How do I paint on Canvas?

To paint on canvas, first, you need to prime it with primer. Or, you can buy it already primed. Then, you should use paints that will adhere to it such as acrylics or oil. As to actual techniques, thinners, etc, you might want to ask an instructor as it gets more complicated after that.

As suggested, start by buying a canvas and priming it with Gesso. Gesso is water based and will dry quickly. Two coats are better than one, but try to make it smooth as you don't want ridges in funny places in your finished painting. I also recommend acrylic paints for beginners. Also get a retarding medium which you mix into the paint just before applying it to the canvass -- it will keep the paint "workable" if you want to blend two painted edges together. Another good tip is to squeeze your blobs of pure paint onto a dampened paper towel -- it will keep the paint use-able until you need to mix it with another color. Buy only red, yellow, blue, black and white paints -- this will help you learn to mix colors. Have fun!

You can buy the primed canvasses, but personally i always give them at least two coats of primer first. That way you save in costs of paint because your background is not going to absorb paint like a sponge. Also this way you avoid a chalky look. When painting, remember to use thin layers at first, then progressively thicker layers of paint on top. If you dont go by this rule, you will find cracks appearing in the paint after a few months. The first layer you paint, use only turps as thinner, then in the top layer you could use half linseed oil, and half turps. Have fun and enjoy your painting.

first i paint the whole canvas with one colour like blue,black,yellow or orange.then when the colour gets dry,i draw the picture of my choice & colour it.

its very easy first of all you nedd oil paints of good brand and a canvas u also need some brushes and oils to mix in oil paints so they wont dry early now when your done you have to decide what u want to make if ur good at drawing its very easy for you if ur not then try to make 1st abstract art paintings bcuz in abstract you can making any thing in any style

I have read all answers you got so there is nothing I want to add more. Priming is really a vital factor. Then use of knives is really a technique. For references go to
www.oil-painting-technique.com,,
www.oilpaintingtechnique.com
www.download.com(search for digital art softwares)

the first thing you have to have the drive.painting requires a lot of passion for it.because once you started it will never end..what i mean is even if you think that the painting is done as you prosper you will look back on your previous works and maybe you want to revise it or make it a reference for your next art. so it goes on and on and on... technically,if you want to paint on canvas you can buy it on your bookstore or art shop.but if you want to make it,you have to have the basics in carpentry.you're a novice so i suggest you just buy a canvas.then prepare your materials like oil paints and brushes.if you dont like oil based as a medium you can use waterbased mediums like acrylic or poster colors.for the subject,pick one,if you like abstract just feel the colors you will use that you feel comfortable..example your favorite color.for more info on art..visit websites that tackles art.