As an artist, you’re constantly seeking ways to refine your skills. Often, it’s the smallest adjustments that yield the most impressive results. That’s where art hacks come in—clever techniques and creative solutions designed to streamline your process and unlock your full artistic potential.
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Trust us, you don’t always need a technical upgrade to improve the quality of your work. Read carefully, squeeze every ounce of juice out of this article, and thank us later.
1. Work on Grey and Nude Backgrounds for Color Accuracy
Do you ever wonder why your colors look a bit off when you paint on a white canvas? Using gray or nude backgrounds can work wonders for your color accuracy.
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Neutral tones help balance out your colors, making them pop and appear more vibrant. Next time you start a new piece, give it a try and see the difference!
2. Remove Dry Acrylic Paint from Brushes
If you’ve been into art for even the shortest time, then you can relate to getting caught up in the creative process and forgetting to clean your brushes. When the acrylic paint dries, it can feel like game over for them.
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Fortunately, there’s a way out. Soak them in rubbing alcohol for a few hours, then gently scrub with a brush cleaner. Your brushes will be as good as new!
3. Use Hair Spray to Lock in Your Charcoal and Pastel Drawings
Charcoal and pastel drawings are beautiful, but can be so messy! To keep your artwork from smudging, grab a can of hairspray from your bathroom.
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A light mist over your finished piece will lock in those delicate particles, preserving your work without the need for expensive fixatives. It’s really that simple.
4. Make Your Runny Acrylic Paint Thicker and More Pigmented
Sometimes, acrylic paint can be a bit too runny for detailed work. So, if you’re looking for a thicker, more pigmented consistency, add a bit of modeling paste to your paint.
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It not only thickens the paint but also enhances the color intensity, which in turn gives your artwork a richer, more textured look.
5. Copying a Reference Accurately
Getting proportions and details right can be a challenge when you’re working from a reference. One handy trick is to use the grid method.
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Draw a grid over your reference image and your canvas, then focus on replicating each square individually. This breaks the image into manageable sections, making it easier to capture every detail accurately.
6. Use Sandpaper to Sharpen Your Pencils
Dull pencils can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of a drawing. Instead of constantly reaching for a pencil sharpener, keep a small piece of sandpaper handy.
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A few gentle strokes on the sandpaper will sharpen your pencil to a fine point. This trick allows for more precise lines and details.
7. Create Texture with Household Items
Looking to add some texture to your paintings? You really don’t need fancy and expensive tools; household items like sponges, toothbrushes, and even plastic wrap can do the trick.
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Just experiment with different materials to create unique textures and patterns in your artwork. It’s a fun way to add depth to your pieces.
8. Keep Paint Palette Fresh with Cling Film
Mixing the perfect shade of paint can take time, and it’s frustrating when it dries out too quickly. You can keep your palette fresh by covering it with cling film when you’re not using it.
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This creates a seal that slows down the drying process, allowing you to come back to your paints later without them being ruined.
9. Use a Lightbox for Tracing
If you need to trace a reference image or a sketch, a lightbox is a great option. Place your reference on the lightbox, then your paper on top.
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The light shines through, making it easy to trace the details accurately. If you don’t have a lightbox, a sunny window also works just fine.
10. Stretch Your Canvas Like a Pro
You must have noticed how canvases sag over time, right? To keep your canvas tight and professional-looking, lightly mist the back with water and let it dry.
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The water will cause the fibers to contract, tightening the canvas. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the longevity and appearance of your work.
11. Use a Palette Knife for Smooth Blending
Finally, blending! Blending colors smoothly can be difficult with brushes alone. A palette knife is the new secret weapon for achieving seamless blends and adding interesting textures.
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Use it to mix and apply paint, creating smooth transitions and dynamic effects. It’s a versatile tool that every artist should have in his or her arsenal.
