Ask the Experts: Mixing Different Brands of Acrylic Paint

Q: I often see warnings about mixing different brands of acrylic because of compatibility issues. Is this just hype, or are some brands not interchangeable? If there are compatibility problems, which brands can and cannot be mixed?

Sliding Containers

Daub rubber cement on the bottom of ink bottles, paint jars, and other containers to keep them from sliding down inclined art tables. Be sure to let the cement dry before setting the containers down.

Damar Varnish

Dilute gum turpentine with damar varnish to make retouch varnish. To do so, thin the damar varnish down with 10 parts solution to one part varnish.

EXHIBITION: For the People: American Mural Drawings of the 1930s and 1940s

This exhibition presents approximately 30 drawings, paintings, and sketchbooks used in preparation for the murals made during 1930s and early 1940s, and displays archival photographs of complete murals and works-in-progress.

GALLERY: Judith Pond Kudlow's Oil Paintings

In the February 2007 issue of American Artist, New York artist Judith Pond Kudlow followed a disciplined approach to representing objects and people exactly as they appear. We offer more of her oil paintings in this online exclusive gallery.

Ask the Experts: Choosing the Correct Canvas

Q: I’m interested in trying watercolor painting. I took a few classes from a local artist, but I need to learn more of the basics. How can I educate myself about color? I need to experiment, but I also need to read about it. I have medium texture, acid-free, triple primed, stretched canvas. Do I need to prep it before I paint?