Final answer:
The term 'Canvas' is used to describe the fabric support for a painting, which is usually primed with Gesso to protect from paint absorption. Canvas is preferred for its stability and its ability to preserve artwork over time. The 'medium' in art refers to the material of which the artwork is made, affecting its appearance and longevity.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Canvas” is a generic term used to describe any material used as a fabric support for a painting. The versatility of painting mediums allows them to be applied on various surfaces, including paper, wood, canvas, plaster, and more.
Historically, artists have used surfaces like wood panels and fresco, but canvas stretched over wooden bars has become a standard due to its stability and compatibility with the application of Gesso, which is a ground made to protect the support from the paint. Canvas made from woven cotton, combined with Gesso—traditionally a mixture of chalk, animal glue, and white pigment—facilitates the longevity of the artwork by preventing the degradation caused by the oil paint seeping into the canvas.
When referencing materials in art and architecture, 'medium' or 'media' are terms used to describe the substances from which art is made. This medium, be it oil and pigments on canvas or any other material, plays a significant role in defining the appearance and preservation of the artwork.