Boards or canvas

Boards (Masonite) or canvas, years ago artist used wooden boards sanded and polished to paint on.
Leonardo liked walnut boards. Raphael used Masonite. Now we have both and pre-made for us.

Van Gogh took a burlap like canvas and slicked it with gesso to paint on. Not because he wanted to but because it was cheaper.

We now have several types of canvas to use and paint on. The kind you use sometimes depends on your understanding of what you are painting.

So Keep your brushes wet and your canvas colored.