Articles Index

Painting on a Big Canvas
If you dream of painting on a big canvas, but already feel intimidated when facing a 'normal-sized' canvas, here are some tips to help you turn a vast expanse of a big, white canvas into a painting.

Painting on Hardboard or Wood
What are the advantages of painting on hardboard or wood and how do you prepare it?

The Light on Your Canvas
How to light your canvas when painting indoors and out-of-doors.

Canvas Keys: What Are They For?
Why you get those little bits of wood or plastic with a canvas, known as canvas keys or canvas wedges.

Learn to Paint: Your First Ever Painting
Learn to Paint: Find out what you need to do and know to start painting for the very first time, and create your first ever painting.

22 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting
Tips on how to avoid mistakes commonly made in paintings, from the Canadian artist Brian Simons, who works in acrylics.

Why Varnish a Painting?
What’s the reason for varnishing an acrylic or oil painting?

Safety Tips for Using Art Materials
Most of the safety issues with art materials ought to be common sense, but here are some safety tips to keep in mind when painting.

How to Decide What Paint to Use
Want to start painting but not sure what paint to use? Here's help on deciding how to choose between the most popular types of paint: acrylics, oils, watercolors, and pastels.

Painting Parallel Lines the Easy Way
Dividing the bristles in a brush creates easy parallel lines or blocks.

Photorealism: What's the Point?
What's the point of painting in a photorealistic style? Why not just take a photograph?

Brian Rice's Painting Tips
A collection of helpful painting tips from an active member of the Painting Forum.

How to Develop a Personal Painting Style
How do you develop a personal, identifiable painting style? Is it something that comes naturally or do you have to work at it? Here are some tips from fellow artists.