review

Best Varnish for Acrylic Paintings: Protect Your Artwork for Ages

Last updated: October 12, 2020 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

Best Drawing Mannequin in 2020 (Review and Buying Guide)

Last updated: October 1, 2020 by Mel Stabin

Every decent artist should know how to draw a realistic human figure. Some people might be able to make stick figures look artistic, but most of the time that won’t cut it. Luckily, with extra practice and the help of some handy artist tools, you can learn how to sketch human bodies like a pro.

Best Choice

TAMASHII NATIONS Bandai S.H. Figuarts Man DX Set

Best Drawing Mannequin

Overall, this seems to be the best mannequin for putting your sketching and drawing skills into practice. The accessories combined with the interchangeable hands are a huge plus. You can depict so many dynamic poses with each of the hands holding different accessories. If what you want in a mannequin is the ability to create unique situations with it, this may be the one you are looking for.

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If you want to practice your skills, you might want to invest in a drawing mannequin. This device will help you by providing a frame of reference for when you sketch or draw people, especially if you are drawing moving scenes. A lot of these mannequins are incredibly realistic, and some have human-like skin and muscles. You won’t even need a live human being to sit still and model for you! [Read more…] about Best Drawing Mannequin in 2020 (Review and Buying Guide)

Best Plein Air Easel (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Last updated: August 28, 2020 by Mel Stabin

Plein air painting or outdoor painting is a method that dates back to the 19th century French Impressionist art movement. It is how these artists captured the beauty of life by painting sunsets, landscapes, and bodies of water.

Best Choice

MEEDEN Ultimate Pochade Box

The Best Plein Air Easel

The Meeden Pochade Box is relatively affordable and is a great option for traveling artists who want to explore Plein air paintings. It provides great value for the features that are included. It is one of the best pochade boxes you will find on the market.

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Since artists have to travel for Plein air paintings, they need an easel that will be easy to store and transport. This is where the handy pochade boxes and French-style Plein air easels come in. It is important for you to choose an easel that will suit your needs and make your life easier. [Read more…] about Best Plein Air Easel (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Best Soft Pastels to Buy in 2020 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Last updated: August 27, 2020 by Mel Stabin

Attention all newbie and veteran artists! Are you looking to expand your expertise by trying your hand at working with soft pastels? Or do you already dabble in drawing with soft pastels and want to upgrade your equipment?

Best Choice

Colour Block Soft Pastel Art Set (100 Pack)

Best Soft Pastels

This set has the best range of colors. Others often neglect the neutral tones but this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. Colour Block is a smaller lesser-known brand but their pastels are fantastic.

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Soft pastels are usually sold as sticks or pencils and are chalkier compared to oil pastels. They are great if you want your artworks to have a smoother texture and a more polished appearance without having to sacrifice color vibrancy. [Read more…] about Best Soft Pastels to Buy in 2020 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

5 Best Gouache Paints in 2020 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Last updated: August 27, 2020 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

M. Graham 1/2-Ounce Gouache Paint Primary Set

Best Gouache Paint Set

M. Graham is known for its high-quality paints, pigments, and use of traditional binders like blackberry honey and gum arabic. This means that their gouache is very similar in texture and consistency to their popular watercolors and is well-loved among gouache artists.

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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 2020 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Best Paper for Copic Markers: Bleedproof, Durable and Cheap

Last updated: August 27, 2020 by Mel Stabin

Copics are the creme de la creme of alcohol markers. They are known for their smooth blending capabilities and rich color in a huge variety of shades. In order to get the most out of your Copic markers, you need to use the right paper for your needs.

Using the correct paper is important for a number of reasons. The most important is that your markers won’t perform to their best abilities if the paper isn’t designed for use with them. This wastes your time and valuable ink.

Best Choice

X-Press It Blending Card

Best Paper for Copic Markers

This cardstock is excellent for use with Copics. If you create any commissioned works or like to draw on a sturdy paper that won't pill and protects your work, XPBC will be the perfect product for you.

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Low-quality papers will also bleed through, creating a permanent mess on the surface underneath the page and will use more ink than necessary. They can also dry the ink too quickly, which will limit your ability to blend them. Since this is the huge selling point on alcohol markers, this is a big deal. [Read more…] about Best Paper for Copic Markers: Bleedproof, Durable and Cheap