Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Art Blog

Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.

  1. Your Guide to Stretching Watercolor Paper

    Your Guide to Stretching Watercolor Paper

    People tell me all the time they have a hard time finishing the watercolor without getting all hard edges. Let me show you an old method--stretching paper--that also prevents hard edges. ...

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  2. Art Presentation Tips: Cost-Effective Matting and Framing Techniques

    Art Presentation Tips: Cost-Effective Matting and Framing Techniques

    As artists, we create art to be viewed and enjoyed. We do not paint to hide our art in a closet or under a bed. In some cases, we may be painting to sell to clients who want to enhance their home or business with wonderful works of art. Whether you paint ...

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  3. Capturing the Beauty of Fall Foliage with Travel Art Kits

    Capturing the Beauty of Fall Foliage with Travel Art Kits

    For those eager to capture the ephemeral beauty of this season on canvas or paper, a well-prepared travel art kit and sketchbook are essential companions. In this guide, we hope to inspire you to slow down and capture North Carolina's fall foliage with ...

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  4. How to Master Watercolor Painting with a Painting Knife

    How to Master Watercolor Painting with a Painting Knife

    You hardly ever think of using a painting knife in watercolor, but a friend of mine many years ago showed me this, and his name is Charles Sharpe. I've enjoyed using a painting knife ever since then. ...

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  5. Mastering the Watercolor Pouring Technique

    Mastering the Watercolor Pouring Technique

    Watercolor painting has long been celebrated for its delicate and luminous qualities. Among the many techniques available to watercolor artists, the watercolor pouring technique stands out as a captivating method that yields mesmerizing results. This ...

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  6. How To Create Cyanotypes from Home

    How To Create Cyanotypes from Home

    Learn how to create gorgeous cyanotype images with Jacquard's super easy Cyanotype Sensitizer Set as well as their Pretreated Cyanotype Fabric Sheets. It's the perfect project for staying home and making art! You won't believe how easy it is to get stunning ...

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  7. Unleash Your Creativity with Sketchbook Journaling

    Unleash Your Creativity with Sketchbook Journaling

    In a world full of digital distractions, there's something inherently captivating about putting pen to paper to capture thoughts and emotions through the art of sketchbook journaling. This creative outlet not only serves as a visual diary but also fosters ...

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  8. Your Guide to Choosing The Perfect Watercolor Brushes

    Your Guide to Choosing The Perfect Watercolor Brushes

    Watercolor painting is a fascinating art form that demands precision, creativity, and the right tools. While the selection of pigments and paper is crucial, the choice of watercolor painting tools significantly impacts the outcome of your masterpiece. ...

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  9. Cheap Joe’s Lessons for Painting with Acrylics

    Cheap Joe’s Lessons for Painting with Acrylics

    When it comes to the art supply industry, it’s no secret that Cheap Joe’s is one of the best in the business. But did you know that we also have an amazing YouTube channel filled with all sorts of art lessons? If you're looking to improve ...

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  10. Why Every Artist Needs Both Paintbrushes and Painting Knives

    Why Every Artist Needs Both Paintbrushes and Painting Knives

    So many times, when artists are starting out, they may opt to forego certain painting tools to save a dollar here or there. Now granted, there are occasions where that can work. Artists don't NEED 25 brushes to produce confident, compelling works of art. ...

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