Wood panels, the new canvas for contemporary art

Amy Sol, sea ice caravel, acrylic on wood, 2009.

Is it me, or are wood panels back after a half a millennium hiatus?  Since the Renaissance, canvas has been the surface of choice for painters. In recent years,  however, I've seen an increasing number of artists working with wood panels. Many of these contemporary artists are choosing to expose the wood's grain by painting in thin layers or leaving the background unpainted.  The textured effect adds an element of dimension to art that I am loving more and more.  

Audrey Kawasaki, Blue, oil and graphite on wood, 8.5" x 11", 2009.

Michelle Ramin, Disregarded Musician, acrylic and graphite on poplar panel, 30" x 40", 2010.  

David Linneweh, Refurbished Landscape (Nebraska City 1), oil, acrylic, graphite on wood, 12" x 16", 2008.