is she so angry? You didn't noticed them until you started cleaning which was about two weeks later. I eventually put them back and she still hasn't noticed them. Great Video, keep up the great work. And Thank You sharing!

[@carlodipaolo5826]

This looks like a good method. I did some smaller backgrounds differently. I cut a 6x6 foot canvas for close up portraits. I don't remember how much I spent but it was probably more. First I took 6 foot long 3/4 x 3/4 inch square wood and screwed together a 6x6 wood frame. I stretched the canvas on to the frame using thumb tacks all around. This held the fabric stretched tight. I then applied 3 coats of gesso. Gesso is pretty much the standard primer material for painting on canvas. After the gesso dried I applied my colors. For paint colors I used acrylic art paint sold in tubes (large tubes). You can thin the paint with a little water. My canvas was heavier and with the gesso base alone light will not pass through. It is on the heavy side after painting. When a canvas is stretched on a frame spraying water from a pump spray water bottle on wrinkles will remove the wrinkles as the water dries; no iron needed.

[@roycer3386]

This is exactly what I was looking for and I’ll try it soon!

[@wknd_photo]

I don't really comment on youtube but I wanted to say thank you. This is the most useful breakdown of how to do this on your own that I've seen and I don't feel like I have to shell out $500 to buy one of these premade now!

[@susanpszenitzki3953]

I agree with everyone here -- best tutorial on painting your own canvas yet! Do you let the second coat dry before applying the texture layer? Thank you so much for this great video!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! No, I don't intentionally wait between coats of paint. By the time I get to the end of the first coat, the end where I started is already dry. Plus, I do live in the Arizona desert where things dry quickly. I have a small favor to ask, help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@BruceWalkerPhotography]

Yours is the very best technique that I've seen documented yet. I really appreciate how much detail you included here. Thank you for this! An unexpected takeaway for me is that having matching canvases for both BD and ground is terrific. I have resisted using my expensive Gravity canvases as a ground so far as I really don't want them scuffed. But your DIY ones are so cost-effective that wouldn't matter anywhere near as much.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Yes, these inexpensive canvases are a great way for you to preserved your more expensive ones :)

[@aeskitch]

You're awesome! Thanks for the video, I can't wait to make my own backdrop!

[@AnalogueDiaries]

I love this technique, definitely going to try this next time. I've painted one 5x7 backdrop so far, it looks good but for next time I'm sold on the idea to get the actual primed artist canvas on a roll and get really good quality thick backdrop. I think it's worth it.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you :) If you have the budget, I think the primed artist canvas on a roll is a great option!

[@vassilikilampropoulou9707]

The best video tutorial for creating a handmade background. With so many details. Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awe...thank you so much for sharing this with me! I appreciate it :)

[@NeilVos]

Great video, thanks Nicole!

[@joedusel]

Great video Nicole! I have painted around 5 backdrops now, some washed, some not. I like to pre-wash them because I think that it makes them a bit softer and more flexible. Personally I don't think the wrinkles take away from the look. I also like to use everything watered down around 50/50. I put down a primer coat first to keep the base coat from coming through. Plus, it seems that in that case I only need one coat of the base coat. I hand sponge on the texture coats with a natural sponge. I also use a 10 foot x 1 inch black iron pipe to hang mine, but I have curtain brackets mounted to a big bookcase. The iron pipe hardly bends at all.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for sharing your techniques! That's awesome you have an iron pipe to hang them on. I bet that works really well to avoid any sag in your backdrop.

[@joedusel]

Thanks @@NicoleCarsonBonilla , Lowes sells the iron pipes threaded on each end. They also sell end caps for them. I use PVA primer from Lowes, and that is really inexpensive. Love your work by the way!

[@BigPiePublishing]

Watched several videos and this is the best. Thank you. One other quick tip is to keep an eye on ‘oops paint’ when you shop some of these home improvement stores. Sometimes you can find at least one, if not all the colors you need, even flat. You can’t beat $9 a gallon or $2 a quart. Samples are also great way to save for smaller projects.

[@elizabethbroyles3749]

Incredibly helpful. I have used your method twice now and have loved the results!

[@nihalfollowyourbliss]

I can't believe this video doesn't have many views, this video is very helpful & detailed! Thanks for the information Nicole

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback! :) I just posted it, so I don't think too many people know about it yet :) I'm totally cool with you sharing it if you like :)

[@JuJuGrafiks]

Hands down THE BEST video tutorial for painting canvases!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much!! I tried to make the tutorial I wish I had seen when I painted my first canvas :)

[@ricepley6043]

Tremendously helpful! Thank you!

[@leelindemann7729]

Nicole-one workaround that I DID do right (did plenty not that well) was I used wide blue painters tape to form a bridge over the gaps/cracks in my basement floor (nastier than your garage floor gaps). 2 slightly overlapping lengths formed a nice surface so that I did not have to slide my plastic and backdrop canvas around to avoid painting over them. Worked like a charm!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That is a brilliant idea! Thank you for sharing :)

[@jidedosunmu8821]

Thank you Nicole! with love from Nigeria and yeah I just subscribed to your channel

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Jide!! Hello to Nigeria :)

[@whosthatgirl411]

Thank you. Thank you for being honest, clear, and precise. Thank you!

[@karenm1547]

And your work is incredible.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awe...thank you so much! :)

[@quijanoguillermo1632]

The most thorough video with the best narration and right to the point! You are amazing and your photos are incredible too! I am tired of buying backdrops at $400 a pop! For the cross bar, you can add another upright with a smaller tripod...

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awe...thank you so much! That's a great suggestion to use a third tripod :)

[@amirleon996]

This is the best vid I've seen on the subject, thanks.

[@PrintAdventures]

I did this after following your tutorial. The thing that I screwed up is not making sure that the canvas was square when I let it dry. This made it so that rolling it up, the total footprint of the canvas was longer when rolled up. I also wish that I had done the second layer of paint while the first layer was still wet.

[@TomidePhotography]

Oh wow, best tutorial I've seen on painting canvas backdrop

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awe...thank you so much for the feedback! :)

[@kingluxephotography]

Thank you! I am hoping to start painting my own backdrops to get a more fine art portraiture look and have been leary of trying it. I now will try it soon!

[@heirloombarnstudios]

This is the best tutorial I have found so far for a DIY Fine Art portrait background! Thank you for this! I know making videos is a lot of work. Can't imagine also doing it while painting the backdrops. Thank you for great sound , and giving such great details on the process! They look beautiful and you gave me confidence that I totally can do this! I didn't even think of making two at the same time to have them match and use for floor and backdrop. I will use your link( hope you get a kickback!) to buy another!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm so glad you liked my video!!! I have a small favor to ask, help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@tressashaw8157]

Thank you for such an informative tutorial! I like to drill holes in the ends of the PVC tube and attach the canvas with industrial velcro strips. This way, I use the PVC as the crossbar and there are no issues with the dipping in the middle. :)

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That is a really cool idea! Thank you for sharing :)

[@tressashaw8157]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla You're welcome!

[@davidpine4817]

I love your photography.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for sharing that with me! :)

[@YuvakTuladhar]

This is best and in-depth diy backdrop making video I have watched.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awe...thank you for sharing this with me! I'm glad you found the video helpful :)

[@YuvakTuladhar]

I have made several backdrops and am still fine-tuning them. I come from a fine art background so I want to do some hand-brushing too. Your video gave me the foundation for starting a backdrop. It is making me want to paint large paintings. I am working on several of them. Thanks again for such a great easy to understand video. Keep it up! I will send you the images once they are ready.

[@The_theorist]

This is the most helpful in informative guide on how backdrops are painted. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing this with me :)

[@philipsanderson4161]

Hey Nicole, thank you so much for sharing your experience on this, I've been scouring the web / youtube for tutorials on this and this is by a 'royal mile' the best tutorial I've seen so clear and concise and leaves you with exactly the knowledge to go and create your own versions. Much appreciated.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Philip, thank you so much for sharing this with me! That is a high compliment. I wish you luck on your photographic adventure!

[@daveroberts5483]

I have to agree with this comment. I love how you describe your projects so simply. ps. just created 2 v flats based on your video

[@3dkev]

excellent tutorial

[@danielcohen9656]

Thank you for putting together such a great demo. I've seen a few using various techniques, but I think yours is the simplest and will likely follow suit. The washed vs unwashed is really interesting (and you've saved me a couple of hours!). I have a couple of questions; - Have you used muslin with this or a similar process? Is canvas the best material for backdrops? - What colour combo's can you recommend? I see myself making maybe 3 of these, with base colours of 1) grey, 2) brown and 3) pink

[@maxhighstein]

This is terrific! In searching for canvas, I noticed that solid colored canvas drop-cloths are also available. More expensive, but I imagine that you could buy a dark gray one, and then just use black as the texture color over it. That would save two base coats of paint - both materials and labor. Maybe a bit more expensive in the end, but much less work and mess. And thoughts about that idea?

[@gentletummy]

Hi Max, yes, I think the colored dropcloths would work great! I haven't tried them yet, but I think they're a great idea and would require less painting. You could add one diluted layer of paint to get the desired texture. Let me know how it turns out if you try it :)

[@maxhighstein]

@@gentletummy Thank you. It occurred to me that the only issue might be that they could have some shine on them. But as you say, adding a diluted layer of mat paint would take care of that.

[@magimagi2473]

this backdrop very nice

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

thank you so much! :)

[@bialogard1917]

best tutorial by far. thx

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awe...thank you so much Dario for the feedback! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)

[@amandamorseon]

Amazing video! Great info and examples. Thanks so much!

[@bj1676]

Sensational work, just liked and subscribed so looking forward to further content 💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you BJ!! Welcome to my channel :)

[@nitablackwood6301]

I’m going to do this in my apartment parking lot haha. Thank you for this.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That's awesome!! You're going to love it :)

[@motunrayobabatunde1963]

I just painted my first canvas backdrop with the guidance of this video! Thanks SO MUCH!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Motunrayo...that is so exciting!!! Thank you for sharing this with me :) Now you need to paint your second canvas!

[@BracyMedia]

Thanks. Perfect video and great shots as well.

[@skillcubator1]

Hi. Should you put dark color or light color as a base color?

[@sadikmohammed9438]

Very very Useful video. ThanQ So much dear.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you, and you're welcome! :)

[@ingog4685]

Thank you very much for this 👍🏻 Video!!! ☺️

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Ingo, you are so welcome! :)

[@davidjones8070]

One of the better canvas videos I’ve seen. The only thing I might have done differently for coverage sake would use a primer paint before final coats. You may have done that and I didn’t pickup on this in your video. Great ideas..thanks.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback David. I have not primed any of my canvases. I prefer to keep them as light weight as possible and I haven't found it necessary for color coverage.

[@christopherdixon7153]

This is the tutorial I have been looking for!!!!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

woohoo! Thank you for the feedback! :)

[@Mialovesphoto]

THIS IS EXCELLENT. Easiest instructions I have seen. I have had a drop cloth just waiting to be painted and now you have paved the path!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for sharing this with me Mia! Yes, you need to paint your own canvas :) I have a small favor to ask, help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@annbrookens945]

I'm going to send my photographer daughter a link to this. She is constantly looking for good backdrops!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awesome! Thank you for sharing my video :)

[@annbrookens945]

My daughter was so thankful! She just bought 3 of the exact canvas dropcloths you used, planning to paint them! Perfect timing!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

@@annbrookens945 that is so cool! You were definitely inspired to share the video with her :)

[@BlueTangoProject]

This is a wonderful tutorial. Time to get painting! Thank you!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much and you're welcome :)

[@arkie1248]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share and answer all anticipated questions!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! I tried to answering all the questions I asked when I started out :)

[@LaVonDesigns]

Wow. This was wonderfully detailed and narrated. There are some parts where the video is distorted but overall excellent tutorial!!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! And for letting me know you heard some distortion :)

[@stopthink9000]

Very cool! I wonder could you attach the canvas to the PVC pipe then just loosen one of the stand attachments and slide the crossbar through the pipe? It would allow you to roll it out and roll it back on. Maybe it's too heavy that way.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Yes, I think that would work too! Great suggestion!! :)

[@deliatl]

Genia! Thank you so much, greetings from México!

[@carlawinterchapman1095]

Nicole, you are simply amazing! I so love watching your videos….

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awe...thank you so much for sharing that with me! I'm so glad you enjoy my videos :)

[@lindafromczech]

Nicole you are simply the best! Your inspiration and your videos of your photoshoot journey are incredible. This video on hand painted canvases is just the icing on a cake. Thank you so much for being you!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you, Linda for sharing this with me! And you're welcome :)

[@DiegoPereyra]

Thnk you, what a great video tutorial. Gorgeous photos...!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the feedback :)

[@georginekwa9971]

Thank you for your so informative & really wonderful tutorial … I just subscribed and LIKED it a lot😄😍👏🏼 I know Iwill replay your video many many times … so much to learn from you!! Your lesson will save us a lot of trouble and time .. thank you for sharing😍🙏🏽 Your husband & kids are fantastic too!❤️

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback! I hope your backdrops turn out amazing!! :)

[@justcallmesando]

Nice!! Keep'em coming Nicole!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awe...thx! Will do :)

[@alsteiner7602]

FABULOUS tutorial. You hit all the points I was curious about. Now to find a flat floor with no grooves (our garage and driveway have many)

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm glad you found it useful! Help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@pauldarville3843]

Very informational video, Thanks!!!

[@momwithnodirection8782]

Thank you for the detailed video!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're so welcome! I love your account name...haha :) I feel like that all the time!

[@momwithnodirection8782]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla 🥰❤

[@delightimages]

This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. You've inspired me to go paint my own drops, which literally will save $100's considering shipping costs to Australia.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Yes, you need to print your own backdrops!! You will love them :)

[@steve7015]

They look really great! And excellent delivery of all the info Very helpful Thanks!

[@WaheedAkhtarWahid]

Two thumbs up for such a great tutorial. I was not able to find Sea Sponge Roller locally so ended up using a small towel. For everyone: If you are not able to find a Sea Sponge Roller, use an old T-Shirt or a small towel, it's messy but you will get better results. + At the end, once done with the paint job, let the canvas completely dry (let it sit as is for few hours) and then steam it using a steamer. This will help colours blend a little better by softening any hard lines or edges.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Those are great suggestions!! Thank you so much for sharing them with us :)

[@WaheedAkhtarWahid]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla thank you as well. One more thing that I figured out and have tried is… instead of ironing, using a steamer will partially shrink the canvas before you paint but will still maintain the crispness of an unwashed canvas. Best of both worlds (means something in between the washed and unwashed)

[@grearte]

Outstanding work. So clearly explained. (Note to self: versatile canvas @8:08)

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Gustavo! Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm so glad you liked my video :)

[@typleasandco]

SUPER HELPFUL VIDEO!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome!! And thank you for the feedback :)

[@CaptureCrafttuts]

thanks for sharing! very helpful, looking forward to giving it a try when it warms up a little

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome Jerry! I hope you have a great time with it! Yes, it does help if the weather is warmer for drying time :)

[@KimPDnextdoor]

This was the video in detail that I was searching for about 2yrs!!! Thank you so much and you've got my subs! :)

[@philippeloyola6801]

thank you very much! fantastic!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I have a small favor to ask, help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@philipgowdy]

Very good detailed DIY.. how to Video..Thanks for sharing.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

thank you for the feedback! And you're welcome :)

[@afifcherif5182]

Thank you so much. Informative and substantial. Great follow. ❤

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Afif! I'm so glad you liked my video :)

[@richardsisk1770]

Great advice. Thanks!!! 😊

[@CapturingChristianity]

Really helpful, thanks!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome! :)

[@lynnbell2]

Fantastic.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much Sherry! :)

[@ol3770]

I subscribed! Thank you.

[@maryflores-camacho48]

Thank you for sharing this video with us SuuBees. It really helped to see the comparison between a washed canvas and an unwashed canvas. I also appreciate that you included where to find all of the materials needed for this DIY. I've already recruited hubby for this project and can't wait to have my own painted backdrops. As an aside, I'm already following you on IG and FB. Thanks again.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing this with me! Let me know how your backdrop turns out :)

[@tristingodsey5753]

Thank you! I have a gymnastics school shoot in the fall, and this will be perfect!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awesome! Good luck on your shoot! I’m glad this video was helpful :)

[@gonzalorodriguez3510]

Saved and I absolutely will try.

[@colinbaldwin2405]

Gracias x tus consejos

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome! :)

[@nickcarter3816]

Hey. Lovely video. Is it just the 4 (pink one too) you have? What colours do you find you love the best?

[@artep0212]

SO glad I discoverd you. Thanks for al the tuturials. One question. . I also work with dancers. How do you stick the Canvas on the Floor So it will not be slippery When they move.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback. When photographing dancers, I use 4" wide gaffers tape and tape the edges of the canvas to my tile floor.

[@artep0212]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Txs so much for the quick answer. 😀😀

[@lamunekavip6848]

The best wow thanks

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

awe...thank you for the feedback! :)

[@laynavaughn6220]

Great video! Thank you so much for this tutorial. Can’t wait to create my own backdrop.

[@sujangrg23]

Thats my dream to make one it will come true 🤘🤘

[@gustavoborchert]

Thank you for sharing, great idea!

[@VVIPWORLDUSA]

Fantastic!

[@Ukuleleal]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@justynakasprzak7501]

thanks I will try

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

you're welcome! You will have a great experience :)

[@averymcdaniel423]

This is awesome. Definitely standard for diy backdrop

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Avery! I'm glad you enjoyed my video :)

[@kimberlymalisse156]

Best diy backdrop video I’ve seen to date!!! ❤️❤️❤️ THANK YOU!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

oh my goodness... you just made my day!! Thank you for sharing that with me :)

[@DSGadmin]

thank you for the video, would be great if you could have the background music lower so I could hear you clearly;)

[@andreak4280]

fantastic vid!! great info / tips & pace … your results look awesome 🌟💪🏼💪🏼👍🏼!! thanks so much for sharing this technique 🙏🏼

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Andrea! I'm so glad you liked my video :)

[@scottscherer9541]

This was a great video. I'm thinking this is dooable. I can do this.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That makes me so happy to hear you say that! Yes, you can!!! :)

[@sarahdennehy593]

WOW great video! Thanks for all the details. I never would have thought about what weight the canvas should be. Thanks for the great tips!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad you liked my video and thank you for the feedback :)

[@FranHoganPanama]

Thank you! This video answered several questions I had.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome Fran! I'm so glad I could help :)

[@tundrusphoto4312]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome! Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it :)

[@lecoreisstudio]

Ficou perfeito!!! Vou tentar fazer também! Tudo super explicado! Parabéns!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Leco! Yes, you need to try it too :)

[@aricaiwdjts]

This really great video,Thank You so much...love your Channel.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it :)

[@LozaFoto]

thank you so much! wow

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome!