Paint on Hardboard versus Canvas and Save Money!

Canvas can be expensive to paint on and sometimes I feel as if this limits the type of painting that I do.
At first I was purchasing cheaper canvas so that I had a lot of surface to practice on and could come
up with new techniques and use new mediums I wasn't used to.  There was one problem with this.
Sometimes my painting would come out really well and if I wanted to sell my work, I didn't feel comfortable
charging what the art was worth if it was on crappy canvas.
This led me to some research on surface types for painting.  I went to my local art store and noticed hardboard pre cut for sale.  I know this is a pretty cool surface to work on and since it's thin you can frame your paintings
as well.  The pre cut hardboard or masonite was very expensive in the art store.  I researched online and came
up with some great alternatives.
You can go to Home Depot or any local hardware store and pick up the same hardboard in large sheets and the store will pre cut the sizes you want for free!  I just came home with a nice big stack of cut surface boards
that are sturdy and perfect for painting.  This gives the option of choosing your own sizes and also a cheaper
way to paint larger paintings.  The cost for the large hardboard was just under 11 bucks!  I am elated with
excitement.....thinking of all the possibilities of working and experimenting on this surface.
I suggest you prime the board first, especially if you are painting on a large one since it is about 1/8 in thick.
It may bow or  warp.  Research priming the board online.  You can gesso it with a large paint brush and

sand it between coats to make it smooth.  Have fun, I know I will this spring:)