Fat Over Lean: What It Really Means
If you’ve spent any time around oil painting, you’ve heard it: fat over lean. It gets repeated so often it starts to sound like a slogan rather than something useful. But it matters alot.
Category: Art Materials and Techniques
Why Do Artists Wet a Canvas Before Painting?
Wetting a canvas before painting is one of those studio habits you’ll see some artists swear by and others completely ignore. The truth is, it depends on what you’re trying to do.
10 Simple Ways to Make Your Art Look More Professional
Making your art look more “expensive” isn’t about faking anything. It’s about clarity, control, and good decisions. Viewers can sense when a piece feels resolved and intentional. That’s what gives work a higher-end feel.
Here are ten practical tips that make a real difference.
The 80/20 Rule in Painting: How Artists Can Get Better Results with Less Effort
Many painters spend hours polishing details that viewers barely notice. Meanwhile, the things that actually make the painting work often get less attention. This is where the 80/20 rule becomes useful.
The idea comes from the Pareto Principle. It suggests that roughly 80 percent of results come from 20 percent of the effort. In painting, that small percentage usually comes down to a few critical decisions: composition, value structure, and color relationships.
If those three elements are working, the painting will feel strong even before the details appear.
What Type of Paint Is Best for Canvas?
Canvas has been a favorite painting surface for centuries, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, durable, and holds paint well when properly primed. But one question comes up again and again in studios and classrooms: what type of paint actually works best on canvas?
The short answer is that several types work well. The real choice depends on how you like to paint and what kind of results you want.
7 Art Materials Oil Painters Should Avoid (And What to Use Instead)
Oil painting is durable. We know that from centuries of proof. But that durability depends on what you put into the work. Many promising paintings fail because of poor material choices, not lack of skill.
Let’s talk about what to avoid.
Do You Have to Seal a Canvas Painting?
Short answer: sometimes. Longer answer: it depends on the medium, the purpose of the work, and how you expect it to live in the world.
Sealing a painting isn’t a universal rule, and it’s one of those topics where artists hear a lot of confident advice that doesn’t always apply.
What Type of Paint Works Best on Canvas
When you’re standing in front of a blank canvas, one of the first questions you’ll face is what paint should I use? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all but understanding the properties of the main paint types makes choosing easier whether you’re just starting or have years in the studio.
6 Tips for Painting on Large Canvases
There’s something thrilling about standing in front of a large canvas. The scale invites bold decisions, expressive gestures, and a physical connection to your art that smaller formats simply can’t match. But that sense of freedom can also come with challenges: intimidation, proportion issues, time management, and even fatigue. Here’s a guide to help you approach large canvases with confidence and clarity.
5 Tips on How To Get a Smooth Paint Finish on Canvas
Getting a smooth finish on canvas, one where the paint flows beautifully and transitions look seamless, is something many painters work toward, whether you’re just starting out or have been in studios for years. The good news? It’s as much about preparation and technique as raw talent.