Paints

How to Make Gesso: All You Need To Know About DIY Gesso

Last updated: October 18, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Let’s finally figure out how to make gesso. Gesso is a type of primer that you spread onto surfaces to create a smooth surface for painting. Artists use it to prepare their canvases, but it can also be used on wood or metal. It is usually white in color and has many uses in different art forms.

Gesso can act as an undercoat for oil paintings, provide texture for acrylics, and serve as the base coat on most types of surfaces before painting or drawing.

The Ultimate How to Do Impasto Painting Guide: Tips, Tricks and Tutorial

Last updated: October 18, 2021 by Wayne Crossland

Impasto painting, also known as “heavy paint” or “drip painting,” is a technique where thickly applied paint is used to create texture and depth in the artwork. It was popularized by Italian artists of the Renaissance era who would apply drips of wet plaster onto their paintings, which created an effect that has been highly praised for centuries.

Nowadays it’s mostly done with oil paints on canvas but you can find other variations. If you are interested in learning how to do impasto oil painting, then this article will teach you the basics of how to paint impasto art! We’ll cover everything from materials and setup to tips for mastering the technique.

The Best Acrylic Paint of 2021 for Beginners and Pros

Last updated: May 26, 2021 by Mel Stabin

Acrylic is the most widely used type of paint that’s not limited to art. It’s used to paint wood, concrete, rocks, and tons more. Acrylics have combined oil paint and watercolor properties, and you can get acrylic paints in spray cans, marker pens, tubes, tubs, and bottles plus, you can get them pretty much everywhere. But, compared to oil paint and other mediums, acrylics are not even a century-old medium.

Best Choice

Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Classic Set

Best Acrylic Paint

This Liquitex Paint set is well known for bringing the best performance for experienced artists and even professionals. It brings superior handling performance bringing you precise fine details, and this can bring advanced texturing to the table. This kit is also straightforward to use even if you're a beginner; that's why we picked this as the best choice. But there's a slight caveat to it. Find out on the review.

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Best Paint for Rocks in 2021 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Last updated: May 28, 2021 by Mel Stabin

Rock painting has been practiced and applied since 40,000 years ago, and it’s mainly done to tell stories and entertain cave dwellers, and today, those paintings became essential parts of our history. In our modern times, rock painting is mainly done for education and decoration purposes. It can be fun for everyone, whether you are a beginner or a fine artist wanting to explore new mediums.

Best Choice

Apple Barrel Matte Acrylic Paint Set

The Best Paint Set for Rocks

This paint set does everything we wanted to see in the best paint for painting rocks, the good bond with the unusual surface of rocks, the durability it needs to last long, and the ability to make detailed illustrations on a rock. Its smooth and gliding paint also brings ease of use to beginners and bring perfection for experienced artists.

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Best Varnish for Acrylic Paintings: Protect Your Artwork for Ages

Last updated: February 15, 2021 by Mel Stabin

Your artwork should be given its proper chance to shine, and this is why artists use varnish. They can protect the painting from unavoidable elements when it is being transported. Most artists would also recommend applying varnish if your painting were displayed outdoors or in a very humid environment. For some mediums like acrylic, using varnish can even add gloss or sheen.

Best Choice

Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium Gloss UV Varnish

Best Varnish for Acrylic Paintings

Winsor and Newton is a time-tested brand and is known for their acrylic products. The colors do not change even after the drying process. The varnish has the same quality, making it the best choice for acrylic painters. It offers top protection for acrylic paintings on canvas. It provides another layer to prevent damage from dust, friction, and UV rays. Also gives a slightly glossy finish without affecting the colors.

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Acrylic paints become more brittle in cold weather, so it is advisable to add the proper varnish. This will ensure that it is protected from the extreme temperature and elements like dust, friction, humidity, and harsh UV rays. [Read more…] about Best Varnish for Acrylic Paintings: Protect Your Artwork for Ages

5 Best Gouache Paints in 2021 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Last updated: June 9, 2021 by Mel Stabin

Gouache has become much more popular over the past few years and for good reason. It has the unique water-soluble characteristics of watercolor with the opacity of an acrylic, making it the best of both worlds.

Best Choice

Winsor & Newton Designers' Gouache Primary Color Paint Set

Best Gouache Paint Set

Any professional artist is familiar with the Winsor & Newton brand of art supplies. Their paints are among the most beloved paints in the world. They are known for using high-quality pigments and binders that create paints that activate quickly are a true joy to work with.

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This makes it a unique and versatile medium that is great for illustration, painting on-the-go and makes cleanup fast and easy. Whether you are an experienced watercolorist or prefer acrylics, gouache is a medium that you should consider trying. [Read more…] about 5 Best Gouache Paints in 2021 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)