Studio Notes Art Blog — Art Materials Guide

Art Supply Fundamentals: Paint Basics 0

The Future of Color Is Here: Liquitex Bio-Based Acrylics 0

The Ultimate Guide to Adhesives 0

Not sure which glue, tape, or medium is right for your next project? This guide breaks down the best adhesives for paper, fabric, wood, metal, and more — including archival tips, troubleshooting, and product recommendations.

The Unsung Heroes of Art: Understanding Erasers 0

Erasers are more than mistake-fixers! Discover creative techniques, erasing tips, and fascinating eraser facts every artist should know.

Find the Right Fredrix Canvas 0

Choosing the right Fredrix canvas is easier than ever! Learn about different surfaces, depths, materials, and styles — from stretched canvases to boards, pads, and rolls — all available at Alabama Art Supply.

A Comprehensive Guide to Liquitex Mediums & Varnishes 0

Discover how Liquitex acrylic mediums and varnishes can transform your artwork! From texture-building gels to pouring mediums, gessos, and protective varnishes, this guide covers everything you need to enhance, modify, and seal your paintings. Learn mixing tips, best practices, and hands-on exercises to get the most out of your materials.

The Artist’s Guide to Paint Palettes 0

A well-organized paint palette is more than just a mixing surface—it’s the foundation of your entire painting process. Whether you’re using acrylics, oils, watercolors, or gouache, your palette affects how easily you mix colors, how efficiently you work, and even the final vibrancy of your artwork.

In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ The best palettes for different mediums (so you get the right one for your workflow)
✔ Mixing strategies that improve color harmony and efficiency
✔ Palette maintenance tips to extend the life of your materials
✔ Practice exercises to sharpen your mixing skills

Canvas vs. Paper: Choosing the Best Surface for Your Art 0

✨ Learn which Strathmore surfaces offer the best durability, portability, and professional presentation for your art project.  🎨✨

Choosing the right surface is essential for every artist, as it impacts paint behavior, blending, and the longevity of your work. In this guide, we break down the differences between Strathmore® stretched canvas, canvas boards, art paper, and watercolor blocks to help you find the best fit for your medium and artistic style. Whether you're working with acrylics, oils, watercolors, ink, or pastels, understanding texture, absorbency, cost, and framing considerations can make all the difference in your creative process. We also explore cost-effective options for artists and framing recommendations for finished pieces.