Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, has captivated artists for centuries, offering a chance to connect with nature and capture its ever-changing beauty. However, painting en plein air comes with unique challenges, from fluctuating light to unpredictable weather. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting your outdoor painting journey, these tips will help you embrace the experience and make the most of your time on canvas.
As a professional painter, the pursuit of media attention and public recognition can be as essential as creating the art itself. While skill and creativity are the foundation, getting your work seen by a wider audience requires a strategic approach. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve the recognition you deserve.
Securing high-profile mural commissions can elevate an artist’s career, providing increased visibility, prestige, and financial reward. However, breaking into the world of public art often requires strategy, persistence, and a deep understanding of the industry. Here are some essential steps to help you land your first major mural commission.
Running a successful art studio requires more than just artistic talent; it demands a strategic approach to business. In a competitive market, achieving consistent sales growth involves a mix of creativity, marketing, and community engagement. This article outlines practical, research-backed strategies for art studio owners to boost sales and grow sustainably.
Canvas painting offers a unique and satisfying creative outlet, but like any artistic endeavor, it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting, understanding common obstacles and how to tackle them is key to producing your best work. Here, we’ll explore the primary challenges artists face when working with canvas and offer practical solutions to overcome them.
Painting is a wonderfully fulfilling endeavor, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is maintaining an organized art studio. A cluttered and chaotic workspace can hinder creativity and productivity, making it difficult to focus on your artistic pursuits. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform your art studio into a well-organized space that inspires creativity and productivity. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your art studio organized:
1. Designate areas. Start by dividing your art studio into different zones based on the type of activities you engage in. For example, create a painting zone, a drawing zone, a storage zone for art supplies, and a relaxation zone for taking breaks. This helps create a sense of order and makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.
2. Invest in storage solutions. Use storage solutions such as movable racks, shelves, cabinets, drawers, and storage bins to keep your art supplies neatly organized and easily accessible. Consider using clear containers or labeled bins to store smaller items like brushes, pencils, and tubes of paint, making it easier to locate them when you need them.
3. Keep your workspace clutter-free. Make it a habit to clean and declutter your workspace regularly. Clear off your work surface at the end of each day and put away any supplies or tools that are not in use. This not only creates a more inviting and organized workspace but also helps prevent accidents and damage to your artwork.
4. Create a system for organizing tools and materials. Develop a system for organizing your tools and materials based on frequency of use or type of medium. Keep frequently used items within arm’s reach and less frequently used items stored away in designated areas. This will streamline your workflow and make it easier to find what you need when inspiration strikes.
5. Label everything. Labeling is your best friend when it comes to keeping your art studio organized. It’s a tedious process, but very valuable in the long run. Use labels to identify the contents of storage bins, drawers, and cabinets, making it easy to locate specific items quickly. Consider using a color-coded system for even greater organization and efficiency.
6. Utilize vertical space. Most artists don’t have the luxury of having a big studio. Make the most of your studio space by utilizing vertical storage solutions such as wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and hooks. These space-saving options allow you to maximize storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space, keeping your studio tidy and clutter-free.
7. Establish a cleaning routine. Set aside time each week to clean and organize your art studio. Wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum the floors, and put away any stray supplies or tools. A regular cleaning routine not only keeps your studio looking its best but also helps maintain a healthy and productive work environment.
8. Embrace digital organization. In addition to physical organization, consider utilizing digital tools and software to keep track of your artwork, reference materials, and inspiration. Use apps or software programs to catalog your artwork, organize reference images, and jot down ideas and notes. This digital organization system can help streamline your creative process and keep your studio clutter-free.
By implementing these tips and establishing good habits, you can create an art studio that is not only organized and efficient but also conducive to creativity and inspiration. With a well-organized workspace, you can focus more fully on your artistic pursuits and bring your creative visions to life with ease.
Having an artwork is an investment both emotionally and financially. Whether you’re the painter or the art collector, making sure that your painting is in pristine condition should never be a difficult task.
Here are five simple ways on how to care, clean and store your artwork:
Dust regularly. Keep your paintings in tip-top shape by dusting them regularly. If the painting is on a wall, bring it down first and place it on the floor against a wall at an angle before dusting.
Use a soft, clean brush or a microfiber cloth to gently sweep away dust and dirt. Think of yourself as a painting detective, revealing the true beauty hidden beneath the grime! Avoid feather dusters since its fibers could latch on the canvas and edges of the paint itself.
Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight—the painter’s best friend and worst enemy! While natural light can enhance the beauty of your artwork, prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade and canvas to deteriorate faster than last week’s leftovers.
Keep your paintings out of direct sunlight or consider using UV-filtering glass to protect them. It’s like giving your masterpiece its own pair of sunglasses!
Check the temperature and humidity. Whether you’re hanging or storing your painting, it’s important to pay attention to the room’s temperature and humidity. Avoid extreme heat and cold temperatures since these will damage your artwork.
According to art experts, between 21-24 degree Celsius is the optimal temperature to keep paintings. Be mindful of ceiling lights which can deteriorate your painting in the long run. Also, keep your paintings away from air conditioning units, radiators, fireplaces, and air vents.
Store properly. When it’s time to tuck your paintings away for a little rest, give them the VIP treatment! Store them vertically in a cool, dry place away from damp basements and hot attics.
If you’re stacking them, make sure to place protective sheets between each painting to prevent scratches and smudges. The front of the canvas should be stacked against the front–and not the back, of another canvas. Make sure that the stretcher bars rest over stretcher bars so there are no sharp edges (corners) pushing into the canvas of another painting.
Tip: Put paintings on crates or other stable platform to prevent the them from touching the ground that exposes them to dirt. And, if you live in a flood-prone area, these crates will keep your paintings safe and dry.
Handle with care. Always handle your painting with care. Hold the artwork by the frame or edges and prevent touching the surface of the painting. The oil in your fingertips can damage the artwork.
Always have acid-free paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors, foam cushions, etc. on hand. These inexpensive items will protect your painting while in storage, and during moving or shipping.
Want to learn more about how to ship your painting? Check out How to Pack and Ship Canvas Art for more!
Keep in mind these simple tips so you can enjoy your painting for many years to come.
Remember, happy paintings make for happy art lovers!
If you’re looking for high-quality canvases, contact us! Whether you want a custom-sized or standard size canvas, our staff is ready to help you.
Featured image: Birmingham Museums Trust
Creating a masterpiece on canvas takes time, skill, and passion. But what good is your stunning artwork if you can’t capture its brilliance on camera? As a proud creator of art, it’s natural for you to show it to the world.
Whether you’re photographing your paintings for personal satisfaction, art shows, or grants, here are some factors to consider to hopefully help you capture the beauty of your work like a pro!
1. Lighting. Like a painting itself, lighting can make or break your photograph. Indirect, natural light is your best friend, so position your artwork near a window or in a well-lit room. Beware of harsh sunlight though—it can cast unwelcome glares and distort colors.
If you’re pressed for time and the weather isn’t cooperating, you can use two artificial lights such as flashlights or table lamps. A simple triangle setup will be useful in reducing shadows on your photos. Place the lights between the canvas and the camera with the lights pointing at a 45-degree angle towards the painting. The camera should be behind the lights.
2. Position. Hang your painting on a neutral colored wall (black, white, gray). Make the center of the artwork parallel to the position of your camera. A tripod is useful to get good shots, especially if you’re photographing several paintings.
3. Composition. Tell a story with your photos. If you’re tired of taking 2-D images of your paintings, try including props (art materials), changing angles, or let someone else take a picture of you working on your artwork. Experiment and see which photos work for you.
4. Background. Your artwork is the star of the show, so don’t let a cluttered background steal its thunder. Clear the space around your painting of distractions—coffee cups, stray brushes, or that rogue sock—and let your canvas art shine in all its glory.
5. Camera settings. Ensure your camera’s focus is razor-sharp on every brushstroke and color gradient. Take your time to adjust the focus manually if needed, and don’t be afraid to zoom in for those intricate details. Your painting’s precision deserves nothing less than crystal-clear perfection.
6. Editing. Taking a photo of your painting doesn’t end once the photo is snapped. If you’re on a budget, there are free and inexpensive photo editing software that you can use to edit your photos. With these programs, you can do minor adjustments, crop the photo, adjust the color and contrast, and remove impurities.
Hope these will help you capture the beauty of your paintings and how you represent yourself professionally. Of course, there are other factors to consider when photographing your paintings, but these six are the basic and are a good starting point.
Managing unsold paintings can be a common challenge for artists. Here are some suggestions on how to handle and potentially monetize your unsold artwork:
Painting on canvases may start as a hobby, but for most painters, selling their artwork is a primary source of income. Some left their full-time jobs to become full-time artists. They enjoy spending time doing what they love in creating and expressing their thoughts and feeling through paint and a blank canvas. For some artists, painting is a stress reliever after a hard day’s work.
Choosing the right canvas size can be a factor in selling your artwork. Aside from collectors having different tastes in art, having the perfect painting size can determine whether or not you’ll be able to close the deal.
While there’s a debate whether a small size painting sells better than larger ones and vice-versa, a medium-sized canvas is a safe place to start.
Canvas sizes such as 16″ x 20″ and 18″ x 24″ tend to sell well in the market. Paintings using these canvas sizes can fit the walls in most homes. This also gives you enough space to paint intricate details in your art without compromising the overall composition.
Explore painting on several medium-sized canvases. It’s a handy size that you can bring outdoors for plein air painting. It’s also a good size for portraits.
Target buyers
Think about your potential buyers. Are you targeting locals or tourists into purchasing your painting? Tailor your canvas sizes according to your collectors’ preferences.
Tourists like smaller artworks for easier packing and shipping. Small paintings can be quickly stored inside a suitcase or can even fit carry-on bags.
Small paintings are also more affordable. First-time buyers and those are in a tight budget will usually lean on buying a low-cost artwork.
Meanwhile, local collectors especially those who frequent high-end galleries, show areas, exhibits, etc. prefer buying large paintings. These paintings give greater visual impact and hang beautifully in wide and high walls. Large artworks usually grace the walls of hotels, restaurants, universities, and hospitals.
Market trends
Study market trends. Art trends determine which sizes are in demand. What’s high-selling last season may not be so hot right now.
For example, art buyers may prefer miniature paintings during Christmas time since these small artworks are great gifts to family and friends. These miniatures can be used to hang on a Christmas tree, too.
Selling venues
If you’re selling art online or in local art shows, smaller paintings are preferable in these venues. On the other hand, art galleries prefer larger-sized paintings.
Learn more about custom-sized canvases from CanvasLot.