things to paint on

9 Things to paint on explored. What are painting substrates in art?

What are painting substrates in art? There is a lot of confusion about what these are, put simply a painting substrate is the painting surface such as canvas, paper, linen, etc. Substrates are the things to paint on. There is also confusion about the different types of painting substrates and what they are used for. …
alla prima painting

What is Alla Prima painting? All your questions explained (easy)

When you’re an artist, it’s hard to find the time and space for your art. You want to create something beautiful but also have a job, family, or other responsibilities that get in the way. With Alla Prima painting you can work on one piece of art until it is finished instead of having to…
scumbling

What is Scumbling? Dry brush painting technique easily explained

The technique of scumbling is a painting process that involves applying paint with the brush over an existing layer to create a blurring effect that blends color, light and shade effects. Scumble artists are always looking for new ways to create unique effects in their work and find tutorials that tell them how great this…
Stippling art

What is Stippling art? Get inspired and Get Started (with examples)

Stippling is a technique that has been around for centuries, but it’s not well known, even I had to look it up when I heard about it. Therefore it’s not surprising that the majority of people don’t know what stippling art is, and if they do, they think it’s boring or too difficult to try…
how to seal pencil drawings

How to Seal Pencil Drawings the Correct and Easy Way

You’ve just finished a sketch and now you need to know how to protect your drawing from smudging and the elements. There are several ways that you can fix your drawings using fixative sprays and even hairspray (just don’t!), but did you know there are other methods that don’t use a spray? Before releasing hairspray…
sad painting ideas

Sad painting ideas, the best to make (7 listed)

Sad paintings are a thing. I know it’s weird, but they really are everywhere. You see them in homes and businesses all over the world. They’re hanging on the walls of people who don’t even like sad things or have anything to do with clowns or little girls in fields. So what gives? In this…
observational drawing

Observational Drawing: Easy tips to drawing what you see from life

What is observational drawing? Observational drawing, or drawing from life, has been around for centuries. It’s the process of capturing a likeness in a realistic manner on paper or canvas. Learning to draw realistically can be very challenging and frustrating but it can also be exhilarating and rewarding. The key to learning how to draw…
Geometric drawing

The Art of Geometric Drawing: Understanding and Utilizing

Geometric drawings are often misunderstood and seen as boring and technical. Drawing geometric designs can be an extremely useful tool for the artist. It is important to understand that there are different kinds of geometric drawings, however, many artists tend to avoid them because they do not know how to draw them or what they…
Continuous line drawing

What is a continuous line drawing and why you should master it

Artists often struggle with a rigid approach when drawing and this can lead to poor results. In order to improve your art style, you need to develop better hand-eye coordination and learn how not to be so stiff when working on a piece of art. Continuous line drawings, also known as Contour Drawings, provide an…
artist struggles

10 Artist Struggles – Why Artists Struggle and how they overcome them

We all know that being an artist is hard, but what are the common artist struggles and how can you overcome them? Artists have a lot of unique challenges. You’re always trying to figure out ways to improve your work, get noticed by clients or employers, find inspiration in everyday life and still have time…
depression drawing ideas

9 Easy Depression Drawing Ideas – by a formerly depressed artist

What do you draw when you are sad? Most people don’t realize that artists who produce art while they are depressed can make some of the best works of their life. But it’s hard to create something good on purpose when your mind is focused on negativity, sadness or depression. I will share my story…
abstract palette knife painting for beginners

Easy abstract palette knife painting for beginners

Abstract palette knife painting for beginners is aimed at artists learning to paint abstract art but are either too scared to start or are finding it frustrating to make it work. If you are new to painting or using palette knives you will find that they are one of the best ways to create beautiful,…