A painter paints a pot of plant with flowers

Is It Cheaper to Make or Buy Canvases?

When your brushes are loaded and your vision is flowing, you’d rather paint than build. But is buying canvases or making your own more cost-effective? The answer depends on your goals and teaming up with pros like CanvasLot often comes out ahead in both value and quality.

The Cost Reality: Make vs Buy

Making your own canvases–be it stretching your own fabric or securing DIY panels–can cut material costs by up to 50 percent, especially if you’re making multiple or unusual sizes. You get total control over fabric choice and priming which can be tempting if you’re budget-conscious. But, that time isn’t free. Building, sizing, gessoing, these steps slow you down. Not to mention, if you’re not yet practiced, small mistakes can creep into corners and tension.

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a man visiting an art gallery

6 Tips for Caring for Finished Custom Wood Panel Paintings

Finished custom wood panel paintings bring touchable texture and archival strength but they demand thoughtful care. Here’s a practical guide to help amateur and professional visual artists make their work last.

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artist painting on canvas

What Is the Golden Rule for Canvas Size?

Choosing the right canvas size isn’t just guesswork, it’s a balance of composition, subject, display space, and presentation. While there’s no single “golden size,” artists often rely on easy rules of thumb to find the right fit. Here’s a guide that you can use.

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painter working in an art studio

Pricing Challenges of Visual Artists: Why It’s So Tough to Value Your Work

Pricing art is tricky and can feel impossible to do. Whether you’re an emerging painter or a seasoned mixed-media artist, assigning value to your work raises emotional and practical challenges. Let’s break down why pricing is so hard, and what you can do about it.

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artist with boat painting on canvas

Can You Just Paint Over a Canvas? Practical Tips for Reusing and Overpainting

Reusing a canvas can feel tempting. Why waste materials, especially if the old work isn’t going anywhere? The short answer: yes, you can paint over a canvas. But there are important factors to consider to avoid problems down the line.

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Which Canvas Is Best for Your Painting?

Choosing a canvas isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest one, it’s about matching the canvas to your style, medium, and budget. Here’s a guide to help both hobbyists and pros pick wisely.

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mixed media art of a beach island

7 Best Practices for Preserving Mixed Media Art

Mixed media art is wonderfully expressive but it often combines delicate materials that age differently. To keep your work looking great for years, a little care goes a long way. Here are practical steps to preserve your mixed media pieces without losing their creative spark.

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art gallery owner holding a painting

How to Approach Galleries and Curators with Your Artwork

Connecting your work with galleries or curators is less handshake hustle and more patient, thoughtful relationship building. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move forward, here’s a clear and friendly roadmap to help your art meet the right curators.

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several sizes of custom artist wood panels

7 Common Mistakes When Painting on Custom Wood Panels

Painting on custom wood panels brings clarity, control, and durability, but missteps can lead to cracking, peeling, or warping. Here are the top common mistakes artists make and how to avoid them, whether you’re teaching or just starting out.

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