Art Supply Guides & How-Tos

If asked to precisely explain what paint is, could you do it? Learn the fascinating qualities that all types of paint share.

Find out how single-pigment paints differ from blends, and which will best suit your technique and process.

Learn about the types of pigments used to color paint.

We want to make buying paint online as easy and accurate as possible. Learn about our swatches, where to find pigment information, and more.

Paint labels are full of useful information for artists. Learn how to read them with our quick guide.

Find out what goes into paint beyond pigment and learn about common paint characteristics.

Learn about the different types of paint and find one that’s right for your next project.

Maximize the shelf life of scholastic paints by learning proper paint storage tips.

Turning pigment into paint takes a lot of skill and effort. Whether it’s through a hand-powered muller or a paint mill, learn which method yields the best result.

Learn the difference between the different grades of Blick Acrylics - and which you should be using in your current stage of painting!

Explore the technique of underpainting in acrylic and oil creations. Underpainting creates visual depth and enriches the colors in your artwork.

Intimidated by oil paints? Think they're bad for the environment? Forget the myths and discover what makes this medium safe to use and easy to get started with.

Learn how to restore dry paint to its wet appearance and promote fluid brush application between painting sessions!

Wondering why oil drips out of paint tubes? Learn all about “oil shed”, how to avoid it, and the best ways to deal with it.

Learn everything you need to know about water-mixable oils and how they differ from traditional oil paints.

New to oil painting? Learn the fundamental principles of measuring by thumb, working with color, and applying varnish to unlock the mysteries of this expressive medium.

Do you always need to finish your paintings with a coat of varnish? Learn everything you need to know about this protective coating - including when (and when not) to use it.

Glossy mediums aren't just for a glossy finish. Learn how they can impart brightness, add depth, and give you greater control over the application process.

Understand the key differences between watercolor tubes, cakes, and pans - and which one will best suit your style of art.

Learn the key differences between these two travel-friendly mediums - and how to best use them!

What is acrylic gouache and how does it differ from traditional gouache? Learn about the differences in opacity, finish, water solubility, and more.

Mia Tarducci demonstrates what makes Utrecht stand out.

Learn the history behind this primer and how it evolved into a fast, safe way to turn almost any surface into a universal painting support.

Compare features and brands to find the right airbrush system for your next project.

Why do some pigments get "retired" or go extinct? Is your favorite color at risk? Find out everything you need to know about pigments' availability.

Making your own paint can be time-consuming and costly, but it does offer a few advantages, too. Learn if this time-honored tradition is right for you!

Learn what makes materials “student grade,” who they’re designed for, and whether they can be used for professional art.

Learn different ways of laying out your palette to align with pictorial goals, mixing systems, and color schemes. Keep in mind that the palette works for the artist, not the other way around.

Find everything you need to spark creativity with a group painting party. Shop essential supplies for parties of any size and explore beginner-friendly tutorials that make learning to paint easy and fun.

Find everything you need to know about buying, building, or prepping artists' canvas.

Looking for the perfect canvas? Find the best selection of archival stretched canvas, blankets, and rolls in every material, weight, and texture, catering to your unique needs and budget.

Stretcher keys are valuable tools for maintaining your art. Learn how to use them effectively in our step-by-step guide.

Try an alternate way of stretching canvas to spread tension more evenly, minimize weave distortion, and reduce puckers at tack points.

Learn how to prevent canvases from sagging after being stretched and, if needed, reposition them on a frame.

Paintbrushes are crafted using an array of natural hairs and synthetic fibers. Learn more about commonly used materials and discover which types are best suited to your media or preferences.

Find a paintbrush or brush set that works for you. Learn about the different brush shapes available and locate styles that suit your media, scale, and goals.

Think you know everything about brushes? Our experts rounded up some facts about these ordinary tools that may even surprise experienced painters.

Learn techniques for making even the most worn and crusty brushes perform like new again.

Get expert guidance on keeping your brushes performing like new. From cleaning and maintenance to best practices for use, these simple tips will ensure they stay in great shape.

Find the brush size that best suits your goals. Our guide provides a standard that makes measuring brushes at home fast and easy.

Learn the unique characteristics of pastels that allow them to be classified as both a painting and a drawing tool.

Shopping for your next pen? Whatever your preference or budget, explore the best options for drawing, writing, and calligraphy.

Discover how any pen can become the ultimate drawing tool - and find out which type will best suit your drawing style.

Explore the ins-and-outs of breaking into using fountain pens as an artist.

Discover the magic of how markers work, including how they defy the laws of gravity with colors that flow upside down and sideways.

Ever wondered how art markers work? Learn what separates markers from pens and find the best option for your needs.

From different lead grades to which barrel type is best, learn everything you need to know about drawing pencils.

Discover what goes into the creation of a drawing pencil. Learn about the graphite grading scale, explore the benefits of different pencil shapes and wood types, and compare brands.

Because drawing isn’t just about what you put on the page. It’s also about what you take off.

Find out why Dr. PH Martin's watercolors were the preferred choice of 20th century comic book publishers for coloring line art.

Learn the fascinating history of this artist-loved medium, which dates all the way back to ancient China.

Take your drawing skills to the next level with three exercises from an expert artist.

Learn what qualities you should be looking for when selecting a sketchbook for you or a friend—from the type of paper and binding to the shape/size and built-in storage options.

Learn how to give balance to abstract compositions and make representational renderings more realistic using visual measurements, anatomical knowledge, page proportions, and more.

Unravel the mystery behind paper weights and sizes by taking a deep dive into how paper has been made and used over the centuries.

Blick takes special care in shipping paper products. Read about our dedication to damage prevention, quality care, and 100% satisfaction for our customers.

Learn the ins and outs of mat cutting, including basic cutter maintenance, calculating border sizes, and proper cutting techniques, from the pros at Logan.  

Refresh your space with a contemporary gallery wall. Find a checklist of the supplies you’ll need to get started, preview your arrangement with a simple template, and shop frames that complement your artwork and your space.

Learn about famous artists who painted frames to match their artwork—plus, get tips for doing it yourself.

Get tips from our experts on showing off your artwork to its best advantage. When choosing a frame, consider factors such as color, texture, scale, and quality of materials to find a style that complements your art without overshadowing it.

Learn the history behind adhesive tape and how it transformed from a practical medical supply into an essential tool for artists.

When temperatures begin to drop, learn the steps you can take to combat colder studio conditions, like low humidity and less ventilation, to protect your artwork and paint supplies.

Set up a workspace that will keep you on task and organized. Find multi-purpose office furniture, storage solutions, and stylish accents to personalize your space.

We’re committed to make shopping for sustainable art supplies easy and affordable. Browse our ever-expanding selection of ecofriendly products, including pads and papers made with recycled materials, safer paints and mediums, and more.

Learn tips for making art that resists fading and yellowing, from choosing professional paints with high lightfastness ratings to using acid-free or pH-neutral papers.

Discover how to use art stencils to add custom flair to artwork, décor, and more. Shop ready-made stencils or find the supplies you need to create your own. Plus, find inks, surfaces, tips from the experts, and inspirational project ideas.

Entertain guests of all ages and skill levels with project ideas, video tutorials, and supplies from Blick. Our expertly-designed group project plans provide everything guests need to make creative keepsakes at a budget-friendly price.

Learn about the different types of screen printing methods and find the right tools for your project and skill level.