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.
At some point, if your work is visible, someone won’t like it. That’s not a failure. It’s a sign that your work has entered the public conversation. Negative reviews and critical press are part of being a working artist, whether you’re emerging or established.
The challenge isn’t avoiding criticism. It’s learning how to handle it without letting it derail your practice.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a massive painting and thought, How did they even get that thing?, you’re asking a very normal question. Those oversized canvases don’t magically appear in studios. They’re planned, built, and handled with a lot more problem-solving than most people realize.
Here’s how artists actually do it.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many painters talk about preparing their canvas before laying down color, you’re in the right place. Taking the time to prime and prepare your canvas pays off in ways that go far beyond neatness. It changes how your paints behave, how your colors look, and how your finished work feels.
If you’ve ever felt pulled between studio time and business tasks, know this: balancing creativity with business is a dynamic practice, not a fixed state. Some habits and strategies help keep the paint flowing and the art career moving forward. Try these tips:
Every artist wonders at some point: What kind of art actually sells? Whether you’re trying to support your practice financially or just find an audience for your work, understanding what buyers tend to choose can help you make decisions without sacrificing your creative voice. Here’s a practical look at the types of art that tend to sell faster.
Artists spend time choosing materials, layering paint, and refining compositions, but once it’s finished, the big question usually comes up: Do I need to frame this canvas? The honest answer is it depends. There’s no strict rule, and both framed and unframed canvases have their place. What matters most is the artwork, your intent, and how you want it to be experienced.