Category: Art Materials and Techniques

Selecting the Right Wood Type for Your Art Panel

When it comes to painting surfaces, canvas gets most of the attention, but wood panels deserve a solid place in your studio. They’re stable, versatile, and perfect for detailed work. But not all wood is created equal. The type you choose matters for your technique, your materials, and the longevity of your work.

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Grattage: A Surrealist Painting Technique

Grattage, meaning “scraping” in French, is a painting technique where artists scrape off layers of wet paint to reveal textures and patterns beneath. This method, developed by surrealist artist Max Ernst in the 1920s, allows for spontaneous and textured effects in artwork.

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little girl painting in an art studio

Canvas for Kids: Inspiring Young Artists with Custom-sized Art Projects

Introducing children to canvas painting offers a unique opportunity to nurture their creativity and self-expression. Using custom-sized canvases can make art projects more engaging and tailored to young artists’ needs. Here are some great ideas for teachers and parents to inspire children:​

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Custom Stretched Canvas

Canvas Boards vs. Stretched Canvas: Choosing the Right Medium for Your Art

Selecting the appropriate canvas is crucial for artists, as it influences the creative process and the artwork’s longevity. Two popular options are canvas boards and stretched canvas, each offering distinct advantages and considerations.

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Canvas Textures Explained: Smooth vs. Rough

As an artist, the canvas you choose serves as the foundation of your masterpiece. One critical aspect to consider is the texture of the canvas, which can significantly influence your painting’s outcome. Here’s what you need to know between smooth and rough canvas textures and how each can impact your artistic expression.

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Custom-sized canvases

Understanding Canvas Types for Oil, Acrylic, and Mixed Media Art

When embarking on a new painting project, selecting the appropriate canvas is as crucial as choosing your color palette. The right canvas not only complements your medium—be it oil, acrylic, or mixed media—but also influences the texture, durability, and overall presentation of your artwork. Here are the various canvas options to help you make an informed choice for your next masterpiece.

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Large canvas for painting

Essential Tips for Painting on Oversized Canvases

Creating large-scale artworks presents unique challenges and opportunities for artists. The expansive canvas allows for greater expression and impact but requires thoughtful preparation and technique. Here are essential tips to guide you through the process of working on oversized canvases.

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paint brushes on a jar

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Brushes for your Canvas Art

When it comes to painting on canvas, selecting the right brush can make a huge difference in how your artwork turns out. Just like the paints you use, your brushes are tools that shape the texture, details, and overall quality of your piece. Understanding the type of brushes, their shapes, and materials will empower you to make informed choices for your artwork.

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artist holding a palette of paints

How to Varnish an Oil Painting: A Complete Guide for Artists

Varnishing an oil painting is an important final step in the painting process that helps protect the artwork from dust, dirt, and UV rays while enhancing its appearance by bringing out the colors and creating a uniform finish. But, varnishing should be done carefully to avoid damaging the painting. Here’s a guide on how to varnish your oil painting correctly.

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