There’s a lot of confusion about dip pen vs fountain pen. You might think they’re the same thing, but they have several differences. When comparing dip pens with fountain pens these are the key summarized differences: When I’m practicing my cartooning techniques, I prefer a dip pen. It allows me to change the tips or […]
Paper comes in a wide variety. Only some paper is suitable for calligraphy or art using dip pens. A range of paper elements can impact how well your dip pen performs. Understanding weight, texture, and type can help you make the best choice when selecting paper for dip pen projects. So what is the best paper […]
If you’re new to watercolor painting, you might be confused about how to mount your watercolor paper, and wondering what’s the best glue for watercolor paper. You may be surprised to learn that it is not actually a glue! In my experience, heavy acrylic gel medium gives me the best results when mounting my finished […]
Most paints are made using Gum Arabic but what do you do if you’re making your own paints and don’t have any gum arabic? You have to learn how to make paint binder without gum arabic. All you need is xanthan gum, glycerin and some water. You can even follow the ancient Egyptians and use […]
Every art medium has its own considerations when framing, especially pastels. Pastel paintings are fragile because of the pigment’s susceptibility to smudging. Framing pastels without glass is possible but it is highly not recommended, no matter if it’s for home or gallery hanging. Pastel paintings need glass to protect them from damage and UV rays. […]
There is a big difference between a vanity art gallery and an authentic traditional art gallery. Legitimate traditional galleries make their profits from the sales of art. Vanity galleries make their profit from upfront fees that are paid by artists to show in them. In this post I will cover what a vanity gallery is compared […]
When learning how to store oil paintings while drying you need to know that oil paint is notorious for taking a long time to dry. The exact length of time it takes depends on such factors as the quality of the paint, its foundational ingredients, and even its color. Oil paint will generally start to set after […]
Art making, specifically drawing and painting, helps people stay connected to the world. While this is true of any creative expression, from collage making to sculpting, drawing and painting seem the most closely related in that they both concern themselves with mark making. However, it is not always the case that someone can be good […]
Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, gouache allows you to finish your watercolor painting in one sitting. It dries quickly, and you can use various techniques to create texture and washes. When I’m ready to begin an art project and discover that I’m out of white gouache, I make a white gouache substitute […]
Sketchbooks are a handy medium for jotting line drawings for later reference. They can be integral aspects of the creative process. Using charcoal in a sketchbook is a perfectly acceptable way to apply charcoal to paper. However, the type of paper used and the treatment of the drawing afterward are the key things to knowing how to do […]
Drying prints does not have to be a mysterious process that is secrete and highly guarded. There are a few simple ways that you can dry prints effortlessly for the best result each and every time. Knowing how to go about drying prints of any and all sorts can help you save paper prints that […]
When I first started creating mixed media artwork, one of the first things I wanted to know was can you use colored pencils over acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of applications. It can be used on its own, or in conjunction with other media to […]
