Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for stretching artistic media, such as watercolor paper and/or canvas. In particular, this application discusses an artistic media stretcher and associated methods. Generally, the media stretcher includes a frame on which the medium is stretched and a hinged clamping mechanism that is adapted to both stretch the medium and to secure the medium to the frame. Some examples of suitable hinged clamping mechanisms include a double-hinged; single-hinged, tongue-and-catch; a barbell-hinged, half-barbell hinged, and a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism. In some cases, the media stretcher is made so that paint can run off the medium without collecting at the edges. For example, the medium may be raised above the closest edges of the hinged-clamping mechanism so that paint is not retained in contact with the medium by the clamping mechanism.