Tools for new artists: Art for All podcast 56 

I agree with John about the drawbacks of the formal plein air equipment. It draws spectators for one, and they want to chat sometimes, and sometimes they want to tell you (at length) about their creative journey, so you can slip quickly off your creative path with these large items.

I have to say John’s book the Laws guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling has helped me so much. I am really enjoying it. I can now draw a bird that looks like a bird and not a cartoon version.

You are both inspirations and wobbly pages make it fun!!

Fifty years ago, I used to draw with a ballpoint pen on a yellow legal pad. I had no fear of messing up 'good' drawing materials.

I enjoyed this episode and it made me laugh a lot. I’ve recently been using a Stillman and Bern Alpha sketchbook, and it will be the sketchbook I give to my nieces and nephew. I think it is a very versatile sketchbook. The Strathmore Visual Journals with Mixed Media paper (100% cotton) are also versatile and have a lower price.

I was at a bargain store this weekend and overheard a conversation: the father was rejecting the idea of getting his son new art supplies telling him that he and his siblings "hadn't produced" enough with the supplies and paint he got them earlier. It made me cringe a little then and hearing you today reminded me of that... If we put that "purpose/result" goal on the kids' shoulders they'd be lucky if they still can try things and keep a growth mindset afterwards. #how to ruin hatching creativity 🤦‍♀️

I am so happy to see John Muir Laws on your video!! I’ve been following him for years! His artwork is fantastic, and I have his big book Law’s Guide to Nature Drawing Journal. 😊

As far as supplies, I'd like to add that I started out Tole Painting because I thought it was closest to oil painting. However, you had to buy individual 2.5 oz. of acrylic paints according to the supplies list for the project. Wicked expensive! By the time I got to oil painting, I had taken a college watercolor class and bought the colors, brushes, palette, etc., the professor asked us to get. When I finally got to oil painting, I was buying yet again another's recommended palette of colors. Having worked with three different artist's color choices, I was totally confused especially when trying to mix color ranges in each of these media. So, I'd say, find and stick to one color palette in that one brand like, W&N, if you do find you work in different media. Using the same colors in the same brand, you won't have to figure out mixing every time you change media because they should carry across each one--watercolor to acrylic to oils. I wish someone would have suggested this to me at the beginning. I found I like Helen Van Wyk's basic palette. She was a portrait and still life oil painter. She used Grumbacher paints and I've been using both their regular and water-soluble oils and watercolors. They mix beautifully and look really nice. ---KateColors

Jack, I've been reviewing ur recorded live classes from yrs ago & it has totally opened my mind & expanded my paintings. Thank u for posting them.

Digging the hair Danny. I just picked up your An Illustrated Journey from the library I’ve been waiting 8 months for this book.

John you should do grab bags of your box of gently used supplies and either use the $ to grow your amazing work or for a charity! I have a box like that too. It would be great to do a swap. I’d organize a page … would just need enough honest people to join 🥰

No, I like to use certain spiral notebooks. The one I use the paper has an excellent tactile feel so veru smooth and if you use a 2B - 3B or 9mm pencil the act of drawing is SO smooth and relaxing to me. Some better sketchbook tend to feel "scratchy" under a harder pencil and while you get great results visually the tactile feel is NOT cathartic to me. Make senyou do e? The one ar supply that I splurge on is the colored pencil. The cheaper ones are not pleasant to use and don't color or mix well no matter what you do,

Oils are my favourite way to paint. Water-soluble oil paints surprised me with their quality. They dry faster, than traditional oil paints and you can mix them with the traditional oils as well. Turpentine and linseed oil works with water based oils as well. Water based oils work beautifully when working with a sketchbook, just because water is easy to carry with you, and water based oils dry fast.

helloo. Was looking for an excuse to have a break from. a drawing of a cat and saw you just uploaded a new podcast. Perfect timing , thanks 👍

I cant describe how inspiring these podcasts are. I am just obsessed with such beautifully presented content. These make me paint more... What do I want more❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you thank you thank you

Sloths strategy is camouflage, that's why they are slow and lives on the top of the trees

The canson mixed media book are fantastic. Really. You can even do watercolor portraits. You can glaze even. Which most cellulose papers don't allow. For that specifically, its even better than say stillman and birn. But canson watercolor paper is garbage imo It's their mixed media paper that's where its at

I really enjoyed this podcast, thank you very much. Looking forward to next week.

I started with the ‘unruled’ Black Marble Composition Books…used pencils, ball point pens and colored pencils. Helped me get over the fear of using a ‘special sketch book’ and no intimidation to turn the page for the next drawing. Very portable and affordable…however, sometimes difficult to find.

It was cool, that the Keyenian guides retreved his sketch book when the coast was clear.

So very helpful. Your conversation helped me understand why I can feel so intimidated with those wonderful new journals. Blessings.

sloths are pretty cool. I remember seeing the Slow Loris at the zoo and I just want to watch it for a long time

Fascinating and motivating discussion. Thanks!

Good morning!

Loving this! Thank you

💛💙

I used workable fixative on oil paintings in the painting process. Didn't know people use it on paper.

Really enjoyed this episode! Have either of you tried the IndiGraph fountain pen? I’d love to learn more about why you’d choose India ink over regular waterproof fountain pen ink. Does it dry faster? Darker? I’ve had trouble finding the answers. Maybe it’s just the fun of using a dip pen?

If you enjoy it then it is worth it.

How do you sharpen a colored pencil? At which point do you resharpen a colored pencil.?

We're not worthy! 🖤🖤

Sloth might drink something with Sloe Gin.

Did you contact the airline to claim it? I lost a coat and I reported it. Four months later it showed up at my house. I would encourage you to claim it. You may be get lucky.. 🤗

Morning guys! John- what is on your shirt?