Wood Panels vs Canvas: Which Surface Suits Your Painting Style?

If you paint whether professionally, as a hobby, or teach others, you’ve probably asked: should I use a wood panel or stretched canvas? Each has strong points. Picking the right one can influence how your work looks, lasts, how you handle it, and even what techniques feel natural. Let’s dig in.

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6 Tips for Painters in Finding Their Audience

If you’re a painter–amateur, pro, lecturer, or hobbyist–you’ve probably felt it: the fear that your work won’t be seen, that your voice won’t reach anyone. It’s real. But it doesn’t have to stop you. You can build visibility, even when fear is heavy. Here’s how.

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How Art Studio Owners Can Build Financial Security

Running an art studio is deeply rewarding, but financially shaky. As painting sales, commissions, teaching income and studio rentals fluctuate, many studio-owners feel insecure about covering basic costs. The good news: there are strategies you can start now to bring stability, reduce stress, and build a buffer.

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How Painters Can Collaborate to Grow Their Practice and Community

If you’re a painter, teamwork isn’t just about convenience. Collaborating with other artists opens doors to fresh ideas, new audiences, and creative breakthroughs. Here’s how you can connect, partner up, and build something that lifts everyone involved.

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Cradled vs. Uncradled Wood Panels: What Every Painter Should Know

Let’s talk painting surfaces. If you’ve sketched or painted on an artist wood panel, you’ve probably run into the terms “cradled” and “uncradled.” It’s easier than it sounds and it’s a solid choice that’ll affect your finished work.

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A painter using smartphone

How Visual Artists Can Boost Real Engagement on Instagram in 2025

If you’re an artist using Instagram, whether you paint for fun, teach art, or just share your creative journey, getting real engagement can feel like trying to push a boulder uphill. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. Let’s break down how to build actual connection without relying on algorithms alone or getting lost in reels about dancing pets.

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Canvas Toning Made Simple

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas and felt a pang of hesitation or found your colors lacking pop, toning your canvas could be the secret to unlocking more expressive, confident painting.

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Mural artist at work

How Mural Artists Can Protect Their Work from Damage and Vandalism

For mural artists, the thrill of painting a public canvas can come with heartbreak: vandalism, taggers, or weather damage can strike any day. Here are creative ways to reduce damage on murals and bring them back even stronger when it happens.

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charcoal drawing test

What Is Frottage?

Ever get stuck staring at a blank page or canvas, unsure of where to start? Frottage might just be the spark you need. Many artists love this technique for its spontaneity, subtle surprises, and hands-on simplicity. Let’s explore what frottage is, where it comes from, and how it can light up your creative process.

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