Journey Art Supplies Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
10 Fun Facts to Know About Cheap Joe’s
Ever wondered what makes Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff such a special place for artists? Let’s take a little trip behind the scenes and get to know our company, its quirky beginnings, and the creative, art-loving people who make it all happen! Where It All Began: Boone Drug A Humble Beginning Among Aspirin BottlesCheap Joe’s Art Stuff started over 35 years ago in Boone, North Carolina, right inside the Boone Drug store. Joe Miller himself recalls stocking art supplies on a shelf between the aspirin and Ex-Lax. Turns out, this “prime” spot gave artists just the relief they needed! Today, the store still reflects that unique, local charm—and you might even spot some legendary artists on our walls, including works from Cheng Khee Chee, Lian Zhen, and Suzanna Winton, all part of our cherished "Art Hall Wallery." The Art Hall WalleryCheap Joe’s Boone location serves as our headquarters, and walking through the office is like stepping into an art gallery! We’re home to one of the finest collections of art, with pieces from top artists in the business. So, if you’re in Boone, NC, pop by and stroll down our hallway gallery! Our Team of Talented Artists An Artistic Team with Diverse TalentsCheap Joe’s team isn’t just knowledgeable about art supplies—they’re artists themselves! From watercolorists to encaustic artists, our employees have real experience creating art. For those who aren’t artists, we offer seminars, workshops, and product demos, making sure everyone has the expertise to help you find exactly what you need to bring your art to life. A Workshop Studio Worth the TripOur state-of-the-art workshop studio has been called the “Cadillac” of art venues! Students here have spacious workstations, ample lighting, and, of course, our fully stocked art store right next door. And thanks to our high-tech upgrades, every seat is the best seat in the house. We have large flat-screen monitors and an overhead camera, so everyone has a front-row view of instructor demos. No more craning your neck to see the magic unfold! Check out our variety of art lessons and workshops today! Our Guarantee & Giving Back Our 365-Day Unconditional GuaranteeAt Cheap Joe’s, we want you to love your art supplies as much as we do, so we give you a full year to decide. If anything doesn’t meet your expectations, just give us a call at 800-227-2788, and our friendly team will make it right. It’s a promise backed by the best guarantee in the business! Brushes for Vincent: Our Art CharityCheap Joe’s Art Stuff is the proud founder of Brushes for Vincent, a charity that helps bring art supplies to young artists in need. We believe in the power of art to change lives, so every penny you donate goes to orphanages, hospitals, and nonprofits, supporting budding artists who might be the next Van Gogh. A little goes a long way, and you can help us inspire creativity in children everywhere! Behind the Scenes with Cheap Joe Cheap Joe’s Past Life as a PharmacistBefore becoming the art guru we know and love, Joe Miller worked as a pharmacist at Boone Drug. But a gift of watercolor lessons changed everything. Joe was so inspired by that class that he stocked up on quality art supplies and began selling them at affordable prices. And that’s how Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff was born—bringing savings and quality to artists ever since! YouTube University: Cheap Joe’s StyleWant to learn the ins and outs of art techniques without spending a dime? Head over to Cheap Joe’s on YouTube! Our channel is packed with free tutorials and product demos. Whether it’s a quick tip on how to use a “paint pusher” or a full tutorial on stretching watercolor paper, we’ve got you covered. Art Supplies with a Personal TouchCheap Joe’s is renowned for its customer-centered approach, but did you know that some of our exclusive products, like American Journey paints, were developed based on feedback from local artists? Joe himself often collaborated with suppliers and customers to refine products, ensuring his art stuff met the practical needs of creators. It's a personal touch that sets Cheap Joe's apart as more than just a retailer—we’re proud partners and participants of the art community. A Fresh New Website for Easy ShoppingWe recently redesigned our website to make finding your favorite supplies and learning resources easier than ever. From improved navigation to more informative product pages, our goal is to make your online experience as smooth as possible. After all, finding the right art supplies should be a creative journey, not a frustrating scavenger hunt! Whether you’re a brand-new artist or a seasoned pro, Cheap Joe’s is here to support your creativity with the tools, advice, and inspiration you need. We can’t wait to see what you create! And if you’re looking for more information about our company, check out our About Us page.
10 Fun Facts to Know About Cheap Joe’s
Ever wondered what makes Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff such a special place for artists? Let’s take a little trip behind the scenes and get to know our company, its quirky...
How to Make Christmas Greeting Cards
Sending Christmas cards is a tradition cherished since the 1840s, and for good reason—there’s something special about both giving and receiving those little notes of holiday cheer. But what if your Christmas card could do more than spread seasonal sentiment? What if it could double as a piece of art? You can easily make your own Christmas greeting cards through printmaking. Creating your own artistic greeting cards adds a deeply personal touch and turns a simple card into a lasting gift. Your design doesn’t have to scream “Christmas.” Instead, let it reflect your personality and style. A beautiful watercolor, a striking sketch, or even a festive mixed-media creation can become something frame-worthy. Recipients can display your art during the holidays—or year-round, depending on your theme. The key? Design with the intent to inspire. Fun Facts About Christmas Cards Americans send 1.5 billion Christmas cards annually. 85% of those cards are purchased by women. 91% of people over 55 continue this cherished tradition. Nearly 45% of all cards sent during the year are holiday cards. Create Your Own Cards with Cheap Joe’s One of our favorite ways to craft custom cards is with Cheap Joe's Goof-Proof Greeting Card Set - Deckled Edge, Box of 25. This all-in-one kit includes cards, envelopes, adhesive strips, and 4x6 watercolor paper blanks—everything you need to bring your holiday vision to life. Whether you prefer painting, drawing, or printing, this kit is a time-saver for any DIY card enthusiast. However, you can use any type of printmaking papers you’d like. Make It Memorable: Art That Multiplies Looking for some inspiration? Check out this “Winter Horses” project. Here’s how we did it: Transfer the pattern to the Ampersand Aquaboard. These boards have a unique clay surface that is textured and absorbent. They make lifting a breeze for watercolor so it’s difficult to make a mistake. They’re available in flat or cradled panels in various sizes. Completely saturate the surface with clean water. The first wash. The second wash. Adding detail. Refining detail. Completing the painting detail. Finished painting photographed and cropped for printing. This painting yielded a three-fer! Take separate photos of each horse and create an individual card from each. You end up with three unique cards from one painting! Pair your custom cards with affordable frames like the Nielsen Bainbridge Gallery Airfloat Wood Frame or Miller’s Traditions Gallery Wood Frames for a polished gift your loved ones will cherish. A Gift That Lasts Beyond the Season When you take the time to create something unique, your friends and family will look forward to your cards every year. And for those far away, a gift like this can be delivered for the price of a stamp! So, when is a Christmas card more than just a card? When it becomes a heartfelt work of art—a gift that keeps giving long after the holidays. Happy Christmas Card Day, and as always, Paint On!
How to Make Christmas Greeting Cards
Sending Christmas cards is a tradition cherished since the 1840s, and for good reason—there’s something special about both giving and receiving those little notes of holiday cheer. But what if...
A Deep Dive on Cheap Joe’s Magic Dragon Brushes
We're going to talk about brushes today, and I'm going to tell you about Magic Dragon Brushes, a unique brush, one that Cheap Joe's designed, and it's one that's just a great watercolor brush.
A Deep Dive on Cheap Joe’s Magic Dragon Brushes
We're going to talk about brushes today, and I'm going to tell you about Magic Dragon Brushes, a unique brush, one that Cheap Joe's designed, and it's one that's just...
The Logan 650 Mat Cutter: Your New Best Friend ...
Designed for serious volume artists and framers, the Go to Logan 650-1 Framers Edge Elite series mat cutter is a heavy duty, high production mat cutter with dual purpose straight and bevel cutting head on a sturdy 3/4" MDF base.
The Logan 650 Mat Cutter: Your New Best Friend ...
Designed for serious volume artists and framers, the Go to Logan 650-1 Framers Edge Elite series mat cutter is a heavy duty, high production mat cutter with dual purpose straight...
Exploring Color with Spray Bottles
Joe Miller explains how to paint with watercolors using a spray bottle to diffuse water and create air brush effects. These watercolor painting techniques are helpful for adding highlights to your watercolor art work.
Exploring Color with Spray Bottles
Joe Miller explains how to paint with watercolors using a spray bottle to diffuse water and create air brush effects. These watercolor painting techniques are helpful for adding highlights to...
Marker Showdown: Copic vs Koda
Copic markers have long been considered the gold standard when it comes to alcohol-based markers – but will Cheap Joe’s brand Koda markers give them a run for their money?
Marker Showdown: Copic vs Koda
Copic markers have long been considered the gold standard when it comes to alcohol-based markers – but will Cheap Joe’s brand Koda markers give them a run for their money?
Painting Ideas for Fall
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun, creative way to celebrate the season, fall offers endless inspiration. We’re here to help you explore a variety of fall painting ideas that will bring the warmth, richness, and vibrancy of autumn into your artwork. From cozy watercolors to fun leaf prints, let’s explore some seasonal projects that will get your creative juices flowing. Fall Watercolor Ideas Watercolors are perfect for capturing the soft, gentle beauty of fall. The medium’s transparency and fluidity offer themselves to the delicate transitions of color that autumn is known for. Here are a few watercolor ideas that will help you celebrate the season: Autumn LandscapeThere’s nothing quite like an autumn landscape to show off the rich palette of fall. Try painting a calm scene of rolling hills blanketed in reds, oranges, and yellows, with a clear blue sky above. Focus on the way light filters through the trees, casting long shadows and illuminating the vibrant leaves. A touch of water and reflection—like a still pond or a gentle stream—can add an extra layer of depth to your piece. Check out our Art Workshops: Leaf Looker Season post for more tips on capturing fall foliage. Cozy Still LifeCapture the warmth and coziness of fall with a still life featuring different seasonal elements. Think of a table decorated with a woven basket of apples, a steaming cup of cider, and a scattering of acorns and leaves. Focus on the textures—the smooth surface of the apples, the soft wool of a blanket, or the delicate veins of a leaf. Watercolors are perfect for getting those subtle, soft edges and gentle color transitions that make these scenes feel inviting and homey. Fall FloralsWhile spring might be known for flowers, fall has its own unique variety of floral beauty. Mums, sunflowers, and asters in deep, rich hues make stunning watercolor subjects. Paint a bouquet or a field of wildflowers, focusing on the way the colors blend and bleed into one another. Pumpkin PortraitsWe all know that pumpkins are synonymous with fall, and they make fantastic painting subjects. Whether you’re painting a realistic still life of pumpkins on your porch or a whimsical jack-o’-lantern, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Focus on the varying shapes, sizes, and colors of pumpkins—from deep oranges to soft whites and even greens. You can even add in other gourds and squash for variety. Harvest BountyCelebrate the abundance of the season by painting a scene of a bountiful harvest. Think of a cornucopia overflowing with apples, pears, grapes, and ears of corn. Or paint a rustic farm scene with fields ready for harvest, hay bales, and a scarecrow standing guard. This is a great way to capture the essence of fall’s generosity and the simple pleasures of the season. Woodland CreaturesFall is also a great time to focus on the animals that make the season special. Paint a family of deer grazing in a golden meadow, a squirrel gathering acorns, or a flock of geese flying south for the winter. Use warm, earthy tones to bring these creatures to life. Seasonal AbstractsIf you’re looking for something more interpretative, think about creating an abstract painting that captures the feeling of fall. Use a palette of deep reds, oranges, yellows, and browns to create a piece that evokes the warmth and richness of the season. Play with texture and layering paint to create depth and interest. Fall Leaf Painting Ideas Leaves are one of the most iconic symbols of fall, and their endless range of shapes, sizes, and colors make them a great subject for painting. Whether you’re working with real leaves or simply inspired by them, here are a few ideas to get you started: Leaf ImpressionsLeaf impressions are a fun and simple way to create beautiful fall art. Start by collecting a variety of leaves from your backyard or a local park. Coat the leaves in acrylic paint and press them onto a sheet of watercolor paper or canvas. You can create a repeating pattern, overlap the leaves for a layered effect, or even create a leaf “collage” by mixing different shapes and colors. The result is a piece that’s both organic and graphic, capturing the natural beauty of fall leaves. Detailed Leaf StudiesFor a more detailed approach, we recommend doing individual leaf studies. Choose a few different leaves, each with its own unique shape and color, and paint them with attention to detail. Focus on the intricate patterns of the veins, the subtle variations in color, and the way the light catches on the leaf’s surface. This is a great exercise in observation and can result in a beautiful piece of art that celebrates the diversity of autumn foliage. Abstract Leaf PatternsIf you’re in the mood for something more abstract, why not play with leaf shapes and colors in a more expressive way? Use the basic outline of a leaf as your starting point, but let your imagination take over from there. Experiment with bold colors, unexpected combinations, and loose, flowing brushstrokes. This kind of abstract painting can be super freeing and allows you to explore the essence of fall without being tied to a realistic representation. Bringing Your Fall Paintings to Life No matter which fall painting idea you choose, the key is to let the season inspire you. Autumn is a time of change, of vibrant colors and cozy moments, and your artwork can capture all of that and more. We’re here to support your creative journey with a wide range of paints, brushes, canvases, and other supplies to help you bring your ideas to life. So grab your materials, find a cozy spot, and let the beauty of fall guide your brush. And don’t forget to check out our blog for other tips and tricks for creating beautiful masterpieces. For example, our post, “CJ Tips for Painting on Canvas” can be helpful when you’re ready to start your fall watercolor artwork. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Painting Ideas for Fall
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun, creative way to celebrate the season, fall offers endless inspiration. We’re here to help you explore a variety of...
The Beginner’s Guide To Oil Painting
Cheap Joe’s mini art lessons are meant to provide beginners with a starting point into the world of various art mediums and techniques. Since oil painting has been around for hundreds of years, and is still such a popular art form today, we decided it was time to select it as one of our topics. In this post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started with oil paints. You’ll learn how to set up your workspace, choose the right tools, and practice various techniques. Oil Painting Tips For Beginners Oil paints are a popular choice for many artists due to their unique textures, various technique opportunities, and their vibrant colors and hues. They’re similar in consistency to acrylic paints, but because they feature an oil base, they take much longer to dry which allows for more blending time. For someone who’s just starting out, this method of painting can seem pretty daunting. There are many steps to complete when it comes to preparing to begin your painting, but once you become familiar with the process, you’re going to love working with this medium. Here are some of our tips for beginner oil painters – let’s walk through them together. Step 1: Organize Your Space The first step is to make sure you have the right materials and space to work with oil paint. Choose a room with plenty of light, or even head outside for some natural sunshine. When using oil paints (especially indoors), you need to make sure you have good ventilation. You’ll also want to cover the floor with something to protect it from any paint spills. Old sheets or drop cloths work well for this. Step 2: Select Your Surface Oil paint is extremely versatile, so it can be used on a variety of surfaces such as paper, canvas, or even wood. For beginners, we recommend practicing on thicker oil painting paper before moving on to canvases. But if you’re using a canvas or wood panel, make sure you either get one that is pre-primed for oils, or that you purchase a gesso primer to do it yourself. Your surface needs to be primed to prevent the chemicals and oils in the paint from damaging the surface. The primer also acts as a base coat, offering an additional layer for the oil paint to adhere to. Step 3: Find the Right Tools Choosing the right tools is a vital step for any oil painter, and the two main supplies you’ll need are paintbrushes and the oil paints themselves. There are many different products available, and they can range in price and quality quite dramatically. As a beginner, you don’t have to purchase the most expensive options, but you still want a few quality pieces to practice with. Once you get the hang of it, you can start investing in the higher-end stuff. Paintbrushes: For this type of painting, you can use either natural hair brushes or synthetic brushes. We recommend choosing a small set of three or five brushes of different shapes and sizes to practice with. No matter which brushes you choose, make sure to clean them frequently, both during your painting process and when you’re done. Look for oil or acrylic painting brushes, not watercolor brushes, to make sure the bristles are stiff enough to handle the heavier body of oil paints. Although soft sable brushes specifically for oils are perfect for glazing. Rounds, filberts, and flats are useful brush shapes for oil painting. Paints: If you’ve ever browsed the oil paint selection of a craft store, then you know that they can get expensive. However, there are still some great affordable options out there for beginners. The American Journey Professional Artists’ Oil Color Set is a great option for anyone just starting out. The Royal & Langnickel Essentials Deluxe Box Painting Chest is also an affordable option that includes oil starter suppplies and other painting media. When you’re ready to upgrade, we have plenty of high-end options available at Cheap Joe’s. We often recommend Van Gogh or Winton Oils for starters; and American Journey Oil, Gamblin, or Williamsburg for professionals. Oil painting mediums: you don't need a bunch of mediums to paint with oils. Just one good basic medium like linseed oil, Gamblin Galkyd, or Winsor & Newton Liquin is all you need to mix in with the color to add flow, gloss, and transparency. You can also use solvent to thin paint. You'll find it easier to layer and paint over colors if you thin with solvent on the first layers, an oil medium on the middle layers, and straight oil paint on the top layers. Oil painting solvents: traditional oil paints require a solvent to thin the paint and clean brushes, unless you're using water-soluble oils which can be thinned and cleaned up with just water. Odorless mineral spirits is always a good choice and can be reused over and over. Always keep it in a lidded jar, work in a ventilated area, and dispose of it and any rags soaked with it safely. Paint palette: flat glass palettes are best for oil painting because they are easy to mix color on, they don't absorb paint, and are easily cleaned with a window scraper. To view our complete collection of supplies, check out our Oil Painting page. Step 4: Practice Techniques Now that you’re more familiar with the tools you need to paint with oils, it’s time to learn some techniques. Many techniques can be applied to oil paints, and the ones you use vary depending on your skill level and personal preference. Here are a few of the most popular ones for beginners that you can practice on your surface: • Underpainting: Underpainting refers to both toning the blank surface with an overall color on which to paint, and providing a value foundation to build your painting on. We recommend using thin layers of oil paint mixed with solvent to block in the basic composition of shapes, light, and shadows. • Alla Prima: This is a wet-on-wet technique that involves painting the entire surface without allowing the layers to dry. It speeds up the painting process, so it’s rather popular among artists and works well for painting outdoors or when you want to finish a painting in one sitting. Alla Prima paintings often feature fresh, energetic brushwork. • Scumbling: also known as dry brushing, scumbling is the technique of scrubbing straight oil paint over an area of already dry paint to add visual texture and change the tone or color of the underlying color. The underlying color might even peak through. • Glazing: This technique is essentially the opposite of alla prima, using the same concept but allowing each layer to dry before adding flowing color that's been made transparent with glazing medium over other colors to change their hue and value. This will give your painting a glossy layered look, and you’ll see a visible sheen and texture. • Impasto: This is a popular technique that involves the use of thick, stiff-bodied oil paint or oil with impasto medium added to create interesting surface textures. It’s useful when you want to add highlights, shadows, or depth to a piece, and usually happens in the last layers of the painting. Many artists recommend using palette knives and other painting tools to apply the paint thickly. Learn The Basics of Oil Painting Ready for more? Check out our Art Lessons and Workshops. This post serves as a basic introduction to working with oil paints, but we hope all of the beginners out there can take the information from our art lessons and start falling in love with the mediums. If you’re ready to start working on bigger projects, check out the Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff YouTube channel. We’ve been posting painting tutorials and tips for years, and we’re always adding new content. As always, if you have any questions, go ahead and give us a call! Cheap Joe’s mini art lessons are meant to provide beginners with a starting point into the world of various art mediums and techniques. Since oil painting has been around for hundreds of years, and is still such a popular art form today, we decided it was time to select it as one of our topics. In this post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started with oil paints. You’ll learn how to set up your workspace, choose the right tools, and practice various techniques. Oil Painting Tips For Beginners Oil paints are a popular choice for many artists due to their unique textures, various technique opportunities, and their vibrant colors and hues. They’re similar in consistency to acrylic paints, but because they feature an oil base, they take much longer to dry which allows for more blending time. For someone who’s just starting out, this method of painting can seem pretty daunting. There are many steps to complete when it comes to preparing to begin your painting, but once you become familiar with the process, you’re going to love working with this medium. Here are some of our tips for beginner oil painters – let’s walk through them together. Step 1: Organize Your Space The first step is to make sure you have the right materials and space to work with oil paint. Choose a room with plenty of light, or even head outside for some natural sunshine. When using oil paints (especially indoors), you need to make sure you have good ventilation. You’ll also want to cover the floor with something to protect it from any paint spills. Old sheets or drop cloths work well for this. Step 2: Select Your Surface Oil paint is extremely versatile, so it can be used on a variety of surfaces such as paper, canvas, or even wood. For beginners, we recommend practicing on thicker oil painting paper before moving on to canvases. But if you’re using a canvas or wood panel, make sure you either get one that is pre-primed for oils, or that you purchase a gesso primer to do it yourself. Your surface needs to be primed to prevent the chemicals and oils in the paint from damaging the surface. The primer also acts as a base coat, offering an additional layer for the oil paint to adhere to. Various Oil Painting Surfaces Step 3: Find the Right Tools Choosing the right tools is a vital step for any oil painter, and the two main supplies you’ll need are paintbrushes and the oil paints themselves. There are many different products available, and they can range in price and quality quite dramatically. As a beginner, you don’t have to purchase the most expensive options, but you still want a few quality pieces to practice with. Once you get the hang of it, you can start investing in the higher-end stuff. Paintbrushes: For this type of painting, you can use either natural hair brushes or synthetic brushes. We recommend choosing a small set of three or five brushes of different shapes and sizes to practice with. No matter which brushes you choose, make sure to clean them frequently, both during your painting process and when you’re done. Look for oil or acrylic painting brushes, not watercolor brushes, to make sure the bristles are stiff enough to handle the heavier body of oil paints. Although soft sable brushes specifically for oils are perfect for glazing. Rounds, filberts, and flats are useful brush shapes for oil painting. Paints: If you’ve ever browsed the oil paint selection of a craft store, then you know that they can get expensive. However, there are still some great affordable options out there for beginners. The American Journey Professional Artists’ Oil Color Set is a great option for anyone just starting out. The Royal & Langnickel Essentials Deluxe Box Painting Chest is also an affordable option that includes oil starter suppplies and other painting media. When you’re ready to upgrade, we have plenty of high-end options available at Cheap Joe’s. We often recommend Van Gogh or Winton Oils for starters; and American Journey Oil, Gamblin, or Williamsburg for professionals. Oil painting mediums: you don't need a bunch of mediums to paint with oils. Just one good basic medium like linseed oil, Gamblin Galkyd, or Winsor & Newton Liquin is all you need to mix in with the color to add flow, gloss, and transparency. You can also use solvent to thin paint. You'll find it easier to layer and paint over colors if you thin with solvent on the first layers, an oil medium on the middle layers, and straight oil paint on the top layers. Oil painting solvents: traditional oil paints require a solvent to thin the paint and clean brushes, unless you're using water-soluble oils which can be thinned and cleaned up with just water. Odorless mineral spirits is always a good choice and can be reused over and over. Always keep it in a lidded jar, work in a ventilated area, and dispose of it and any rags soaked with it safely. Paint palette: flat glass palettes are best for oil painting because they are easy to mix color on, they don't absorb paint, and are easily cleaned with a window scraper. To view our complete collection of supplies, check out our Oil Painting page. Typical Oil Painting Brush Shapes and Bristle Types Various Brands of Oil Paint Examples of Oil Mediums Examples of Oil Paint Solvents Step 4: Practice Techniques Now that you’re more familiar with the tools you need to paint with oils, it’s time to learn some techniques. Many techniques can be applied to oil paints, and the ones you use vary depending on your skill level and personal preference. Here are a few of the most popular ones for beginners that you can practice on your surface: • Underpainting: Underpainting refers to both toning the blank surface with an overall color on which to paint, and providing a value foundation to build your painting on. We recommend using thin layers of oil paint mixed with solvent to block in the basic composition of shapes, light, and shadows. • Alla Prima: This is a wet-on-wet technique that involves painting the entire surface without allowing the layers to dry. It speeds up the painting process, so it’s rather popular among artists and works well for painting outdoors or when you want to finish a painting in one sitting. Alla Prima paintings often feature fresh, energetic brushwork. • Scumbling: also known as dry brushing, scumbling is the technique of scrubbing straight oil paint over an area of already dry paint to add visual texture and change the tone or color of the underlying color. The underlying color might even peak through. • Glazing: This technique is essentially the opposite of alla prima, using the same concept but allowing each layer to dry before adding flowing color that's been made transparent with glazing medium over other colors to change their hue and value. This will give your painting a glossy layered look, and you’ll see a visible sheen and texture. • Impasto: This is a popular technique that involves the use of thick, stiff-bodied oil paint or oil with impasto medium added to create interesting surface textures. It’s useful when you want to add highlights, shadows, or depth to a piece, and usually happens in the last layers of the painting. Many artists recommend using palette knives and other painting tools to apply the paint thickly. Underpainting Background Tone Wash and Value Shape Block-In Example of Glazing Example of Alla Prima Painting Example of Scumbling Example of Impasto Learn The Basics of Oil Painting Ready for more? Check out our Art Lessons and Workshops. This post serves as a basic introduction to working with oil paints, but we hope all of the beginners out there can take the information from our art lessons and start falling in love with the mediums. If you’re ready to start working on bigger projects, check out Cheap Joe's Art Stuff - YouTube. We’ve been posting painting tutorials and tips for years, and we’re always adding new content. As always, if you have more questions, go ahead and give us a call!
The Beginner’s Guide To Oil Painting
Cheap Joe’s mini art lessons are meant to provide beginners with a starting point into the world of various art mediums and techniques. Since oil painting has been around for...
Our Best Colors for Fall
As the crisp autumn air sweeps in and the leaves begin their transformation, we find ourselves inspired by the rich and varied palette that fall offers. We believe that the colors of the season can breathe new life into your creative projects. Whether you're painting landscapes, crafting seasonal decor, or simply experimenting with color, fall is the perfect time to explore the deep, warm, and vibrant hues that define this time of year.In this post, we'll get into the essential colors of fall and show you how to combine them in unexpected and beautiful ways. So grab your paints, brushes, and canvases—let’s dive into the wonderful world of fall color palettes. Curated Colors for Fall and Autumn When we think of fall, certain colors instantly come to mind. These are the hues that capture the essence of autumn—the ones that are reminiscent of the turning leaves, the harvest, and the golden light of the season. Below, we've listed a selection of must-have colors for your fall palette. These shades are perfect for creating that cozy, autumnal feeling in your artwork. Burnt SiennaBurnt Sienna is a classic fall color, reminiscent of fallen leaves and the warm earth. This reddish-brown hue adds depth and warmth to any composition, making it a staple in any autumn palette. It's perfect for creating shadows, adding richness to landscapes, and giving your work that unmistakable fall vibe. Cadmium OrangeNothing says fall quite like Cadmium Orange. This bright, fiery hue brings to mind pumpkins, bonfires, and the brilliant blaze of leaves at their peak. It’s a color that exudes energy and warmth, making it perfect for focal points in your compositions. Use it to highlight the vibrancy of the season or to draw the eye to key elements in your work. Raw UmberFor those earthy, natural tones, Raw Umber is one of our favorites. This deep, muted brown is versatile and grounding, perfect for balancing out brighter hues. It’s a great choice for painting tree trunks, soil, and other natural elements that make up the foundation of your autumn scenes. Yellow OchreYellow Ochre is a soft, golden yellow that captures the light of the autumn sun and the color of wheat fields ready for harvest. This color is great for creating a warm glow in your paintings, whether you're depicting a landscape bathed in late afternoon light or adding a touch of warmth to a still life. Olive GreenOlive Green brings a dash of nature into your fall palette. It’s a muted, earthy green that pairs beautifully with the warmer tones of the season. Use it to depict foliage that’s just starting to turn or to add a natural, subdued element to your work. Olive Green is also great for balancing out the more intense reds and oranges of fall. Alizarin CrimsonThis deep, rich red is perfect for capturing the essence of fall’s more dramatic moments—think the last blush of a sunset or the deep red of a maple leaf. Alizarin Crimson adds intensity and emotion to your palette, making it a powerful choice for artists who want to convey the full spectrum of autumn's beauty. Payne’s GreyWhile not a traditional fall color, Payne’s Grey is a versatile shade that can add depth and contrast to your autumn compositions. This cool, dark grey with blue undertones is perfect for creating shadows, stormy skies, or the subtle tones of dusk. It pairs well with the warmer colors of fall, adding a touch of moodiness and sophistication to your work. Best Fall Color Combinations Now that we've got our essential fall colors, let's talk about how to combine them in ways that are both classic and unexpected. The right color combination can elevate your artwork, adding dimension, interest, and emotion. Here are some of our favorite fall color pairings, including a few that might surprise you. Burnt Sienna and Olive GreenThis is a tried-and-true combination that captures the essence of fall. Burnt Sienna’s warm, earthy tones complement Olive Green's natural, subdued shade perfectly. Together, they create a balanced, harmonious palette that’s ideal for landscapes, still lifes, or any artwork that’s trying to capture the quiet beauty of autumn. Cadmium Orange and Payne’s GreyLooking for a bolder, more dramatic combination? Pair the fiery warmth of Cadmium Orange with the cool, moody tones of Payne’s Grey. This pairing is perfect for creating striking contrasts in your work—think of a bright pumpkin against a stormy sky, or autumn leaves against dark, wet pavement. It’s a combination that adds intensity and drama to your art. Yellow Ochre and Alizarin CrimsonYellow Ochre and Alizarin Crimson create a warm, glowing palette that’s full of autumnal richness. These colors work beautifully together in depicting the soft light of a fall afternoon, the rich tones of a harvest scene, or the deep hues of fall foliage. This combination is all about warmth, comfort, and the golden glow of autumn. Raw Umber and Burnt SiennaFor a more subdued, earthy palette, try pairing Raw Umber with Burnt Sienna. This combination is all about natural tones and subtle contrasts. It’s perfect for creating the look of fall’s more muted moments—the brown of fallen leaves, the rich earth, and the fading light of day. It’s a grounding, calming palette that’s perfect for more introspective, meditative works. Olive Green and Cadmium OrangeHere’s a pairing that might surprise you: Olive Green and Cadmium Orange. The deep, muted green of Olive Green creates a beautiful contrast with the bright, vibrant Cadmium Orange. This combination is perfect for depicting the changing colors of the season—the green leaves slowly turning orange, and the bright bursts of pumpkins in a field of green. It’s a dynamic, lively palette that captures the transition from summer to fall. Alizarin Crimson and Payne’s GreyIf you’re looking to create something with a bit more drama and mood, try pairing Alizarin Crimson with Payne’s Grey. The deep red of Alizarin Crimson brings a sense of passion and intensity, while Payne’s Grey adds depth and a touch of mystery. This combination is perfect for capturing the more dramatic side of fall—think of a red sunset fading into a darkening sky, or the rich colors of a stormy autumn evening. Bringing It All Together Fall is a season of transition, vibrant change, and of deep, earthy beauty. By choosing the right colors and exploring unique combinations, you can capture the essence of autumn in your art. Whether you’re painting a serene landscape, a cozy still life, or an abstract exploration of color, the hues of fall provide endless inspiration.We’re here to support your creative journey. Our wide selection of paints and painting accessories is designed to help you bring your autumnal visions to life. So why not dive into the colors of fall? Experiment, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the process. We can’t wait to see what you create. Happy painting, and happy fall from all of us at Cheap Joe’s!
Our Best Colors for Fall
As the crisp autumn air sweeps in and the leaves begin their transformation, we find ourselves inspired by the rich and varied palette that fall offers. We believe that the...
Easy DIY Watercolor Tree Holiday Cards
Think you don't have time this year to make special handmade holiday cards? We've got you covered with these quick and easy DIY watercolor Christmas tree cards
Easy DIY Watercolor Tree Holiday Cards
Think you don't have time this year to make special handmade holiday cards? We've got you covered with these quick and easy DIY watercolor Christmas tree cards
Free Art Lessons on Plein Air Painting
Cheap Joe's 2 Minute Art Tips - Plein Air Painting Time for more free art tips with Julie as we load up another 2 Minute Art Tip.In this one, Julie takes a wide look at the world of plein air painting
Free Art Lessons on Plein Air Painting
Cheap Joe's 2 Minute Art Tips - Plein Air Painting Time for more free art tips with Julie as we load up another 2 Minute Art Tip.In this one, Julie...
From Cheap Joe’s Art Blog
Basic Guide to Alcohol Markers We’ve got a few alcohol marker tips and tricks for you, whether you wantto begin creating marker art or just need some basic tips for adding markersto your artistic practice. Grab your favorite sketchbook and tools, and let’sget started!
From Cheap Joe’s Art Blog
Basic Guide to Alcohol Markers We’ve got a few alcohol marker tips and tricks for you, whether you wantto begin creating marker art or just need some basic tips for...
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