Projecting always involves the risk of distortion. Positioning the projector, and the canvas appropriately to eliminate this is difficult, at best. Combine that with the problems of actually performing the tracing of the image, such as the edge not being NEARLY as sharp as you had expected. Working in a darkened room so as to be able to actually SEE your image on the canvas. Having the shadow of your own hand, or arm block that which you are tracing…

These are all the reasons that I tried projecting once, …perhaps twice, but quickly gave it up, as my projector collects dust on a shelf, now.

A MUCH better method of transferring your sketch to the canvas is as follows, and it is what I do all the time:

Lay out a grid on your sketch in square increments that will represent the proportions of your canvas, in terms of inches. (Each square on the grid of your sketch should represent one inch of the selected canvas.)

Then, place the same proportional grid on the canvas, in REAL inches.

Using the shapes that are apparent on you original sketch, carefully draw the same shapes on a piece of tracing paper that is the same size as that of the canvas, using the same squares as those on you initial sketch. Once the sketch has been re-drawn on the tracing paper, rub soft vine charcoal (not graphite) on the back of the tracing paper, only where your drawing lines are located.

Place that piece of tracing paper containing your drawing, with the charcoal on the backside on your canvas, right-side-up, and go over the lines with a ballpoint pen, thus transferring your drawing to the surface of the canvas by means of charcoal.

Works for me very well, and has been for over 20 years.

(Hint: The transfer of the charcoal is profoundly indelible if you first apply a coat or two of flat, oil paint to the surface of the canvas, and allow it to dry. While it is still “fresh” after having dried, the transfer is absolutely incredible, and it beats transferring to an acrylic-primed surface.)

I gave up projecting many years ago.:angel:

However, if you have invested in a projector that you really feel obligated to use, perhaps some other member here can offer some suggestions, because all I’ve ever experienced was frustration when using a projector.:)

I’ve used carbon paper. Works quite well.
Not sure if it’s still being sold at office supply stores but that’s where I bought it in the past. Comes in 8.5/11 carbon sheets. I’ll take a look.

Ok here we are:

https://images.app.goo.gl/ZH4KTcVf2DDhGJqW7

https://www.amazon.ca/Transfer-Tracing-Stencil-Accessory-Surfaces/dp/B07SQY61YK/ref=asc_df_B07SQY61YK/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=380441044792&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1472453373972045141&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001098&hvtargid=pla-849114749894&psc=1

And then there is just plain ol freehand sketching which works for me when no skillful drawing is needed. And for some things nothing other than freehand sketching will do. If you want to bend the buildings you have to do it freehand and sometimes that makes the best drawing even if it’s not “perfect”.

This would be my idea of the preferred method. However, one has to be pretty accurate at drawing, but whilst blocking in the shadows and shapes, everything is fixable. This is painting with oils of course. But with all mediums, I’d prefer to draw straight onto the canvas or paper.