The 4 Stages of Painting: Step-by-Step for Artists

Every painting whether a quick sketch or a large, refined work, typically moves through stages. Knowing these stages helps you work more deliberately, spot what phase you’re in, and avoid getting stuck. Here’s a breakdown of four common stages of painting.

1. Planning & Design (or “Pre-stage”)

Before a brush ever touches the canvas, you’re already painting in your head. This stage includes:

  • Sketching thumbnails or rough compositions
  • Deciding the format, aspect ratio, cropping
  • Choosing a ground (tone) or underpainting color
  • Working out value structure, major shapes, and color mood

Paintings with strong outcomes often start with a solid design: layout, balance, focal points. Some artists do several small studies here before committing to the final canvas.

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rectangular wood panels

Why Every Painter Should Try Cradled Wood Panels

If you’ve mostly worked on canvas, switching to a cradled wood panel might feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. But there’s good reason many contemporary and mixed media painters turn to cradled panels: they combine rigidity, stability, and a clean, modern presentation. Here’s why using cradled wood panels can be a game-changer.

What Is a Cradled Wood Panel?

A cradled panel is a wood or composite board mounted on a framework (“cradle”) of wood slats on the back. That cradle gives support and stiffness, preventing flexing, bending, or warping of the flat surface. It’s essentially a rigid, self-supported structure.

Unlike stretched canvas, which is flexible and can sag, cradled panels stay firm under stress. That’s the first big advantage.

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What Is Toned Ground Painting?

You may have heard artists talk about “toned ground painting,” “colored ground,” or “imprimatura.” What is it exactly? And why should you care? Whether you’re just starting, teaching, or painting professionally, toned ground painting can shift how your work looks, feels, and how fast you get it done.

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How to Choose the Best Artist Canvas: What Painters Should Know

If you’re an amateur or pro painter, art lecturer, or hobbyist, you know that what you paint on matters almost as much as what you paint with. The canvas is the foundation. Get it right, and it supports your vision. Choose poorly, and you’ll fight it every step. Let’s talk about what to consider so you pick a canvas that works, not one that works against you.

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muralist working on urban mural

How Muralists Can Land Steady Work

If you love painting big, making walls come alive, and seeing work out in the public, then this is for you. Consistency in mural work isn’t a mystery. It’s a combination of smart prep, visible presence, professional habits, and relationships. Here’s how you, whether amateur or pro, can build a steady flow of mural jobs.

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Canvases for shipping

How to Prevent Mixed Media Artwork from Damage During Shipping

If you make mixed media art (paints, collage, wood, found objects, etc.), you’ve probably worried: “Will my piece arrive intact?” Shipping mixed media works brings special risks. Different materials behave differently. Joints can be fragile. Textures or protruding bits can get crushed or scratched. But you can ship safely, with care.

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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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