Oil-Painting on Canvas for Beginners

 

Despite its free spirit and liberty, making art could be a very stressful activity that takes practice and skills. This is why many beginners are often afraid to admit that they are ready to take a leap of fate and upgrade their capability, by using professional supplies. However, just like every other challenge, it will only be scary unless you try to overcome your fear. We would like to show you that there is no need to panic when it comes to art. We have prepared some tips for those of you who wish to explore more about working with proficient art supplies in a medium called “oil-painting on canvas.” 

#1 Overcome your fear.

Failure does not exist when it comes to art! Even if you tend to compare yourself with great painters such as Pablo Picasso or Vincent Van Gogh, you will find that their works were judged and critiqued, yet despite that they kept on doing what they love. Art is about passion, not fear!  However, If you are afraid to use professional art supplies , such as canvas, right away due to lack of experience,  a great alternative could be a material called canvas boards which is a cheaper tool, used by many artists to do fast and brief sketches on. 

Once you have manifested your artistic capability and put your worries and anxiety aside, time to get creative! 

#2 Know the style that you are going for 

Sure, improvisation is great, however, if you do not have much experience and want your first canvas painting to look good, it is safe to say that planning ahead will save you a lot of trouble.  Explore more about a specific style you wish to create in and research different techniques used in that field. It is also a good idea to find inspiration in works of those who executed their masterpieces on a professional level. For example, if you are interested in impressionism and would like to become the next Claude Monet, learn what tactics he used for his projects and mix them with your own vision.

#3  Learn your medium 

Once you have chosen your style, time to make sure you know what to do with the medium you work with. If we are talking about oil painting in particular, educate yourself on its safe usage.  Take your time and learn different techniques in application, color mixing and the symbiosis of canvas and oil (how it lays on a surface; what makes it stand out, etc.)

With the help of gesso, which is a material used for priming a canvas at the beginning of the process that helps the paint last longer and prevents oil paint from sinking into the canvas. It is an essential part of the process which will make your piece look professional and well developed. Always acknowledge that oil paint can get messy and it is your responsibility to prevent any spills around your work space with cardboard or tapestry that may be placed on the floor, walls and furniture around you.  You also need to remember the importance of storing your materials. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BRUSHES and PALETTES covered in paint after you finish. Get in a habit of always cleaning your supplies with detergent or warm water once you’ve done painting. Oil paint is an expensive luxury, and you do not want to waste your money on making a mistake. 

#4 Avoid leaving blank background (only if that was not implied by your vision)

Best way to start your painting is to eliminate any blank space and fill the background of your work with the color that will benefit its emotional value. Only in rare cases, leaving white space is a good call, however as a beginner who tries to master the craft of oil painting on a canvas we highly recommend you to get rid of bits of the canvas that will visually confuse your potential audience or buyers. Aside from that oil paint has a tendency to create cracks overtime, and the best way to prevent it is an over layering technique. By placing coats of paint on each other, your final work will less likely be damaged and dried up in crevices, which will be hard to accomplish if there is an untouched part of the canvas you are working on. 

#5 Get quality art supplies! 

Lastly, it is important to work with comfortable and professional art supplies. The word professional should not scare you, as it does not always mean expensive. We provide a lot of affordable art supplies that will ensure your easy and laid back start in becoming a maestro of the craft! 

We offer:

•  High-quality canvases of all sorts (including round and scroll canvases)

• Easels 

• Coatings (matte, satin, gloss  and semi-gloss)

• Canvas Pliers

• Gel

• Gesso 

 And many other art supplies that will make your artistic journey affordable and satisfying.

And now you are ready to paint! 

We hope our tips helped you gain confidence and inspired you to finally get out of your comfort zone and try yourself in a new art medium.  Our store is here to support your new beginning with our art supplies and materials that will ensure your security and comfort on the way to success! 

Click here to purchase our art supplies. 

Click here for more information on our website 

Photomosaic: How did it all start?

 Photomosaic: How did it all start? 

Art never stops progressing. It is a craft that develops itself throughout time, yet still honors its roots. People evolved and their understanding of beauty and storytelling evolved with them. From craving minimalistic figures in caves in order to to capture  a certain message centuries later, new generations were coming up with modernized forms of art with a similar concept, such as painting, filmmaking, photography, etc.  And just like that, many artistic techniques evolved as the world around us was shape-shifting. One of the most ancient art techniques which was used by different cultures and religious subgroups was mosaic. It is a form of art including assembling pictures by placing hundreds of small colorful pieces of either stone, glass or ceramic together. With a simple understanding of shading, and color theory, artists were able to delight thousands of audiences with their masterpieces. Yet, time passed and with the rise of digital media, mosaic also found itself in a new modernized form called Photomosaic. 

The pioneer of photographic mosaic was Robert Silvers, a 27 years old MIT graduate who developed an algorithm that was able to organize digital photo files into one utter image, back in 1995. From that point on, many artists got out of their comfort zone of standard art mediums and expanded their horizons into a digital realm of the craft. 

Assembling many small pieces into one final product is a very interesting and creative process, which requires skills and dedication. Gladly, our designers will help you out with the procedure. All that is required from a client who would want a professionally made photo mosaic is a set of pictures (no more than 200 files) and a description of what they would like to get in the end. 

By using finest software, such as AndreaMosaic, and Photoshop, our expertise and your creative vision, the results would be worth waiting for! 

There is no wrong way to collaborate your idea into a piece of art, so do not be afraid to experiment! Many of our customers love ordering photomosaic made by hundreds of family pictures that are constructed into a portrait of  their loved ones, or a mosaic of their wedding day, made by endless pieces that resonate with their most romantic memories together. The possibilities are countless! 

If you are interested in purchasing a professionally made photomosaic, printed on the material of your choice (metal, fabric, wood, canvas, etc.), submit your files today and let us take care of the rest. 

Click here to check out our website for more information. 

Happy shopping! 

Click here to place an order. 

Printing on Mugs: History of Dye-Sublimation & Its Perks

 Printing on Mugs: History of Dye-Sublimation & Its Perks

Did you know that the history of painted art on ceramics goes all the way back to ancient times? In many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, painted or decorated pottery and ceramic dishes were considered as a sign of higher class. From simple geometrical figures to professionally made caricatures, any tableware was able to transform into a piece of art and tell a story for future generations. 

Later in the 1950s, French entrepreneur Noël de Plasse invented a technique called dye-sublimation that was able to take a craft of capturing history on dishes to the next level. Dye-sublimation became a revolutionary discovery that helped to commercialize printing on mugs and plates in the new era of technology and consumerism. Nowadays, many have forgotten what deep meaning the illustrated dishes carry within themselves and shifted their purpose into a form of a modernized souvenir. Despite centuries of meaningful history, printing on pottery became industrialized and promoted as a very popular gift idea that you can also purchase on our website!

However, prior to your order, why don’t we tell you a little bit more about the magical process of dye-sublimation and its benefits! 

First of all, it is fair to mention that there is a whole variety of different printing methods! These include pad printing (which is very popular for printing logos on golf balls), litho printing, and digital printing to name a few. 

However our production only focuses on dye-sublimation as it is considered the best printing method above all. Why, you ask? Dye-sublimation is the only printing method that uses organic dyes which support the quality of the image, as well as helps in sustaining vibrant colors throughout and ensures that the design will last longer. It creates a glossy effect on the material and the process of heat transfer reduces chances of any potential damage to the ceramic. 

Aside from the great appearance of the final product, dye-sublimation provides several practical benefits:

• The print on your mug will be permanent and durable, meaning you will not have to worry about your image design dissolving over time. 

• It is also dishwasher and microwave safe, as a layer of protection will secure the print from water or heat damage. 

• Dye-sublimation prints are scratch resistant so you won’t have to worry about bringing your mug anywhere (such as in your bag or purse.) 

Many of our customers love purchasing mugs with fun and wholesome photographs as it is a unique idea for a thoughtful present to your loved ones. It is also the perfect accessory for your office or any business related products. 

Happy and creative shopping to you!

Click here to place your order today. 

How to pick a perfect frame for your painting or photograph?

Art is a discipline that takes time and skill, and nothing should get in the way of your artistic process. From coming up with an idea, to framing a final piece and putting it on the wall. Framing a final product is like decorating a cake with delicious frosting - it is not necessary, yet makes it more desirable and fun!  

 

Do all artworks need to be framed? No. You first need to make sure that framing benefits your work and does not take away its magic. Make sure your work has “room to breathe” and does not hide its full potential behind the frame. It is also important to consider what medium you are working in as some of them, such as prints, do not always need to be framed. 

 

If you decided that framing is for you, here is our take on that. 

 

Why do we think you should frame your piece? The main reasons that make framing valuable are protection and aesthetic. If you chose to create on fragile material, such as paper, a simple frame could save you a lot of trouble as your work will be safe from any potential damage. And of course, framing plays a huge role for the overall tone of the work, as well as makes it look professional. 

 

Now, do not order your frame just yet, as there are a couple of things to consider prior to your acquisition. First of all, the material of the frame is crucial and can drastically change the atmosphere of your work. If you are looking for a classy and old-fashioned framing, we highly recommend wooden frames. Wood texture presents a piece through a more professional and expensive style. It is favoured for oil paintings and photographs, as it creates a warm and cozy ambience that can highlight the brightness of the final product. 

 

Yet, if you want to go for a modern and risky look, metal frames are your perfect match! Many abstract artists use metal frames to add more "pozaz" and edge to their work. It is more unusual to see a metal frame over a wooden one which makes it more unique and innovative. The sharp texture and silver lining of the frame will not take away from the work, but will present it through a more subtle and creative lense.

Another important and tricky step of choosing a frame is the colour. Examine the overall mood of the work and try to find a colour that best “describes” your art piece. The tone of the work is what you need to keep in mind, in order to choose the colour of the frame that will compliment it best. Do not choose a colour of the frame that will camouflage with your work. A safe and easy solution would be to go for classic brown or grey shades so as to not interrupt the overall “feel of the work.” Keep in mind that each shade has its own subtext: light shades are for casual statements whereas dark shades are for bold statements. 

However, do not be afraid to experiment! Art never stops changing and innovating, so sticking to the “good old-fashion way” might not be something you desire to do. Just like choosing between classic wooden and alternative metal frames, you can find a bright and bold colorful frame that will make your work stand out. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that colours must be following principle rules of design. The best way to know if the colour you are looking for will bring your work to the next level is by referencing the colour wheel. If you are looking for a complimentary colour scheme, you would choose colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, if your overall painting is red, your best match would be a green frame. Another option is the monochromatic colour scheme, where you choose one colour and its many shades. For example, if your overall painting is dark blue, then your frame could be a much lighter shade of that same blue. 

 

Lastly, the placement of your final product can dictate the kind of frame you should purchase. As a matter of fact, it is more important to examine your work's “future home” (the size of the room, its design, and colour palette.) After all, the main goal of your work is to decorate the environment it is in and make it visually pleasing at the end. 

And now you are ready for your purchase! 

We offer plenty of high quality frames of all kinds that are beloved by many professional artists, amateur photographers, and designers. 

Happy and creative shopping to you! 

For more information check out our website and submit your order today!  

Home Office Decor

If you're working from home right now, then you know how challenging it can be especially with plenty of distractions preventing you from getting any work done. Dedicating a space to do focused work can help eliminate some of these issues. With any home office having the right balance of functionality, design and decor as well as personal touches creates an inviting space that also inspires you to get some work done. Here are some tips on how you can add personalized decor to your home office.

Acrylic blocks are a great way to add flair to your work space. These beautiful table top displays are small and make a big impact. They're great to give as gifts or you can add them to any other room in your home. Acrylic blocks are free-standing, face mounted on 1" thick acrylic using optically clear double-sided adhesive. The rear of prints are protected with 1mm thick backing. You can easily customize them with photos of your loved ones or your favorite artwork. They're a sure way to help brighten up your day.

Learn more about our customizable acrylic blocks by visiting our website today!

If you're like most people, you definitely have some art or photos tucked away in storage. An easy way to add more art to your home office is to put those photos in frames for some instant wall decor. We carry a wide selection of materials and colors so you can customize your frame to your liking. Check out our selection by clicking here.

If you like starting your day with a warm cup of coffee, why not have a mug that is truly unique with your own design? With our printed mugs you can customize them with a photo of your loved ones or add some of your favorite artwork. Our mugs are available in two sizes and are perfect for all your warm beverages! They also make a great gift for friends and family, or use them to help promote your business.

For more information about our custom print mugs, please visit our website.

Full Color Printed Face Masks

Now offering full color custom printed face masks! Be as creative as you like while protecting yourself and others. Custom printed face masks with your logo or graphics is also a great promotional tool for your business. We use dye sublimation which works by infusing a surface with dye from a printed image by adding heat and pressure. The fibers of the surface are permanently coated with the dye ink which allows for bright, bold colors, plus your design won't fade or crack.

Want to learn more about how dye sublimation works? Click here for more information.

Masks are non-medical grade, reusable and have three layers to keep you protected. The two outer layers are made from polyester and the inside layer is made from cotton. All masks have a black trim and soft stretchy ear loops allowing for comfortable wear all day. Masks come in three different sizes: child, adult large and adult medium. We strongly recommend washing your masks after each use.

For more information about custom printed face masks contact us here.

Holiday Gift Ideas

With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to get started on your gift giving list! We know how tough it can be to find something with a personal touch so we've got a few ideas to help you out.

Framed Prints

Easily turn your photos of people, places and memories into custom framed art in just a matter of minutes! If you want something truly unique and thoughtful, framed prints make a great gift to give. Customize your framed photographic print with our selection of photo sizes, papers, mats and frames. Before you place your order, see exactly what you’ll get so you won’t have anything to worry about. Framed prints are a beautiful way to add decor to your home or work place; you really can’t go wrong! This holiday season, give the gift of a framed print from your favorite memories to your loved ones. For more information on framed prints, visit our website here.

Canvas Prints 

If you're looking for an alternative way to display your photos, canvas prints are a great option and look great in any room. Traditional prints on paper have a flat appearance whereas canvas prints have a natural texture and brilliance. Canvas prints are very durable and don’t need to be framed with glass. We can also print out just the canvas and roll it up to send to you if you don't need a frame. If you're worried about your print damaging your wall, we've got you covered. We include felt or foam "bumpers" on the bottom back corners of each gallery wrapped canvas and metal or wood frame which will protect your walls from any damage. Want to see a sample of what our canvas looks like? Simply request a sample and we'll be happy to send one to you. Visit sample canvas prints to request one.

Get started on your canvas prints today and if you're ready to go, upload your files here.

Printing on Fabric

Printing your favorite artwork on fabric to decorate your space is a really fun way to liven up any room. We offer custom printing on fabric using a technique called dye sublimation printing. Some features when using this process are that the printed fabric won't fade or crack over time. You can use printed fabrics as wall coverings or even use them in sewing projects to produce unique items. There are so many possibilities! 

For more information about fabric printing check out the fabric printing section on our website by clicking here.