Both Gamvar satin and gloss Gamvar are exceptional varnishes and have been trusted by artists for many years. While they are designed for oil paintings they can also be used on dry acrylic paintings. Both Gamvar Satin and Gamvar Gloss are equally good for oil painting. It comes down whether you like a satin finish…
A DIY brush shaper is a great way to ensure that your brushes maintain their shape and provide optimal painting results. While you can use commercial chemicals to hold the brush in shape, you still need to shape the brush manually. By using simple materials like foam, cotton thread, rubber bands, and a pair of…
Both Canson XL and Strathmore 400 Series sketchbooks are great options for artists. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the type of art you create. If you work with dry media and prefer a harder cover, then Strathmore 400 Series is the better choice. On the other hand, if…
The best method to lighten paint color without using white is by adding lighter opaque colors, such as yellow or blue over the darker ones, pick hues that are much lighter than the color you want to lighten. For example, if you want to lighten a dark red then add some yellow paint – this…
Here are my top 5 picks for stippling pens. 1. Sakura Pigma Micron My personal favorite and go-to pen for any ink drawing let alone stippling drawing is the Sakura Pigma Micron. The Sakura Pigma Micron pen is a popular choice among artists who want a high-quality, long-lasting pen. The archival-quality ink resists fading, and…
When it comes to plein-air painting, two popular options are the French easel and the pochade box easel. While both are designed for outdoor use, they have some clear differences that can make one more suitable for your needs than the other. Let’s explore the differences, pros, and cons of both easels. A French easel…
As a colorblind artist I had to learn without any context anything to do with colors so working out what a base color was in painting was crucial for me to progress as a young artist. Base color painting refers to the initial layer of paint that is applied to a surface or canvas as…
There are a variety of gel mediums available on the market, but two of the most popular options are Galkyd Gel and Solvent Free Gel. Galkyd Gel and Solvent-Free Gel are both types of oil painting mediums that can be used to create unique effects and textures in your artwork. While both products have their…
As a dad who finds hair all over the bathroom floor, it got me thinking (yes that I’m weird), but instead of throwing it away can I make a human hair paintbrush that actually works? The short answer is Yes, you can make a paintbrush out of human hair. While it may not be the…
I’ve found two types of paints that are the best paint for canvas painting: oil paint and acrylic paint. Oil paints have been used for as long as anyone can remember and proof of their longevity exists in all the major museums around the world. Oil paints on canvas just work. While acrylic paint is…
As someone who loves to paint with oil paints, I’ve found that using a good oil painting medium can make a huge difference in the final outcome of my artwork. An oil painting medium is essential if you want to modify the thickness, texture, or drying period of oil-based paint. In this blog post, I’ll…
One of the most popular and I believe best non-toxic solvents for oil painting is Gamsol. I have covered Gamsol to death in many other articles but in summary, this odorless, nontoxic solvent is a great choice for thinning paints and other media. Gamsol is available in variety of sizes from 4.2 fluid ounces to…