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A Practical Guide to Getting Started with Acrylic Paint→
A Practical Guide to Getting Started with Acrylic Paint Know the pace of the medium Acrylic paint is valued for its flexibility and its relatively quick…
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Topics
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How to Store and Protect Art Supplies Between Sessions
How to Store and Protect Art Supplies Between Sessions Create simple storage zones Store unused paper flat in a clean, dry place and keep it away from dust, moisture, and strong light. Avoid stacking items in a way that presses texture or transfers pigment between surfaces. Separate finished work with suitable protective sheets…
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Mixing
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…
Continue Reading›A Beginner’s Guide to Oil Painting Supplies
A Beginner’s Guide to Oil Painting Supplies Plan a simple working setup Wipe excess paint from brushes before cleaning them, and follow the instructions for the specific paint and cleaning materials. Do not pour paint residue or solvents into a drain. Collect waste appropriately and allow oily rags…
A Practical Guide to Getting Started with Acrylic Paint›
A Practical Guide to Getting Started with Acrylic Paint Know the pace of the medium Acrylic paint is valued for its flexibility and its relatively quick drying time. Work in planned sections, mix only what you need, and keep the palette organized so that…
Read the Full PostBrushes
How to Choose Watercolor Brushes by Shape and Purpose↗
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. Consider the scale of the work too: large areas are easier to cover with broader tools, while small forms need greater control.…
Organization
How to Organize Brushes and Keep Them Ready to Use
How to Organize Brushes and Keep Them Ready to Use Organize around workflow A simple division between clean brushes and those waiting to be washed can prevent confusion.…
Read the Full PostMixing
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. Mixing is usually about combining colors evenly and managing consistency;…
Open ArticleHow to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting
How to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting Match paper to the medium A smoother surface can make fine lines and small details easier to control. A more textured surface may catch dry media and create…
Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit
Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit Start with the work you want to make A drawing kit should support the kinds of images you actually create. This approach keeps your kit portable and makes each tool easier…
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Setup
How to Choose an Easel for Your Workspace
How to Choose an Easel for Your Workspace Think about where you work The size and orientation of the surface affect stability and convenience. Check the easel's stated suitability before placing a large or heavy work…
View Full Article→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 Canvas and rigid panels offer different working experiences. Your choice can influence brush handling, texture, and how comfortable the work feels during long…
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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 A palette becomes easier to use when colors have consistent positions and mixed colors have their own space. Place frequently used colors where they are easy to reach, leaving a clear central…
Porcelain or Plastic Palette: What Should You Consider?
Porcelain or Plastic Palette: What Should You Consider? Compare the way each surface feels Separate wells can help keep colors apart, while a broad open area gives more room for larger mixtures. Choose a layout that…
How to Set Up a Folding Palette for Painting Away from Home→
How to Set Up a Folding Palette for Painting Away from Home Plan a compact color selection A folding palette is most useful when its contents are planned for the session. For an unfamiliar subject, test likely combinations before leaving. Choose colors that can be combined into the…
View Full Article↗Organization
Organizing a Watercolor Tin for Efficient Painting
Organizing a Watercolor Tin for Efficient Painting Build a palette around subjects A compact watercolor tin works best when the selected colors fit the subjects you paint. Landscapes may call for a different balance from portraits or urban sketches, but there is no universal list. Choose colors you know how to mix…
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Mixing
When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting
When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting Understand the purpose Paint behavior depends on the relationship between the medium and the palette surface. Some paints may spread or absorb differently on paper than on a non-absorbent palette. Test a small amount before relying on the palette for a…
View Full Article17Supplies
Building a Compact Art Kit for Sketching and Painting
Building a Compact Art Kit for Sketching and Painting Choose a purpose before packing A portable kit should support a specific kind of session. Packing for every possible situation can make the kit heavy and harder to use. Decide what you want to make, then select the tools required for that…
Choosing a Brush Holder for a Small Art Space
Choosing a Brush Holder for a Small Art Space Measure the space first In a compact workspace, a holder should improve access without taking over the desk. A tall holder may make tools easy to see but can be unstable in a crowded area; a low holder may…
Practicing Smooth Watercolor Washes with the Right Tools
Practicing Smooth Watercolor Washes with the Right Tools Prepare a small practice sheet A wash is a useful way to understand the relationship between brush, paper, paint, and water. Draw a few simple rectangles and label each attempt so you can compare the process rather than…
Mixing
Planning Layers in an Acrylic Painting
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Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting
Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting Set up the palette clearly Follow the paint and medium instructions, keep the workspace ventilated as appropriate, and keep materials away from food and drink. Clean tools using…
Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration
Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration List the materials in your process Think about how the finished work will be stored, scanned, displayed, or transported. A delicate surface may need more protection…
A Simple Palette-Cleaning Routine for Artists
A Simple Palette-Cleaning Routine for Artists Identify the paint and palette type Work over a protected surface and keep cleaning materials organized. Keep the area ventilated when required and prevent children or pets from reaching supplies during cleanup. Avoid sending paint or…