In oil painting, which action is typically performed first to prepare the painting surface?

• A. Stretch the canvas
• B. Prime the canvas with gesso
• C. Underpainting (sketch in paint)
• D. Finish with varnish

Answer: (A)

Stretching the canvas first creates a flat, stable foundation that won’t sag or warp as you apply ground, paint, and solvents. A taut, well-prepared support helps the painting stay even and durable throughout the process, preventing future cracking or distortion as more layers are added.

After the canvas is stretched, you would typically apply a ground such as gesso to prime the surface and give it the right tooth for oil paint. Underpainting is part of the painting process itself, not surface preparation, and finishing with varnish comes much later as a protective top layer.