Creative How-To Guides

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Find practical answers to your creative questions with our easy-to-follow guides.

  • Ask GouacheVWatercolor MiniBlock 400x362

    Gouache vs. Watercolor: What’s the Difference?

    Learn some of the key differences between gouache and watercolors — and how they can be intermixed!

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  • Ask BrushFacts MiniBlock 400x362

    Surprising Facts About Brushes

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

  • Ask DrawingPencils banners

    Drawing Pencil Basics

    From the hardness grade to the core material, learn what sets drawing pencils apart from ordinary writing instruments.

  • Ask Organizing MiniBlock 400x362

    How Should I Organize My Palette?

    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.

  • Ask StretchingCanvas MiniContent 400x362

    How to Stretch Canvas on the Bias

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

  • MiniContentBanner 400x362

    Make Your Brushes Last

    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.

  • Ask Sketchbook MiniBlock 400x362

    How to Select the Perfect Sketchbook

    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.

  • MiniContentBanner 400x362

    How to Use Stretcher Keys

    Learn how to install and use stretcher keys to re-tension canvas that has gone slack.

  • MiniContentBanner 400x362

    How to Deal with Loose Canvas

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

  • Ask StudentPaint MiniBlock 400x362

    Student Grade Paint 101

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

  • Ask OilingOut MiniContent 400x362

    Oiling Out to Revive Dull Colors

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

  • Ask OilShed MiniContent 400x362

    Oil Shed from Tube

    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.

  • Logan Mat Cutters Preview-Image

    All About Mat Cutting

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

  • drawing-pencils

    Choose A Drawing Pencil

    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.

  • Ask ArtThatLasts MiniBlock 400x362

    How to Make Art that Lasts

    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.

  • gallery-wall

    Make A Gallery Wall

    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.

  • measure-brush

    Measure A Brush

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

  • MiniContentBlock-400x362

    Three Drawing Exercises that Will Make You a Master

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

  • MiniContentBanner 400x362

    Oil Painting Advice for Beginners

    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.

  • Ask Scale&Proportion MiniContent 400x362

    Five Tips for Mastering Scale and Proportion

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

  • Ask Framing MiniContent 400x362

    How to Present Your Artwork

    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.

  • Ask WCTubesvPans MiniContent 400x362

    How to Choose Watercolors: Tubes vs. Pans

    Find out what goes into creating watercolor pans, learn why some artists prefer pans over tubes, and get expert advice on choosing the right watercolor paints for your next project.

  • Ask PaintedFrames MiniBlock 400x362

    Should you Paint your Frames to Match your Artwork?

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

  • Ask Winter MiniBlock 400x362

    How to Winterize Your Studio

    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.

  • painting-party

    Host A Painting Party

    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.

  • art-stencils

    Explore Art Stencils

    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.

  • home-office

    Set Up A Home Office

    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.

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