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Learn the Best

Practices for Painting

The choices you make of painting materials and techniques have consequences for the longevity of your work. The online courses are for anyone who wants to create paintings that last. We present the latest understanding of these materials and techniques from conservation and materials research that help you make the best choices.

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Why Learn with Painting Best Practices

Painting Best Practices is an information-packed online curriculum that includes all aspects of painting from the support and ground to the final layers and varnish. Practical procedures are clearly explained and demonstrated on how to build paintings based on scientific research. The courses are designed for painters of all mediums with special emphasis on the most popular painting mediums.

Expand your knowledge

Learn how materials are best used in painting and when to use them properly in your artwork.

Make your works last

Use the best practices in your work to make long lasting paintings.

Paint with confidence

Develop the confidence to use the right materials for each project—eliminate guesses.

Latest Resources

Three labeled white oil paint samples on a dark neutral surface
Oil Paint
George

Lead White vs. Titanium White vs. Zinc White: How They Affect Oil Paint Durability

The white you choose affects more than the colors on your palette—it can influence how your painting ages for decades. Lead white, titanium white, and zinc white offer distinct advantages in opacity, tinting strength, and handling, but their long-term behavior differs. Discover what scientific research reveals about these pigments and how to make informed choices for your painting techniques and lasting durability.

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October 14, 2026 No Comments
Several oil paints with different consistencies worked with a palette knife beside a small amount of painting medium.
Drying Oils
George

Too Stiff or Too Short? Why Painters Use Oil Painting Medium—and What It Leaves Behind

Oil paint is a complete formulation, but painters often add medium when they want different handling, transparency, drying, or flow. Research into paint rheology, curing, and conservation shows why that modification involves more than what you feel under the brush—and why understanding what leaves and what remains gives painters greater control over their materials.

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October 2, 2026 No Comments

Choose Your Course

Practice

Makes Perfect

We know about your hectic schedule. We also know the only way you truly understand a subject is by practicing it in a real environment. This is why we’ve set an area that’s full of hours of exercises, questions and challenges.

Learn

On The Go

The online classroom is optimized for viewing on tablets and smartphones, so you can learn on the go. Each course consists of lesson where you can track your progress through each.

Complete

Information

Each online course gives you the needed information to make the best choices of materials and techniques. After completing the courses you will have confidence to complete a painting knowing you’ve done it correctly.

Courses

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Here's What Students Have to Say About Our Courses

Thank you for this fascinating and informative workshop. I honestly was not sure what to expect, in fact I was a little apprehensive because I was afraid that I was going to get a sales pitch. In very little time I realized that this was not the case.
William Low
William LowAssociate Professor
Absolutely necessary and excellently delivered—Painting Best Practices addressed questions I have had about my practice for years and the information was faultlessly structured and extremely well delivered. I have filled a whole book with copious notes.
Jo Fraser
Jo FraserArtist, London
The history, chemistry and proper use of everything we use as painters. Every artist striving to do good work needs to know this information. If you have a chance to take this workshop, jump at the chance. The information will change your artistic life.
Ryan Brown
Ryan BrownDirector, The Masters Academy of Art
These workshops are filled with more relevant, up to date information for the fine artist than any book, class or website I have ever heard of. Trust me, I've spent a lot of money on my education, think of myself as rather good at the whole "durability" thing.
Candice Bohannon
Candice BohannonArtist, Texas

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