Creative How-To Guides

Find practical answers to your creative questions with our easy-to-follow guides.
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.
Drawing Pencil Basics
From the hardness grade to the core material, learn what sets drawing pencils apart from ordinary writing instruments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Use Stretcher Keys
Learn how to install and use stretcher keys to re-tension canvas that has gone slack.
How to Deal with Loose Canvas
Learn how to prevent canvases from sagging after being stretched and, if needed, reposition them on a frame.
Student Grade Paint 101
Learn what makes materials “student grade,” who they’re designed for, and whether they can be used for professional art.
Oiling Out to Revive Dull Colors
Learn how to restore dry paint to its wet appearance and promote fluid brush application between painting sessions!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Three Drawing Exercises that Will Make You a Master
Take your drawing skills to the next level with three exercises from an expert artist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Product Information
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