Academy

April 28, 2026

Exploring the Differences Between Ink and Watercolor: What’s Right for You?

Water-based media are a great gateway to painting. Getting started, after all, is as easy as just adding water. But within the realm of water-soluble media, there are choices to make. We often think of watercolor paint, but it’s not all you have to choose from. Colored inks are similar to watercolor, and many artists—particularly illustrators—prefer to use them in their work. But how do they compare to watercolor paint?

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April 7, 2026

Artist Turns Travel Memories Into Mixed Media Embroidery—and Shows You How

Do you have any travel plans this summer? If so, you’ll likely snap tons of photos on your phone. But that’s not the only way you can preserve your trips and other fun outings. The people and places you see are perfect fodder for original art. Embroidery artist Maria Zamyatina knows this all too well; her artistic practice centers on preserving her travels with paint and thread.

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March 17, 2026

Mixed-Media or Single-Medium Art: How To Find the Style That Works for You

Two-dimensional art is ripe with possibilities, and it all starts with the type of medium you choose to work in. Whether you’re painting, drawing, or somewhere in between, what you’re working with can dictate what’s attainable when crafting an image. You don’t, however, have to stick to just one medium. Many artists choose to employ multiple types of media in their work. But what’s right for you: mixed media or a single medium?

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February 17, 2026

How To Turn Fresh Flowers Into Timeless Works of Botanical Art

If you ask someone why they don’t buy fresh flowers, a common answer is that they’ll wilt. Eventually, the once-beautiful blooms will end up in the compost or trash, a sad end for something so pretty. But that doesn’t have to happen. No, you can’t keep flowers alive forever, but you can preserve their colors and delicate petal shapes through flower pressing.

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