I varnish all my paintings, not only as an insurance policy against the ravages of time but also to even out the final sheen and resaturate my colors. I’ve noticed that my darker shades tend to flatten and become matte as they dry, and varnish restores their depth and luster. The result is an even finish, vibrant colors, and a painting protected from UV light, dirt, and pollutants.
Starting your painting journey can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right materials to understanding what gesso is, it’s easy to get lost in the details. If you're here because you're unsure about priming your canvas or using gesso, I'm breaking it all down for you!
If you're a beginner looking to dive into acrylic painting, you're not alone! Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and accessible mediums for artists, but it can also be a bit tricky to master. Whether you're just starting out or struggling with certain techniques, knowing the common acrylic painting mistakes can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Can you Paint on Paper with Acrylic? Definitely! If you're looking for a full step by step tutorial that you can follow along with visually, I've made a YouTube video all about the process, including priming your pages with gesso and mixing your colours. If you're looking for a detailed written breakdown, keep reading! Please note: the links below are affiliate links (Amazon) and I may receive a small commission should you purchase the product as a result of my recommendation. However, I believe in integrity above all else, so I will only ever recommend products that I personally use and have tested. Which Sketchbook is Best for Painting? For my sketchbook, I am using a Strathmore watercolor sketchbook with...
They look like photos! This is often what I hear when people flip through my landscape acrylic painting sketchbook, but that's usually because they're not looking too closely. If you were to take a careful look, the paintings have a loose, impressionist quality, focused on capturing the spirit of the landscape through colour and form. They're not so worried about the details, and instead hone in on a general impression of place. This is why I love sketchbooks; not only do they give me the opportunity to practice different techniques and strategies, but they force me into paring back detail and concentrate on what's really important. After all, how many hours have we as artists wasted fussing over details that, in the...
