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 A brush holder is most useful when it supports the way you paint. Place frequently…

•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;…

How to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting

How to Choose Paper for Drawing and Painting Match paper to the medium Create a sample grid using the tools and techniques you plan to use. Observe buckling, feathering, surface damage, and how easily you can…

Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit

Building a Practical Drawing and Illustration Kit Start with the work you want to make The surface changes the character of a line and the way shading builds. Keep a few sample sheets to compare tools side by…

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 Canvas and rigid panels offer different working experiences. Your choice can influence brush handling, texture, and how comfortable the work feels during long…

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. Exact replication may vary with the surface and paint condition, but notes provide a…

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. Look at how you…

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. Let it dry fully if required before closing it for storage. Check hinges or folding parts for…

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. Keep the chart with your supplies so you can make choices quickly without repeatedly testing every color. Revisit it when you replace or add a…

When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting

When Paper Palettes Are Useful for Painting Understand the purpose A disposable paper palette can provide a temporary surface for mixing paint and may simplify cleanup when used with compatible materials. Check the product guidance and consider whether the surface holds the paint in a way that allows…

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…

Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting↗

Managing Color Mixing in Oil Painting Set up the palette clearly Combine a little of one color with another and test the mixture before making a larger quantity. Gradual adjustments give you more control…

•Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration

Selecting a Surface for Mixed Drawing and Illustration List the materials in your process Compare test samples side by side and choose the surface that best supports the intended result. The aim is not…