Studio Notes Art Blog

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 Art Therapy Handbook: Creative Exercises for Healing and Self-Discovery 0

Discover how art therapy can help reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and foster self-discovery. This guide explores the science behind creative expression and provides hands-on exercises for emotional healing, including color journaling, meditative drawing, and vision boards. Whether you're an artist or simply curious about creative expression, these techniques will help you process emotions and find balance through artistic expression.

Art Events in Alabama 2025 0

Alabama's vibrant arts scene is set to flourish in 2025, offering a diverse array of events that celebrate creativity across the state. From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the serene landscapes of Florence, artists and enthusiasts will gather to partake in festivals, exhibitions, and workshops. Highlights include the Magic City Art Connection in Birmingham, transforming Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark into a dynamic arts festival from April 25-27, 2025. In Florence, the Arts Alive Festival will showcase juried fine arts and crafts in Wilson Park on May 17-18, 2025. Additionally, the Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville is scheduled for April 25-27, 2025, offering a three-day celebration of the arts in Big Spring Park. These events, among many others, promise to enrich Alabama's cultural tapestry throughout the year.

AI and Digital Tools for Artists 0

AI is transforming the way artists learn, create, and sell their work. From AI-powered drawing assistants to automated pricing tools, these innovations can help artists at every stage of their journey. Discover how digital tools can enhance your creative process, streamline workflows, and make your art more accessible to a wider audience.

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.

Kiln Loading, Maintenance, and Care 0

Proper kiln care is essential for achieving consistent firings and extending the life of your equipment. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about kiln loading, maintenance, and troubleshooting, including:

✅ Best practices for loading your kiln to ensure even heating.
✅ Step-by-step firing procedures for bisque and glaze.
✅ Essential safety measures to prevent overheating and accidents.
✅ Routine maintenance checklists to keep your kiln running efficiently.
✅ Troubleshooting tips for common kiln issues, like underfiring and error codes.

We’ve also included a FREE printable Kiln Maintenance Checklist & Firing Diary, so you can track your firings and keep your kiln in peak condition.

📌 Read the full guide and download your resources here: Kiln Loading, Maintenance, and Care

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.