Welcome, fellow artist, to… well, this is certainly a different kind of video, that’s for sure.

Because, here, we’re going to rank the best and worst smells of the art world! That includes everything from Mod Podge to oil paints… and you’re invited to rank each scent, too.

Check out the video below, then sign-in below to leave your thoughts and comments!

Video: 8 Best/Worst Smells of Art

View this video on YouTube to leave a comment.

Ranking All 8 Scents of the Art World

Now, let’s break down and, perhaps, try to describe each scent we have on our list.

1. Oil Paint

Personally, I can’t stand the smell of oil paints. That’s why I only use acrylics and watercolors! However, I know a lot of other artists like the “odor” of the oil… and you might be one of them.

Rank: 1 out of 10
Description: Strong, slightly pungent chemical smell

2. Fresh Canvas

This is, honestly, one of the best smells for any artist to get their hands on. You know that whiff you get from tearing off the plastic on a new pack of stretched canvas? Yeah, that’s the stuff we like.

Rank: 10 out of 10
Description: Fresh, woody, and cleaner than newly pressed linen

3. Mod Podge

Mod podge is a type of glue that works great for decoupage. It’s more of an item you’d use in crafts, not always in fine arts, but it’s useful as a sealer on paintings, too. And it always reminds me of a warm cabin in the damp Smoky Mountains for some reason…

Rank: 7 out of 10
Description: A smell that mixes white glue and musty wood together in the best way possible

4. Dry Watercolors

Now, you may not think that watercolors have a scent… but, they do–it’s just very faint. Pick up a palette and give it a sniff!

Rank: 8 out of 10
Description: Faint, floral and waxy scent

5. Crayons

Ah, the epitome of everyone’s childhood relationship with art… crayons! We all love that distinct wax and paper combo, don’t we? And, bonus points if you have those rare “scented” crayons that emit smells like strawberry and watermelon.

Rank: 9 out of 10
Description: Moderate natural waxy smell

6. Sharpie/Permanent Markers

Now, let’s be real, you either hate or love the smell of Sharpie. Just admit which side of the fence you’re on!

Rank: 4 out of 10
Description: Strong smell along the lines of paint thinner-meets-gasoline

7. Spray Paint

Spray paint is one of those things that we know is very obviously bad for us to inhale… yet, a lot like the gas and oil you put in your car, knowing that it’s bad just makes us want to smell it even more. Right?

Rank: 7 out of 10
Description: Strong, sweet smell with hints of chemicals and oils

8. Painting “al Fresco” or “en Plein Air”

Now, if you’re not aware, painting “al fresco” or “en plein air” (both Italian and French terms, respectively) means to paint outdoors, in the fresh air. And, honestly, there’s not much that can beat the scent of being in clean air with nothing but yourself and your paint brushes!

Rank: 10 out of 10
Description: Clean grass and sweet flowers, assuming you aren’t, say, painting in a manure pit

Want more painting tips, inspiration, and even access to full online painting classes? Check out Canvas Academy—your guide to becoming the best artist you can be!

Additionally, you can see more blog posts relating to painting and all things art by clicking below.

Happy sniffing, fellow artist!

–Kari