Canvas Mod: Let them dry!

 

It is fun experimenting with games, trying out different approaches, creating new rules, multiplying the possibilities, unfolding new challenges. Moving beyond playing the game as it is, to gaming the game! Perhaps some of those paths have crossed the mind of the designers, maybe only to be dismissed, tweaked, or replaced, who knows? 

On this occasion we will further explore Canvas, by proposing a slightly modified version. If you are not familiar with the game, you may want to take a look at Painting on Canvas, to learn the basics and get a glimpse of its gorgeous art.

In Canvas you start by gathering motifs, to then select three of them, and fully complete a painting in just one go. 

Let us take a step back and imagine ourselves inside the atelier, looking at the canvas, picking up a motif, and painting a first layer. Then, we pause for a moment, looking at the work in progress. As the first layer is completed, it is now time to let it dry properly, before continuing. Ah, but there is time to make use of, the imagination keeps flowing, and the brushes still want to move on. So, why not to start another painting in the meantime? And another one? And then, go back to the first one, and start another round, painting layer after layer in the various works.

This painting on the go, in succession, simultaneously creating several works, is the underlying principle of Let them dry. The mod will only require minor changes to the original rules. 

Increased number of backgrounds

You start with 5 background cards, since you will be completing five paintings, instead of three. 

This will increase your chances of making sound motifs' combinations, as you will be painting on the go, without reserving them for later.  

Pick and paint

Select the motif you wish to paint from the display, spending inspiration tokens as appropriate, just as in the original game. 

Immediately painting it onto one of the backgrounds of your choice.

You will no longer be able to gather motifs to later use them, or to avoid others from using them!

Let them dry

Repeat the process in your next turn, with one restriction: you may not apply the brand-new layer onto the same painting, as you must let the first one dry! So, choose another of your backgrounds and start a new painting. You may never choose the same painting twice in a row.

If you want to take this a step forward, only start adding a second layer upon completing the first one in all the five works in progress!

Select your works for the exhibition

You will only score three of your paintings, just the same as in the original game. 

Therefore, you must choose which ones you will put up to the competition.

Then, use the standard scoring rules and find out who best met the competition criteria.

This is Let them dry! Give it a try! 

And feel free to comment on your experience.

There are many other paths to explore, just follow your imagination. You may want to play with the scoring system, for instance by ranking the paintings under each assessment criteria and scoring positions instead of absolute values. Or you may even dare into game mixing, combining Canvas and Dixit, or Canvas and Modern Art (one I have yet to try). A world of choices!

For other Mod proposals, check here.