Acrylic paint is one of the best mediums a beginner can start with. It is water-based and easy to clean up, dries quickly so you can layer without long waits, works on canvas, paper, wood, fabric, and card, and forgives mistakes in a way that oils and watercolour simply do not. What it does require, though, is a basic understanding of how the medium behaves — because beginners who dive in without that knowledge often hit the same walls: paint drying too fast to blend, colours going muddy, or results that look flat and lifeless.

This guide covers five core acrylic techniques that will immediately improve your painting: layering (the foundation of almost everything), dry brushing for texture and depth, wet-on-wet blending, impasto for expressive thick paint, and glazing — the most powerful and most overlooked technique in the acrylic painter's toolkit. We have also included a full FAQ covering the questions beginners ask most, from paint consistency and drying times to surface preparation and brush care. Read on, then come and find the full range of acrylic paints and mediums in store or at craftandcanvas.co.uk.

Watercolour is one of the most rewarding painting mediums you can learn — and also one of the most confusing to shop for. Walk into an art shop (or...

If you have never used Brusho Crystal Colours before, you are in for a treat. These small pots of highly concentrated dye-based ink powder — made exclusively in Sheffield by Colourcraft — are capable of producing the kind of vivid, blooming washes of colour that take years to achieve with conventional watercolour. A single pinch dissolved in water produces an extraordinary burst of colour, and every "shade" is actually a blend of multiple dye crystals, which means the colour separates and shifts in ways that are endlessly interesting.

In this guide we cover everything you need to know to get started and go further: how to open your pots safely, which surfaces work best, the four core techniques (including the classic sprinkle-on-wet-paper method), and a range of advanced approaches including bleach resist, salt effects, stencilling, wax resist, and mixing Brusho into other mediums like PVA and modelling paste. We have also included answers to the most common questions about Brusho, from lightfastness to paper choice to whether it works on Yupo. Read on, then come and find the full range in store or at craftandcanvas.co.uk.

15 Easy Watercolour Paintings to Finish in 30 Minutes | Craft & Canvas

Short on time but keen to paint? This guide from Craft & Canvas walks you through 15 quick watercolour projects — from a misty whale silhouette to a glowing hot air balloon — each designed to be completed in 30 minutes or less. Along the way you'll pick up three essential techniques (wet-on-wet, gradient washes and lifting), get clear advice on the only kit you actually need to get started, and find links to free printable templates and video demos. Whether you're a complete beginner or just getting back into painting, these bite-sized projects build real skills fast. Visit us in Hebden Bridge or shop online at craftandcanvas.co.uk.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners | Craft and Canvas Guide

New to watercolour? Discover a minimal starter kit, 5 essential techniques, 7 quick projects and a 30-day practice plan. Shop supplies at Craft and Canvas, Hebden Bridge.

10 Easy Watercolour Projects for Beginners | Craft & Canvas Hebden Bridge

New to watercolour painting? This beginner's guide from Craft & Canvas in Hebden Bridge covers everything you need to get started — from building an affordable starter kit for under £60, to mastering five essential techniques including wet-on-wet, glazing and dry brush. Follow along with ten simple mini-projects (most under 20 minutes), learn how to fix the most common beginner mistakes, and find a 7-day and 4-week practice plan to build your skills fast. Whether you shop with us in Hebden Bridge or online at craftandcanvas.co.uk, our team can help you find the right paints, paper and brushes to get painting today.

The Fat Over Lean Rule: The Secret to Oil Paintings That Last

If you've ever wondered why some oil paintings crack and peel while others survive for centuries, the answer often comes down to one fundamental technique: fat over lean.

In our latest guide, we break down everything you need to know about this essential rule — what it means, why it matters, and how to apply it layer by layer in your own work. From your first lean imprimatura right through to rich, oily final glazes, we'll show you how to build paintings with the same technical discipline used by the Old Masters.

Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to take your technique to the next level, this is the foundation every oil painter needs.

In the vibrant world of creativity and imagination, choosing the right art supplies can make a profound difference. Whether you’re an avid crafter ...

Discover why cadmium pigments remain among the most prized colours in an artist's palette. This comprehensive guide explores the history, properties, and enduring appeal of cadmium pigments in artist paints, from their introduction in the 19th century to their continued use by professional artists today. Learn about the exceptional opacity, unmatched colour intensity, and superior lightfastness that make cadmium yellows, oranges, and reds so valuable. We cover safety considerations, the difference between genuine cadmium and cadmium hue alternatives, and help you decide whether these premium pigments are worth the investment for your artistic practice. Explore Wallace Seymour's range of professional cadmium artist paints at Craft and Canvas.

Ready to start knitting? This comprehensive beginner's guide covers everything you need in your knitting starter kit. Learn about essential yarn weights including 4 ply, DK, Aran/Worsted, and chunky, and discover which needle sizes work best with each – from 2.25mm for fine 4 ply to 8mm for chunky yarns. We'll walk you through choosing your first knitting needles, understanding tension, and mastering basic techniques like casting on, knit and purl stitches, and casting off. Plus, get tips on your first beginner-friendly project, reading patterns, and avoiding common mistakes. Find all your knitting essentials including quality yarns and needles at Craft and Canvas and start your knitting journey today.

Thinking about trying oil painting? This timeless medium offers rich colours, versatile techniques, and the freedom to work at your own pace. Our beginner's guide covers everything you need to start your oil painting journey, from choosing quality paints like Wallace Seymour oils to selecting the right brushes and mediums. Learn about essential materials, understand the "fat over lean" technique, and discover why investing in good supplies from the start makes all the difference. Whether you're painting your first still life or exploring expressive techniques, we'll help you gather the right tools and build your confidence with oils. Find everything you need at Craft and Canvas to begin creating beautiful oil paintings today.

Looking for a spray paint that offers exceptional control, vibrant colours, and durability? Montana gold spray has become a go-to choice for artist...