Preparing a canvas for an oil or acrylic painting is really very easy. It shouldn't cost you a ton of money to ready the canvas for your art. Canvas purchased in traditional art stores can be very expensive, especially when primed and stretched. I' ve found a much less expensive method that allows both creativity from the beginning and a break on your pocketbook. Purchase your canvas from a fabric store as as opposed to an art store. You will be able to purchase white or colored canvas, depending on your needs