Category: Art Materials and Techniques

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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large canvas art in green, yellow, brown

How to Choose the Right Canvas for Acrylic Painting

When you pick up your brush and tubes, the canvas underneath matters more than you might think. The “right” canvas for acrylic painting doesn’t just support paint, it interacts with it. Whether you’re just starting or refining your materials, here’s how to choose canvases: material, texture, strength, and finish.

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large canvas art in green, yellow, brown

How to Seal a Painted Canvas: Varnishing & Protective Coats

Whether you’re an amateur painter or seasoned pro, sealing your painted canvas is a meaningful last step. It protects your work from dust, UV damage, and abrasion and gives it a finished look. But sealing is an art in itself, and doing it poorly can ruin a piece.

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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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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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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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charcoal drawing test

What Is Frottage?

Ever get stuck staring at a blank page or canvas, unsure of where to start? Frottage might just be the spark you need. Many artists love this technique for its spontaneity, subtle surprises, and hands-on simplicity. Let’s explore what frottage is, where it comes from, and how it can light up your creative process.

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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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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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