Studio Notes Art Blog — Art Materials Guide

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.

A Comprehensive Guide to Art Paper 0

Choosing the right paper can make or break your artwork! Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, printmaker, or mixed media artist, understanding different types of art paper is essential for achieving the best results.

✅ Explore the differences between watercolor, drawing, pastel, and mixed media papers.
✅ Learn how paper weight, texture, and composition affect your artwork.
✅ Discover the best papers for graphite, charcoal, ink, acrylics, and more.
✅ Get expert tips on paper storage, preservation, and framing.

Finding the right surface for your medium can enhance your technique and elevate your final piece. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this guide will help you select the perfect art paper for your needs.

A Comprehensive Guide to Pencils and Other Mark Makers 0

Whether you're sketching your next masterpiece, shading with precision, or experimenting with new techniques, the right pencil can make all the difference. In A Comprehensive Guide to Pencils and Other Mark-Makers, we explore everything from graphite grades to colored pencils, charcoal, and pastels—helping you choose the best tools for your artistic style. Learn about different lead hardness, specialty pencils, and essential tips for achieving the perfect marks in your work. Ready to take your drawing skills to the next level? Dive into the guide and discover your next favorite mark-making tool!

Studio Notes from Strathmore: What Paper Should I Use? 0

With so many options available, choosing the right paper for your artwork can feel overwhelming. In this Studio Notes feature from Strathmore, we break down the key factors to consider when selecting the best paper for your medium and technique.

✅ Understand paper weight, surface texture, and composition.
✅ Find the best paper for drawing, watercolor, mixed media, and printmaking.
✅ Learn how sizing and absorbency impact your final results.
✅ Get expert recommendations straight from Strathmore Artist Papers.

Whether you're working with graphite, charcoal, ink, or paint, using the right paper can transform your artwork and help you achieve better control, depth, and durability.

The Importance of Quality Brushes in Artistic Expression 0

When it comes to creating art, the tools you use can make a significant difference in the outcome of your work. While paints, canvases, and techniques often get the spotlight, the role of a quality brush is sometimes overlooked. However, any seasoned artist will tell you that the right brush can elevate your work from good to exceptional. In this blog, we’ll explore why investing in quality brushes is crucial for every artist, from beginners to professionals.