Category: Art 101

woman looking at paintings in an art gallery

Can You Paint on Canvas Without Primer Using Acrylics?

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.

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artist painting canvas close-up

Five Common Canvas Art Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them

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.

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custom wood panel for mixed media art

How to Combine Mixed Media with Wood Panels

If you’re a painter whether beginner, hobbyist, lecturer or pro, and you’ve mostly worked on canvas, considering a structured support like a wood panel for mixed media might open up fresh possibilities. Here’s a guide on combining mixed media with wood panels.

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a man visiting an art gallery

What Are the 4 Main Art Styles? A Guide for Artists and Hobbyists

When people talk about “art styles,” sometimes it feels like they’re speaking another language. In practice, though, many works fall broadly into a few main categories or styles that help us see how artists think, not just what they paint. Here are four major art styles and how they show up in your work or studies.

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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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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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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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