How to Store and Protect Art Supplies Between Sessions - art supply storage & paper protection

How to Choose Watercolor Paints for Your Practice

How to Choose Watercolor Paints for Your Practice Start with the way you paint Choosing watercolor paint is easier when you begin with your habits rather than a…

Selecting Brushes for Oil and Acrylic Painting Begin with the painting surface The surface and the way you apply paint influence which brush feels right. A smooth surface may reward controlled strokes, while a textured surface may call for a brush that can move paint across raised…

How to Organize Brushes and Keep Them Ready to Use

How to Organize Brushes and Keep Them Ready to Use Organize around workflow Consider the available desk space, the length of your brushes, and whether the holder can…

•Using Palette Knives for Mixing and Expressive Marks

Using Palette Knives for Mixing and Expressive Marks Understand the two main roles A palette knife can mix paint on a palette and, when suitable for the medium and surface, apply paint directly to a painting. These activities require different handling. Mixing is usually about combining…

How to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting

How to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting Match paper to the medium Keep unused sheets flat, clean, and away from excessive moisture and direct sunlight. Store small offcuts for color tests and technique trials. A…

Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit

Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit Start with the work you want to make Keep tools that you use together in one place and protect delicate tips from pressure. Separate clean supplies from materials that could transfer…

How to Choose an Easel for Your Workspace›

How to Choose an Easel for Your Workspace Think about where you work Remove paint residue before it accumulates around adjustment points and follow the product's care instructions. Check fasteners and supports regularly, particularly before using…

Canvas or Painting Panel: How to Choose a Surface

Canvas or Painting Panel: How to Choose a Surface Decide how you want the surface to respond Some artists prefer to sketch directly on the surface, while others make a preliminary drawing elsewhere. Decide how you will transfer the composition…

A Better Way to Mix Colors on an Artist’s Palette

A Better Way to Mix Colors on an Artist’s Palette Arrange colors for a clear workflow When you find a color that works, record the paints used and the approximate proportions in a sketchbook. A small set of tested mixtures can make a longer painting session more consistent.…

Porcelain or Plastic Palette: What Should You Consider?

Porcelain or Plastic Palette: What Should You Consider? Compare the way each surface feels If you paint in different locations, the weight and shape of a palette may matter as much as its mixing area. A…

How to Set Up a Folding Palette for Painting Away from Home Plan a compact color selection Remove unwanted mixtures and clean the palette according to its material and paint type. A quick post-session routine keeps the next outing simpler. Let it dry fully if required before closing…

Organizing a Watercolor Tin for Efficient Painting›

Organizing a Watercolor Tin for Efficient Painting Build a palette around subjects Paint a small chart showing each color at full strength and in a diluted wash. Add selected mixtures and label them clearly. Keep the chart with your supplies so you can make choices quickly without repeatedly testing every color. Revisit…

When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting

When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting Understand the purpose Before starting, arrange colors along an edge or in a consistent sequence, leaving open space for mixtures. This helps prevent the palette from becoming crowded and makes it easier to compare colors. If you work with many mixtures,…

Choosing a Brush Holder for a Small Art Space

Choosing a Brush Holder for a Small Art Space Measure the space first Paint residue can collect at the base and around dividers. Empty and clean the holder periodically according to its material, and return only brushes that are ready for storage. Let damp brushes dry in a…

Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting↗

Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting Set up the palette clearly Leave room between the colors you place on the palette and reserve a separate area for mixtures. Use small amounts at first, especially…

•Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration

Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration List the materials in your process Fine linework often benefits from a surface that allows the tool to move predictably, while textured paper can add character…