290 - Color Matching and Failure

Show Notes:

290 - Color Matching and Failure

This week John Middick and Barb Sotiropoulos discuss an art project failure that John recently had. John talks about how and why to reach out for help.  

You are not alone if you’ve experienced failures in your art.  Most artists do make mistakes that you never see. Sometimes when all you see are the highlight reels shown on Facebook and Instagram you can walk away with the perception that all artists (except you) are perfect. 

References or links mentioned

Go to monthly sharpener to check out the video version of this podcast to see the landscape John and Barb are talking about.

Thanks to our sponsor UART Premium Sanded Paper for sponsoring the Colored Pencil Podcast.

Get 20% off your order of UART products at https://www.dakotapastels.com/ by using the promo code UART20 at checkout! (Hurry, offer expires soon).

Please visit the UART website to find out more about sanded paper: uartpastelpaper.com

Stay sharp!

289 - Improvement is a Marathon

Show Notes:

289 - Improvement is a Marathon

This week John is talking with Barb Sotiropoulos about the benefits of looking back at your past work with an eye toward improvement. But change does not happen without effort and intention. And, maybe more importantly, change doesn't happen overnight!

References or links mentioned

Be sure and visit Barb’s blog post on Revisiting your Art. You'll see artwork from several artists, created from years ago or from childhood, now recreated from an adult perspective! It’s fascinating to see those changes. Why not try it yourself?

Thanks to our sponsor UART Premium Sanded Paper for sponsoring the Colored Pencil Podcast.

Get 20% off your order of UART products at https://www.dakotapastels.com/ by using the promo code UART20 at checkout! (Hurry, offer expires soon).

Please visit the UART website to find out more about sanded paper: uartpastelpaper.com

Stay sharp!

288 - Interview with Linda Lucas Hardy

Show Notes:

287 - Interview with Linda Lucas Hardy

This week John is talking to color pencil artist Linda Lucas Hardy about her works on sanded paper. 

Linda has been one of the pioneers and the medium of color pencil. She’s been able to push the medium and make it do things that she didn't even know would be possible. In fact, one of the sanded paper techniques she teaches started out quite by accident!

Related Links

https://www.lindalucashardy.com/

Please welcome our new sponsor to the color pencil podcast, UART premium sanded paper. Please visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

https://www.uartpastelpaper.com/

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!

287 - Commissions and Pricing Considerations

Show Notes:

287 - Commissions and Pricing Considerations

This week John welcomes back special co-host, Barb Sotiropoulos to the show. They talk about the psychology of pricing, the process of taking commissions, and how to interact with the client.

Related Links

How to deal with clients who ghost

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!

286‌ ‌-‌ ‌Using‌ ‌Solvent‌ ‌To‌ ‌Correct‌ ‌A‌ ‌Problem‌ ‌

Show Notes:

286 - Using Solvent To Correct A Problem

This week John discusses something that has happened to him more than once lately and how he was able to correct the problem.  Often our first reaction to a drawing mistake is to reach for an eraser or worse, to start over completely.  But in this show, John talks about using solvent to “rework” an area and build it back up again.

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!

285 - Slow Motion Gets You There Faster

Show Notes:

285 - Slow Motion Gets You There Faster

This week John talks about how to approach a new technique, pencils or surface. Take it slow.

Give yourself a chance to grow slowly over time. That’s true in art and in just about anything else you apply it to.

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!

284 - This One Thing Will Improve Your Art

Show Notes:

284 - This One Thing Will Improve Your Art

This week John discusses a question that he’s been asked. Can you identify the one thing that, if implemented, will improve someone’s artwork?

There are many things to consider when you evaluate your own work. But what is a single most important thing to focus on?

Listen to the show to find out more about what that one thing is.

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!

283 - When Are You Good Enough For The Good Pencils?

Show Notes:

283 - When Are You Good Enough For The Good Pencils?

John discusses a problem that many artists encounter in their own minds. It materializes in a comment like: I’m not really good enough yet to use the good pencils. So what is the measurement to indicate you’re “good enough” for better materials, or something else you’ve been reserving in your mind for that elusive day in the future? 

References or links mentioned

Goals Workbook

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!

282 - The More Things Change The More...

Show Notes:

282 - The More Things Change The More...

In this week’s show, John talks about how this year, 2020, has been so different, to say the least!  And it was about this time last year that John was talking about planning for 2020. 

Still, there are good things that have been learned by going through this year.

As a metaphor, John talks about some of the differences that using various papers have been able to teach him. There have been some surprising things that have NOT changed from using so many different surfaces. Just goes to show that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

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!

277 - Can I Capture Artwork With My Phone - Question Call-in Series

Show Notes:

277 - Can I Capture Artwork With My Phone - Question Call-in Series

Today’s caller asks John about how to take pictures of artwork with just a cellphone. Is there an inexpensive way to do this?

 It’s a popular question. And.. It IS quite possible!

How do you go about doing this?

In summary, here’s what’s involved:

1. Adjust the settings on your phone 

2. Controlled Lighting 

3. A tripod and a remote shutter or a timer

4. An even picture plane

5. Editing software

Be sure to tune in next week where John will talk about the absolute best way to get a digital image of your work. And no, it’s not with an expensive camera either.

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.

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!

276 - Do I Start With Dark Values First? - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

275 - Afraid of the dark? - Question Call-In Series

In another Question Call-In show, John answers a question about how to start the drawing process with values in mind.

 If you want to have strong values in your composition, do you start with the darkest values first and build towards the light values? 

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.

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!

275 - Afraid of the dark? - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

275 - Afraid of the dark? - Question Call-In Series

In another Question Call-In show, John answers a question about being afraid of the dark.

How can we overcome our fear of the dark? My mind may be telling me that it's one value but I’m afraid to use that particular color in my project for fear that I might be wrong. If I go too dark I’m afraid I might mess it up. How can I get over this fear? 

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.

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!

274 - Choosing A Project - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

274 - Choosing A Project - Question Call-In Series

In another Question Call-In show, John answers a question regarding how to choose your next Colored Pencil project.

 Do you decide on the next project first and then look for or create a photo reference for the vision or the other way around? Listen in for some insight before you decide on your next project.

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.

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!

273 - Reference Photos - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

273 - Reference Photos - Question Call-In Series

In another Question Call-In show, John answers 2 questions reference photos.

Listen in to 2 calls: 

1. How do you go about getting original reference photos for portraits? 

2. Is there a difference between using a reference photo for educational purposes versus using a reference photo for commercial use? How do you choose appropriate photo references so you don’t get into legal trouble? 

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.

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!

272 - Paper Choice & Planning - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

272 - Paper Choice & Planning - Question Call-In Series

In another Question Call-In show, John answers 2 questions about planning and paper decisions.

Listen in to 2 calls: 

1. How do you decide between Pastelmat and Stonehenge for your next project? 

2. Are there specific planning steps to take before starting your next project?

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.

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!

271 - Teaching - Question Call-In Series

Show Notes:

271 - Teaching - Question Call-In Series

In this first installment of the new Question Call-In shows, John takes 2 different calls both related to getting started teaching and writing articles.

Listen in as Brent and Kim call in their questions today!

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.

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!

270 - The Biggest Mistake

Show Notes:

270 - The Biggest Mistake

John talks about the biggest mistake that colored pencil artists make.  It’s beyond the obvious ones you often hear of “not enough layering”, or “using a dull pencil”. This one has to do with inadequate planning from the beginning. If you don’t know where the stopping point is from the beginning, then how do you know when you get there?

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!

269 - Everything Is A Nail

Show Notes:

269 - Everything Is A Nail

John discusses a recurring theme that comes up often regarding self-sabotage and comparison problems.  If an artist isn’t comparing themselves to themselves then they run the risk of creating a self-defeating mindset and attitude!

Look back at what you’ve done. As you approach your next piece ask yourself 3 things:

1. What should I keep doing?

2. What should I stop doing? (Or what didn’t work on my last piece?)

3. What should I start doing? (Or what do I need to now incorporate on my next piece?)

Links inside This Episode

Article by Carrie Lewis on “What To Do..”  

https://www.carrie-lewis.com/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do-next/

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!

268 - Lessons Learned Last Week

Show Notes:

268 - Lessons Learned Last Week

As a follow up to last week’s episode, John talks about what he learned about the process and about himself through this process of studying from one of the true greats!

The use of more blue in the skin in the fair complexion of this artist and the use of dark green and red in the dark side of the face, were just some of the surprises of doing this study.

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!

267 - Investing In Imitation

Show Notes:

267 - Investing In Imitation

In this episode, John discusses why he is investing some time to studying from some master painters from centuries ago.

We’ve all heard the adage, “Draw what you see and not what you know”.  But we should also know what we are observing. When we do that, we understand everything more clearly.  That enables us to articulate what we see so that we can understand and depict what we both observe and understand

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!