If you’re curious about encaustic painting–that rich, luminous art form using molten beeswax and resin–you’ve probably wondered: what’s the best surface to work on? Here’s why wood panels shine in encaustic painting, and what to watch out for if you’re just starting or refining your craft.
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.
If you’re exploring large-scale painting, using wood panels can be surprisingly rewarding. Unlike canvas, wood offers a smooth, rigid surface that gives you more control, stronger color, and long-term stability. Whether you’re a professor explaining materials, a hobbyist building your first big piece, or a professional artist looking to switch surfaces, here are some key things to know.
If you’ve ever shown your work and wondered, “Do I really belong here?”, you’re in good company. Most artists, from beginners to established professionals, wrestle with the fear that their work won’t be taken seriously. That fear doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. The real challenge is learning to create anyway.
Here’s how to build genuine confidence and move past the worry that your art isn’t “legitimate.”
Hanging an acrylic painting might feel simple, but it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes that could damage the work or its presentation. From a studio standpoint, taking time to do it right matters. Whether you’re an amateur, a seasoned painter, or an art lecturer setting up student work, here’s a guide to hanging your acrylic paintings.
When you’ve just completed a canvas painting, the frame you pick matters more than you might expect. It’s not just a finishing touch, it can really influence how your work is seen and valued. You can see framing as part of the creative process, and not just an afterthought. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.
When you’ve spent hours in the studio, finishing that new piece you’re proud of, the next question often becomes: How do I get people and perhaps the press to notice it? As other artists will tell you, gaining media coverage or accolades doesn’t happen by accident. It happens with strategy, consistency and smart presentation.
When you’re sitting with a fresh canvas (or panel) and an idea starting to form, one of the biggest opportunities and one of the most under-used is layering. Many beginners try to do everything in one go. But taking your time, building your piece in layers, can improve your work in ways that feel effortless once you get the hang of it.
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.
When you’re standing in front of a new wood panel ready to receive paint, size matters more than you might think. Whether you’re an amateur just starting out or a pro prepping for your next show, customized panel dimensions offer some serious advantages and a few things to watch out for.