Painting Problem Solver / FAQ
- Acrylic Problem Solver
- Pastel Problem Solver
- Oil Painting Problem Solver
- Color Theory Problem Solver
- Copyright for Artists FAQ
- Watercolor Problem Solver
Should All Three Parts of a Triptych Painting be the Same Size or Not?
Or can they be different? Find the answer here.
Should an Art Teacher Paint on a Student's Canvas?
Should an art teacher or workshop tutor paint on a student's canvas to demonstrate something, or should it be done separately? Find out here.
How Do I Add Sign Lettering in a Painting?
Some tips on how to add sign lettering to a painting, such as the names of shops in a cityscape.
How Do I Transfer a Drawing from Paper to Canvas?
There are various methods you can use to transfer a drawing from a piece of paper to a canvas. Find out what they are here.
How Would I Use Colour Shapers, and Can I Make My Own?
Learn how to use a colour shaper and how it's different to a knife painting. Plus how you can make your own version.
Is It Acceptable for Brushstrokes to be Visible in a Painting?
Find out whether it's acceptable for brushstrokes to be visible in a finished painting, or whether they need to be eliminated.
What Do I Do if I Don't Have Room to Paint?
Find out what you can do if you're living in a cramped space without much room to paint.
Painter or Artist?
Do you call yourself a painter or an artist? It's a problem faced by many people who don't make a fulltime living from their art.
Painting Problem Solver: Visual Index
A visual guide to common problems encountered when painting, and solutions where possible.
Q: Where can I Find Free Reference Photos to Use in Paintings?
Find out where you can obtain free reference photos that you can use in your paintings.
Q: How Long Should It Take Me to Finish a Painting?
Should it take you a few hours to finish a painting, or maybe days, or even longer? Find out here.
Q: Can I Mix Various Brands of Paint?
Is it okay or not to mix various brands of paint, or do you have to stick with one brand only, be it watercolor, acrylics, or oils? Find out here.
Q: How Do I Overcome my Fear of a Blank Canvas?
Find out what to do being faced with a new, blank canvas paralyze you with fear into inaction.
Q: Should I Use Student or Artist's Quality Paints?
When you start painting, should you use student paints or artist's quality paints? Here's what I think.
Q: How Do I Create a Unique Painting Style?
How do you create a unique painting style, that identifies you as an artist?
Q: When Do You Paint the Shadows in a Painting?
When do you paint the shadows in a painting, and should you leave those areas white until you are ready to do the shadows?
Q: Are Metal or Plastic Paint Tubes Better?
Find out if there is any difference between or advantage to buying paint in metal paint tubes or plastic tubes.
Q: How Do I Paint Glass so it Looks Transparent?
Is there some 'painting trick' to getting glass to look transparent? Find out in this Painting FAQ.
Q: Where Can I Find Information on Art Competitions?
Looking for information on art or painting competitions? Here's where to go...
Q: Is Rolling Up a Canvas Okay?
If you want to roll up a canvas for storage or to post it, find out what do you need to do to ensure it's not damaged.
Q: Should You Paint the Sides of a Canvas?
What you should do with the sides of a canvas if you're not planning to frame it.
Q: What's a Gallery-Wrap Canvas?
Find out what makes a canvas a gallery-wrap one, and why would you use it.
Q: How Do I Remove Mold from a Painting?
What's the best way to deal with mold on a painting or artwork? Find out here.
Q: How Many Paintings Do I Need to Approach a Gallery?
How many paintings to you need to have completed before you can approach a gallery to sell them? Find out here.
Q: How do I Frame a Stapled Canvas?
Do you need to do anything special when framing a stapled canvas?
Q: How do I Frame a Painting Done on Canvas?
How do you frame a painting done on canvas? Do you need to remove the canvas stretchers, or not? Find out in this Painting FAQ.
Q: What is Transfer Paper and What Would I Use it For?
What is transfer paper and what would you use it for? Find out here.
Q: How Do I Know if a Tube Has Acrylic or Watercolor Paint
There's a simple test that will tell you if a paint is acrylic or watercolor.
Q: I've Got Reference Material and Sketches, Now What Do I Do?
You've found your reference photos, done your thumbnail sketches, and bought a canvas. So what do you do next? Find out in this Painting FAQ.
Q: What is an Artist Trading Card or ATC?
An explanation of what an artist trading card or ATC is, and how it's different to an ACEO.
Q: Do the Celebrity Artist Techniques Work?
Is it worth spending money on the books and DVDs by 'celebrity artists' such as Bob Ross? Or is it just a trick?
How Thick Should a Piece of MDF be for a Painting?
Does it matter how thick a piece of MDF is if you're going to use it for a painting? Find out in this Painting FAQ.
Can I Paint Over a Glaze?
Is it okay to paint over a glaze?
How to Repair a Tear in a Canvas Painting
Don't throw away a canvas with a tear in it, but rather fix it.
Can You Buy Empty Paint Tubes?
Is it possible to buy empty paint tubes for storing your own paint mixes? Find out in this Painting FAQ.
What Art Canvas Should I Use?
If you're new to painting on canvas, here you'll find tips on what to choose and what's best to use.