Tagged: art

Cradled vs. Uncradled Wood Panels: What Every Painter Should Know

Let’s talk painting surfaces. If you’ve sketched or painted on an artist wood panel, you’ve probably run into the terms “cradled” and “uncradled.” It’s easier than it sounds and it’s a solid choice that’ll affect your finished work.

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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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A painter paints a pot of plant with flowers

Is It Cheaper to Make or Buy Canvases?

When your brushes are loaded and your vision is flowing, you’d rather paint than build. But is buying canvases or making your own more cost-effective? The answer depends on your goals and teaming up with pros like CanvasLot often comes out ahead in both value and quality.

The Cost Reality: Make vs Buy

Making your own canvases–be it stretching your own fabric or securing DIY panels–can cut material costs by up to 50 percent, especially if you’re making multiple or unusual sizes. You get total control over fabric choice and priming which can be tempting if you’re budget-conscious. But, that time isn’t free. Building, sizing, gessoing, these steps slow you down. Not to mention, if you’re not yet practiced, small mistakes can creep into corners and tension.

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a man visiting an art gallery

6 Tips for Caring for Finished Custom Wood Panel Paintings

Finished custom wood panel paintings bring touchable texture and archival strength but they demand thoughtful care. Here’s a practical guide to help amateur and professional visual artists make their work last.

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painter working in an art studio

Pricing Challenges of Visual Artists: Why It’s So Tough to Value Your Work

Pricing art is tricky and can feel impossible to do. Whether you’re an emerging painter or a seasoned mixed-media artist, assigning value to your work raises emotional and practical challenges. Let’s break down why pricing is so hard, and what you can do about it.

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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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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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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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gallery owner presenting artist of art gallery

How to Build Strong Relationships in the Art Community

Being an artist isn’t just about what you create, it’s about who you connect with. Whether you’re teaching, dabbling, or pursuing art professionally, strong community ties bring inspiration, feedback, and opportunities. Here’s a guide to building relationships that support your creative journey.

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