All about art materials and tools used by artists includes buyer guides
Liquid clear acrylic is a versatile medium used by artists to create smooth, translucent layers in paintings, particularly in landscape art. Also known as Magic White in oil painting which was made famous by Bob Ross. The problem is, it can be difficult to find and I had to look for some substitutes., There are…
Gouache does not need to be varnished. There are 10 reasons why you should not varnish gouache but the other main reasons are that gouache paintings tend to have a matte finish that varnish can alter. Second, varnish may cause the colors to shift or darken over time. Third, some varnishes may cause the gouache…
There are several methods for thickening oil paint, including using: By using these techniques, artists can create layered, tactile works that showcase their unique vision and style. Ways to Thicken Oil Paint Using Thickening Agents Impasto Medium This is a gel-like medium that can be added to oil paint to increase its thickness and create…
Yes, you can paint on cardstock but there are some issues you will face depending on the painting medium. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, cardstock can be a versatile and affordable material for when you feel the need to create. I have used various types of cardstock over the years whenever canvas…
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…
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…
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…