Painting big feels different. It asks more from your body, your materials and your mindset. Whether you’re stretching your first oversized canvas or prepping for a mural, large-scale work pushes you into new territory. Here are practical tips that make the jump easier and a lot more enjoyable.
If you’ve ever stood in an art store trying to decide between a $10 canvas and a $40 one and wondered why they cost so differently when they’re both “cotton,” you’re not alone. Let’s clear the air. Not all cotton canvases are created equal, and knowing the difference can save you money, stress, and a lot of paint.
Here’s what actually separates the bargain bin from the premium wall.
Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with acrylics or a pro juggling gallery work, rising art supply costs can feel like a real creative barrier. Many contemporary artists have seen and felt that pinch but with a bit of planning and creativity, you can keep painting even when the budget tightens. Here’s how.
If you’re holding a raw canvas in your hands and wondering whether you can just dive in and paint with acrylics—yes, technically you can. But skipping the primer is a gamble. You might get away with it for quick studies or casual experiments, but if you want your work to last, look good, and behave predictably, priming is almost always worth it.
If you’re curious about encaustic painting–that rich, luminous art form using molten beeswax and resin–you’ve probably wondered: what’s the best surface to work on? Here’s why wood panels shine in encaustic painting, and what to watch out for if you’re just starting or refining your craft.
Whether you’re just starting out or have framed a few gallery pieces, certain pitfalls keep tripping up painters again and again. Here are those common art mistakes and how fixing them can really improve your work.
If you’re exploring large-scale painting, using wood panels can be surprisingly rewarding. Unlike canvas, wood offers a smooth, rigid surface that gives you more control, stronger color, and long-term stability. Whether you’re a professor explaining materials, a hobbyist building your first big piece, or a professional artist looking to switch surfaces, here are some key things to know.
If you’ve ever shown your work and wondered, “Do I really belong here?”, you’re in good company. Most artists, from beginners to established professionals, wrestle with the fear that their work won’t be taken seriously. That fear doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. The real challenge is learning to create anyway.
Here’s how to build genuine confidence and move past the worry that your art isn’t “legitimate.”
Hanging an acrylic painting might feel simple, but it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes that could damage the work or its presentation. From a studio standpoint, taking time to do it right matters. Whether you’re an amateur, a seasoned painter, or an art lecturer setting up student work, here’s a guide to hanging your acrylic paintings.
When you’ve just completed a canvas painting, the frame you pick matters more than you might expect. It’s not just a finishing touch, it can really influence how your work is seen and valued. You can see framing as part of the creative process, and not just an afterthought. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.