Prepping Your Photo

Show Notes:

Prepping Your Photo

328 - Prepping Your Photo

One consistent barrier for the new artist is how to prepare their photo reference for the next drawing project.

John discusses the exact steps he takes to begin editing and preparing your reference for your next project.

You don’t need to go out and purchase Photoshop in order to follow this advice!

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For rough-cut, early-release, and ad-free video versions of the podcast, join the Member’s Circle.

Artists Signature Chart (16-Page PDF E-book) - John’s List of 65 curated colors:

https://payhip.com/b/eP4cI/af60da3dce31c55

The special listener coupon code is “sharpart20” to get 20% off a single chart.

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Other Resources for Artists

Ready for personal, tailored art mentoring? Check out the new Art Mentoring program and how you can get started for free!

>>>Join the Monthly Sharpener: a NEW online community for colored pencil artists!<<<

Stay sharp!

280 - Should You Be Using Instagram

Show Notes:

280 - Should You Be Using Instagram

In this week’s show, John and co-host, Barb Sotiropoulos are discussing whether or not you should be on Instagram. It does seem to be a means for creating more interaction and conversations around your art with less distraction than some of the other social platforms.

Maybe you’ve got a question for the show? If so, you can click on the banner on the right-hand side of the screen, or call 513-301-0005.

References or links mentioned

Check out Barb’s Website and Blog here

Barb’s article on Instagram

Other Resources for Artists

Ready for personal, tailored art mentoring? Check out the new Art Mentoring program and how you can get started for free!

For the full video versions of the interview podcasts, join the Member’s Circle.

>>>Join the Monthly Sharpener: a BRAND NEW online community for artists!<<<

• Learn a groundbreaking new technique in the Colored Pencil Painting with Water Course.

• Download the FREE 90 day Colored Pencil Learning Roadmap to learn exactly what to do in your first 90 days in colored pencil.

Stay sharp!

259 - Tips For Naming Your Artwork

Show Notes:

259 - Tips For Naming Your Artwork

This week John discusses some tips to consider before naming your next artwork piece.

This is part of the process for completing your artwork, but can sometimes trip artists up.

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video versions of the interview podcasts, join the Member’s Circle.

>>>Join the Monthly Sharpener: a BRAND NEW online community for artists!<<<

• Learn a groundbreaking new technique in the Colored Pencil Painting with Water Course.

• Download the FREE 90 day Colored Pencil Learning Roadmap to learn exactly what to do in your first 90 days in colored pencil.

Stay sharp!

220 Art Questions

 Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 16, 2019

Topic: Art Questions

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are teaming up in this episodes to answer a series of questions from folks who attended a recent livestream:

-How do you overcome your fear of posting art online?

-How do you know when to declare your piece “finished”?

-Even if you don’t pursue a fine art degree, is it valuable to get a business or administration degree?

-Should you tell a client how many hours it takes you to complete a piece?

-Who has the copyright if multiple artists use the same reference photo?

-If I sell an original, do I still have the right to make and sell prints?

-How do you choose the best background for your subject?

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

216 Pushy Facilitator

 Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 19, 2019

Topic: Pushy Facilitator

Points of Interest:

John is answering a specific listener question today about workshop leaders/facilitators who put the pressure on group members to work to the leader’s standards and time constraints. If you’ve ever participated in or led an art group, you’ll want to hear this advice for handling this tricky dynamic!

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

214 Odd Personal Questions

 Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 5, 2019

Topic: Odd Personal Question

Points of Interest:

You won’t hear any technique tips this week, but John and Lisa ARE sharing the answers to some of the more personal questions they receive from time to time. Share your answers to these questions in the comments as well! We always love hearing from the podcast community!

-How would you describe your career to a stranger?

-What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?

-What’s your biggest struggle as an artist?

-If you weren’t an artist, what would your job be?

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

208 Q and A

 Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 24, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

More listener questions coming your way in today’s episode! John and Lisa are sounding off on these topics:

-Are water soluble colors tested for lightfastness when dry or wet?

-What are the best mediums to mix with colored pencil?

-Other than saying NO, how do you do a portrait from a less-than-stellar reference photo?

Links Referenced

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

207 Q and A

 Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 17, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

It’s Q and A time again! Here are the questions John and Lisa are tackling in this episode:

-How do I make black Polychromos look rich and vibrant?

-What are some techniques for creating whiskers?

-What is the best way to improve when drawing animal anatomy?

-What is the reason for the surge in interest in colored pencil art in recent years?

Links Referenced

Colored Pencil Touch Up Texture

Colored Pencil Titanium White

Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils – 72 set

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

192 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: March 4, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

Back to the list of listener questions today! (Can you tell we’ve had a lot of questions lately?) John and Lisa love speaking directly to the issues that you’re currently experiencing:

-Does the colored pencil community value realism over abstract styles?

-How do I get an opaque white in my drawing?

-Any tips for pain-free drawing with rheumatoid arthritis?

-How do you fix mistakes in colored pencil?

-Do paper choices differ depending on the pencils or subject matter?

-What exactly is considered a “layer”?

Links Referenced:

Faber Castel Perfection eraser

Stonehenge Paper (individual sheets and pads)

Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper

Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper

Canson Mi-Teintes Paper

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

191 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February 25, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

The questions in today’s episode are about the use of specific materials. John and Lisa weigh in!

-Is there a risk of plastic sheets sticking to the pencil in an art portfolio?

-Do you have a black eraser you use on black paper?

-Is there a non-toxic, natural alternative to OMS for kids or those with allergies?

Links Referenced:

Tombow Mono eraser

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

190 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February11, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

We’ve got another Q+A for you today! John and Lisa tackle these questions in today’s episode:

-Will OMS interfere with underlying layers in my work?

-How can I keep white highlights super white?

-How do I create more detail in the final layers with sanded paper and Brush and Pencil products?

-How do I keep from knocking layers off when blending with powder blender?

Links Referenced:

Brush and Pencil Titanium White

Brush and Pencil Powder Blender

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows. Click here to learn more!

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

189 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February11, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

You’ve got questions, John and Lisa have answers! This week’s episode features these listener-submitted Q’s:

-Are my colors getting lighter, or is it my imagination?

-Should I use a brand of colored pencils that don’t have lightfast ratings?

-Can you learn more in a group session vs. individual sessions?

-Can I use a water-based medium under oil or wax based pencils?

Links Referenced:

Bruynzeel Design Colored Pencils

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

186 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: January 21, 2019

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

Our listeners bring us some of the best discussions for this podcast when they send in their questions! This round of Q and A addresses the following:

-Should you work upright or flat?

-Do most artists mount commissions?

-What materials are best for the underdrawing?

Links Referenced:

Yes! paste

Prismacolor Col-Erase erasable colored pencils

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

154 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: April 30, 2018

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are answering more listener questions in today’s episode, including these:

-Can you speak to CP artists interested in exploring botanical or scientific illustrations?

-What makes artwork “original” when it’s based on someone else’s photograph?

-How do you protect your artwork for shipping?

-How do you get a pinpoint on the Derwent Inktense pencils?

Links Referenced

Glassine Interleaving Paper

The Container Store

Derwent Super Point pencil sharpener

CARL Angel-5 pencil sharpener

Westcott iPoint Halo pencil sharpener

Synthetic Hog Hair paintbrushes at Hobby Lobby

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

140 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: January 22, 2018

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are back with a fresh batch of Q and A responses!

-Do you continue to take art classes, even though you’re professionals?

-How in the world do you come up with pricing for portraits?

-How do you get a “pinprick point” on your pencils?

-My final work looks drab – how do I make it brighter?

Links Referenced:

Colored Pencil Painting Bible by Alyona Nickelson

Derwent Super Point Sharpener by Derwent

Inktense Lightfastness Rating Chart

Colored Pencil Touch- Up Texture

Colored Pencil Titanium White

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

135 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: December 18, 2017

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

You love asking questions, and John and Lisa love answering them! This episode features the answers to these listener-submitted

-How do you avoid a grainy/gritty look with colored pencil painting?

-Which side of Stonehenge paper should I be using?

-What advice do you have for someone transitioning to art as a full-time job?

Links Referenced:

Brush and Pencil Art Group on Facebook

UArt Premium Sanded Pastel Paper (Lisa likes 500 grit; John prefers 600 or 800 grit)

Fisher 400 Sanded Paper

Stonehenge Paper

Have a question you’d like to hear featured in a future episode? Submit to John and/or Lisa here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

www.lachri.com/faq

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

133 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: December 4, 2017

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa address two questions from listeners in this episode:

-What is the best way to transfer dark Mi-teintes paper for colored pencil without ending up with graphite lines?

-What computer equipment/programs do I need to turn my art into a business?

Links Referenced:

Loew Cornell transfer paper

Col-erase Pencils

Adobe Photoshop software

GIMP photo editing software

Have a question you’d like to hear featured in a future episode? Submit to John and/or Lisa here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

www.lachri.com/faq

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

131 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 20, 2017

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

Q and A episodes are listener favorites, and John and Lisa love answering your questions! This week, your hosts are replying to these questions:

-How do you store your videos long-term when you record your process?

-Where does an artist begin with portrait art?

Links Referenced:

Dropbox

Google Drive

Amazon Cloud Services

Adobe Premiere Pro

Sharpened Artist Portrait Prep Course

Have a question you’d like to hear featured in a future episode? Submit to John and/or Lisa here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

www.lachri.com/faq

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair here.

Free 30-day Audible Trial

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Ready for monthly colored pencil inspiration?  Click here to get a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE!

Stay sharp!

130 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 6, 2017

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

Today we have another round of Q and A! Is your question on the list?

-How do I prevent wax bloom?

-Does photorealism teach you any transferable skills?

-How do you get the best quality photos of your artwork without hiring a photographer?

-How did you come up with your “artist name”?

Links Referenced:

Cognitive Drawing by Jason Brubaker

https://gumroad.com/l/cognitivedrawing

Have a question you’d like to hear featured in a future episode? Submit to John and/or Lisa here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

www.lachri.com/faq

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!

129 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 6, 2017

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

It’s Q and A time! John and Lisa answer a fresh batch of questions from listeners:

-What finishing spray do you recommend?

-When can you consider yourself an artist?

-How do you create foggy mist effects without an airbrush?

-How do you choose a logo for your art business?

-Any tips for using photorealism on a large-scale piece?

-Can you explain the royalty issues with Pixabay?

 Links Referenced:

Lascaux Fine Art Fixative

https://www.dickblick.com/products/lascaux-fine-art-fixative/

Advanced Colored Pencil Final Fixative

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Products-Advanced_Colored_Pencil_Final_Fixative.html

Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/

Wildlife Reference Photos

http://wildlifereferencephotos.com/

Have a question you’d like to hear featured in a future episode? Submit to John and/or Lisa here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

www.lachri.com/faq

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

www.clarityandflair.com

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

www.audibletrial.com/cppodcast

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

If you want more colored pencil inspiration, snag a FREE sample issue of the COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE here!

Stay sharp!