Leslie Saeta Fine Art
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the everyday life of a working artist

Don't Buy Anything Pre-Made

8/2/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
"Warm Water"
30" x 30" abstract painting
​Click here to purchase.

More Cost Saving Tips!
If you want to save money then don't buy pre-made. Do it yourself. If you are an artist who primarily paints on canvas, you can save a lot of money by learning how to do things yourself! Stretching your own canvas is not difficult, and it only requires a few common household power tools. Not only do you save money, but you can make your own custom sizes as well. 

You don't have to paint on canvas either, if it seems like too much effort to build something every time you want to paint, you can also work on masonite panel. Masonite is the same thing as 'hardboard' in art supply stores. You can find a 5' panel of masonite at any hardware store for about $6, and most chains (like Loew's or OSH) will cut the panel into smaller boards for you. You can save a lot of money doing this ... one store bought hardboard will cost the equivalent of about ten you make yourself.

Another do-it-yourself tip - learn to mix colors! I am a "pre-mixer" and I only use six colors (including white). So I never buy odd colors that look good in the art store but are rarely used back in the studio. I also have a "tube-wringer" and I do not waste paint! Take a color theory class, or take one of my on-line classes. You really only need a few tubes of paint to make every color in the spectrum. Six large tubes of color is much less expensive than 12 small tubes of various colors!
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2 Comments
Angeline Marie Martinez link
8/2/2016 03:53:22 am

Hi, Leslie!
I considered stretching my own canvas years ago, but due to a day job, it is just not possible for me. It's either make canvas or paint.

Lucky me, I like working on hard surfaces, not stretched canvas. My husband, lucky me!!!, is very handy. He cuts lovely pine boards down for me to my favorite sizes for painting. I get beautiful 8x8 and 6x6 inch boards to gesso (or matte gel) and paint. All I have to do is add the hanging hardware to the back, paint the sides if too messy, and instantly "gallery hung."

As for the colors - you are so totally correct. I only use the 8 colors you showed in your workshop in the oils. For the acrylics, well, I have many colors to use up, LOL!

I would add to this post to try to use what you have. Use it all or nearly up before replacing. I have no reason to buy paint or brushes for a very, very long time. My main expenses are for the boards (thank you, Andy!) and for hanging hardware.

Have a great day and thank you for posting the ideas!

Reply
Dotty Seiter link
8/2/2016 06:06:52 am

Hi Leslie, I "met" you in September 2015 when I discovered and participated in your 30-in-30 Challenge, a great gift to me! I love your work and your use of colors.

Question: What are your six colors, and are they oil or acrylic?

Best,
Dotty

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  • Home
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