All Things Strathmore Paper

Show Notes:

Season 2

336 - All Things Strathmore Paper

This week John and Barb are inviting back artist Sara Prentice to talk about Strathmore Paper.

Sara discusses some of the company history, differences in paper types, and how Strathmore was the first to bring the toned paper to market.

You’re bound to learn something new about paper and this company as you listen to the conversation today!

Strathmore Website: strathmoreartist.com

Strathmore on Instagram: @strathmoreart

Sara’s Instagram: @saraprenticeart

Questions for Strathmore, go to: https://www.strathmoreartist.com/contact.html

Links and references from the show:

If you ready to learn more about Strathmore, then sign up for their quarterly newletter:

https://www.strathmoreartist.com/artist-newsletter.html

Sara Prentice Podcast Interview

Sarah Becktel Podcast Interview

As always, you can reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

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

The podcast is also supported by Amazon Music Unlimited. If you're looking for a new music streaming service, Amazon Music Unlimited will be perfect. It features 70 million songs and thousands of expert-programmed playlists and stations - all available ad-free! 

So check it out today by going to getamazonmusic.com/sharp We thank Amazon Music Unlimited for their support of the podcast. 

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!

Interview with Sara Prentice

Show Notes:

Season 2

335 - Interview with Sara Prentice

This week John and Barb are speaking with artist Sara Prentice.

Sara, an artist and marketing manager at the Strathmore Paper Company, is a Wisconsin native.

With a young child underfoot, Sara discusses her strategies for balancing art, a career, and family life.

She also offers advice for the complete beginner and how to get started acquiring the supplies you need without breaking the bank.

Listen in as she discusses some of her various roles at Strathmore. She shares how you can determine which paper might be best for your art, depending on the medium and your unique approach.

She discusses some of her favorite pencils and materials, and why she typically opts to work on a small scale. She expounds on why choosing not to work large can be more approachable, and how incorporating other mediums into your work can keep your work alive and fresh!

Sara’s Instagram: @saraprenticeart

Strathmore Instgram: @strathmoreart

Strathmore Website: strathmoreartist.com

As always, you can reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

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

The podcast is also supported by Amazon Music Unlimited. If you're looking for a new music streaming service, Amazon Music Unlimited will be perfect. It features 70 million songs and thousands of expert-programmed playlists and stations - all available ad-free! 

So check it out today by going to getamazonmusic.com/sharp We thank Amazon Music Unlimited for their support of the podcast. 

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.

---

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!

Why Your Paper Matters

Show Notes:

Season 2

334 - Why Your Paper Matters

There are so many different types of papers and surfaces that you can use for your artwork. Your choice of paper depends on so many different factors, like level of experience, preference in tactile surface feeling, and your unique mark-making.

In this episode, Barb and John discuss some of these key differences to be aware of when selecting papers. They also talk about which surfaces they each prefer to use now.

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New Mini-Workshop for Artists

Barb and I are teaching a live zoom workshop for anyone who wants to gain more confidence in your photo post-production process.

There are no prerequisites to attending this class. Show up early and ready to take notes and ask questions!

It’s filling up fast and we’re only accepting 40 attendees.

Go here to enroll: Photo Editing Mini-Workshop

As always, you can reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

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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.

---

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!

Interview with Sarah Becktel

Show Notes:

Season 2

333 - Interview with Sarah Becktel

To kick off the new season of the podcast John is speaking with artist Sarah Becktel.

Sarah speaks about diversifying your income as an artist. She talks about how to get started in the medium of colored pencil other advice for artists.

As an artist, Sarah discusses diversifying your revenue streams. She explains how to get started with colored pencils and how to prioritize what's most essential. She also gives advice on what to do if you're "stuck" and need some inspiration.

Sarah shares her favorite pencils, papers, and ways she mixes the medium with acrylic.

She mentions how she was affected by viewing some taxidermy as part of her artist residency from years ago.

Sarah’s websites:

Instagram: @sarahbecktel

Website: sarahbecktel.com

As always, you can reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

---

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.

---

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!

Season 2 Trailer

Show Notes:

Season 2 of the podcast is coming up soon!

John and Barb are gearing up for a new season of the podcast. Listen to the trailer to find out what’s in store for this year in season 2.

As always, you can reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

---

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.

---

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!

10 Artist Heath and Wellness Tips

Show Notes:

10 Artist Heath and Wellness Tips

332 - 10 Artist Heath and Wellness Tips

John and Barb share 10 important tips for artists’ health and wellness. Barb has also written a blog related to today’s topic. Go here to read the blog post.

The podcast will also be on a short hiatus until 2022! Get ready for season 2 in the new year. 🤩

Reach out to the show if you’d like to offer any suggestions: podcast@sharpenedartist.com

---

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.

---

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!

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.

---

This is the last day to take advantage of the Art Bundle For Good #6 for 2021!!

If you like deals, then you’ll not want to pass this one up. You get 108 art courses and resources for only $97. If you purchased each product separately, you’d be paying over $5,000. Go here for the complete list of courses and products.

The best part is that 25% of the Art Bundle profits are going to support Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok-based charity helping refugees. Get over 100 top art learning resources from more than 85 artists AND do some good at the same time. We’ve raised US$81,654 for charity so far.

Go HERE to learn more about it.

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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!

Big Changes Coming To The Show

Show Notes:

Big Changes Coming To The Show

323 - Big Changes Coming To The Show!

Today John and Barb are discussing some big changes. One VERY big change to the show in general. So be sure and listen to the show for the announcement!

 

Links from the show:

The Power Of Yes!

So I Quit My Day Job

Have you purchased the new Printable Color Charts yet?

The special listener coupon code is:   sharpart20   

to get 20% off a single chart.

The charts are available at: https://payhip.com/BarbSotiArt?af=af60da3dce31c55

Listen to episode 314 where Barb and John talk about the new color charts.

The Colored Pencil Podcast is brought to you by Face Value: The Ultimate Colored Pencil Course. The 2021 enrollment period will be closing soon.

Visit our sponsor UART premium sanded paper. Visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

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

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

Stay sharp!

Copying Artwork

Show Notes:

Copying Artwork

322 - Copying Artwork - When is it okay?

Today Barb and John are discussing the differences between copying a style vs full-on copying another artist’s artwork and claiming it as your own. There are times when copying artwork is actually okay and helpful. Listen in as John and Barb discuss how this important topic affects most artists.

Have you purchased the new Printable Color Charts yet?

The special listener coupon code is:   sharpart20   

to get 20% off a single chart.

The charts are available at: https://payhip.com/BarbSotiArt?af=af60da3dce31c55

Listen to episode 314 where Barb and John talk about the new color charts.

The Colored Pencil Podcast is brought to you by Face Value: The Ultimate Colored Pencil Course. The 2021 enrollment period will be closing soon.

Visit our sponsor UART premium sanded paper. Visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

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

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

Stay sharp!

Self-Taught vs Art School

Show Notes:

Self-Taught vs Art School

320 - Self-Taught vs Art School

Today Barb and John are discussing the differences between being self-taught versus going to art school. There seem to be misconceptions on both sides. So listen in as they discuss their uniquely different backgrounds.

Have you purchased the new Printable Color Charts yet?

The special listener coupon code is:   sharpart20   

to get 20% off a single chart.

The charts are available at: https://payhip.com/BarbSotiArt?af=af60da3dce31c55

Listen to episode 314 where Barb and John talk about the new color charts.

The Colored Pencil Podcast is brought to you by Face Value: The Ultimate Colored Pencil Course. The 2021 enrollment period will be closing soon.

Visit our sponsor UART premium sanded paper. Visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

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

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

Stay sharp!

Starting Over In Colored Pencil [ENCORE]

Show Notes:

Starting Over in Colored Pencil

319 - Starting Over in Colored Pencil

This is an encore recording of an episode I did 2 years ago this very month. It is still relevant today! There have been a few modifications to the recording. Enjoy!

“What would you do differently if you started over in colored pencil today?”

This question was the catalyst for today’s episode, in which John talks about the exact road map he would offer if he could go back and give some advice to his beginner artist self.

Better yet, he actually created a PDF version of that roadmap for you to reference yourself!

Grab your FREE download right here:

The Colored Pencil Learning Roadmap

And while you’re at it, sign up for a colored pencil with water course, and learn more about this newly discovered technique: Here’s the link.

Have you purchased the new Printable Color Chart yet?

The special listener coupon code is:   sharpart20   

to get 20% off a single chart.

The charts are available at: https://payhip.com/BarbSotiArt?af=af60da3dce31c55

Listen to episode 314 where Barb and John talk about the new color charts.

The Colored Pencil Podcast is brought to you by Face Value: The Ultimate Colored Pencil Course. The 2021 enrollment period will be closing soon.

Visit our sponsor UART premium sanded paper. Visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

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

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

Stay sharp!

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!