I use fine linen for its smoothness. That lack of texture which helps keep the focus on the subject rather than the surface, and I usually work on square surfaces because they are democratic - equal-sided. Although I love texture in works, my beach painting concept is to have everything as seamlessly integrated as possible. My process means that each painting can take 220 hours to complete. Perhaps surprisingly, painting on a textured canvas can add considerably to the time it takes to make a painting. It's always worth getting close to paintings to see an artist's technique – which is why you'll see people in art galleries with their noses almost touching the canvas!