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!

266 - Interview with Barbara Dahlstedt

Show Notes:

266 - Interview with Barbara Dahlstedt

In this episode, John Interviews color pencil artist Barbara Dahlstedt. While she may be well known for many of her portrait pieces it’s also difficult to put her into just one box regarding subject matter. She explores a variety of surfaces as well as materials and techniques to get just the right look that she's after! Barbara has done commission work for years, she’s a retired high school art teacher, and was the 2019 CPSA’s CIPPY award winner! 

References From This Episode

Barbara Dahlstedt’s Website: https://dahlstedtart.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!

265 - Mixing WC and CP

Show Notes:

265 - Mixing WC and CP

In this episode, John discusses the tried and true methods and techniques of mixing WC with CP. The water-soluble “waxes” found in a WC “pencil” absolutely CAN be mixed with the traditional medium of colored pencil-- a water-resistant wax and oil-based medium. As with most things, the devil is in the details. The layering order does make a difference.

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!

264 - 24 Brand New Luminance Colored Pencils

Show Notes:

264 - 24 Brand New Luminance Colored Pencils

In this episode, John just received the brand new 24 Luminance colored pencils. This is a first look at the exciting new colors! There are several dark blues and some new pinks and purples. If you’re a portrait artist, you’ll not be disappointed when you see the new luscious dark skin tones now available.

Learn more on the Caran D’Ache site: https://www.carandache.com/gb/en/colour-pencils/box-of-20-colours-luminance-6901-portrait-assortment-p-11152.htm

References From This Episode

You can purchase the pencils right now from these places:

CultPens.com: https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/CD73881/caran-dache-luminance-6901-professional-permanent-colour-pencil-box-of-20-portrait-colours

https://colouredpencil.shop/

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!

263 - Book Review on Drawing the Head

Show Notes:

263 - Book Review: Artist’s Complete Guide To Drawing the Head

In this episode, John reviews the book that has influenced his artwork and techniques more than any other- bar none.

It’s not a colored pencil book either. This book focuses on how to draw the human head, so the medium is immaterial. The understanding of light and shadow is simplified and explained inside this timeless art book. The principle technique employed in the book is called “chiaroscuro”. Which has to do with the contrast between light and dark. 

Today (Monday, July 13, 2020) is also the last day to take advantage of the Face Value course Presale!  After today all the bonuses and the special value discount pricing goes away. 

Go here to find out more about the course: https://sharpenedartistacademy.teachable.com/p/presale-colored-pencil-portrait-course

References From This Episode

• William Maughan’s book: The Artist’s Complete Guide To Drawing The Head

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!

218 Imitation vs. Innovation

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 2, 2019

Topic: Imitation vs. Innovation

Points of Interest:

John has received a lot of messages and comments lately from newer artists bemoaning the time they lost by following step-by-step art tutorials. The question comes up over and over again: Is copying wrong? John weighs in, and talks about the purpose served by imitation (and how to break out into innovation). Listen in for the answers!

Labor Day Sale

~ Enjoy 30% OFF any Sharpened Artist Academy Class or Course to celebrate the holiday!

For the next 2 days only (expires Tuesday, Sept 3rd at 11:59PM EDT)

Get 30% OFF by using the coupon code labor30 (don't forget to enter it on the check out page).

Here’s a link to the Beginner’s Colored Pencil Course with the 30% coupon applied! (This course is currently closed and will only be open today and tomorrow for this sale.)

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!

206 Must Have Items for Colored Pencil Art

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 10, 2019

Topic: Must Have Items for Colored Pencil Art

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are always trying to push themselves by trying new products and discovering new techniques. In this episode, they share some of the tools that have been making an appearance in recent projects (and may earn a permanent place in the toolbox)!

Links Referenced

Glassine

Sticky Putty

Faber Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil

Tombow MONO Sand Eraser (5 pack)

Adobe Photoshop

Paint.net

GIMP

Stonehenge Legion Paper Mini Pad Sampler

Brush and Pencil Titanium White

Brush and Pencil Touch Up Texture

Slice Craft Cutter Knife

Adjustable Copy Holder Clip

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!

179 Sketchbooks

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: December 3, 2018

Topic: Sketchbooks

Points of Interest:

In this episode, John and Lisa share their rediscovered love for sketching! Learn why sketchbooks can save you a ton of headache on your projects, and how they can boost your creativity in ways you never would have imagined. And while we’re talking about sketchbooks…

You’re going to love the journals from our new sponsor, In Defense of Paper! American made, sustainably sourced, and made with archival materials, they’re unlike any other journal on the market today. Get $5 off using this link!

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!

168 Mixed Media and Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 17, 2018

Topic: Mixed Media and Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:

Have you ever mixed colored pencil with a different medium? John and Lisa discuss the mediums they’ve tried in the past and some new mediums they’re currently working in! Share this episode with a friend or comment below on mediums you love to mix with colored pencil.

 Special link for the brand new portrait course, FACE VALUE! (expires on 09/18/18)

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!

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

160 Tips For Improving Your Drawing Skills

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 11, 2018

Topic: Tips to Improve Your Drawing Skills

Points of Interest:

Drawing skills are the foundation for all art, so it’s important to master them before moving on! John and Lisa talk about the best ways to improve your drawing skills. Refer back to this handy list of suggestions to remind you of their tips!

1.    Draw from life

2.    Draw in your sketchbook

3.    Draw only shapes to represent the object you’re drawing first

4.    Try timed drawing

5.    Draw things that make you uncomfortable

6.    Draw studies of smaller sections

7.    Draw from different head construction methods

8.    Trace

9.    Measure your work against itself

Links Referenced

Derwent graphite pencils

Prismacolor Col-Erase Pencil (brown)

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!

156 What are the BEST colored pencils?

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: May 14, 2018

Topic: What are the BEST colored pencils?

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are constantly asked to weigh in on the great debate: what are the very BEST colored pencils? Today they’re tackling that question head-on with a discussion of a whole range of colored pencils and their merits.

Links Referenced

Prismacolor Premier

Polychromos Pencils

Luminance Colored Pencils by Caran D’ache

Prismacolor Premier Verithin Colored Pencils

Derwent Procolour Pencils

Derwent Drawing Set

Holbein Colored Pencils

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Art Pencils

Pablo Pencils by Caran D’ache

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!

115 Water Soluble Graphite

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 31, 2017

Topic: Water-Soluble Graphite

Points of Interest:
In this episode, John and Lisa discuss their experiences using Water-Soluable Graphite in colored pencil projects: techniques, supplies, and more! Be sure to check out the links section for many of the specific products mentioned. If you try water-soluble graphite, be sure to show us your work!

Links Referenced:

Water-Soluble Pencil: Graphite Aquarelle

Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper

ArtGraf Water-Soluble graphite

ArtGraf Carbon

Strathmore Colored Pencil Paper

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Store-Colored_Pencil_Painting_Portraits.html

Creative Colored Pencil Workshop book

Free 30-day Audible Trial

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

www.clarityandflair.com

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 .

Here's some of John's quick attempts with the medium:

Stay sharp!

113 Faster Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 17, 2017

Topic: Faster Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:
John and Lisa detail a long list of ways to speed up your colored pencil drawing, including recommended materials, techniques, and additional supplies that will save your precious time.

Links Referenced:

Paint.net

www.getpaint.net

Adobe Photoshop Fix app

http://www.adobe.com/products/fix.html

Photoshop Express

http://www.photoshop.com/products/photoshopexpress

Snapseed

https://snapseed.en.softonic.com/iphone

Interview with Ester Roi
https://sharpenedartist.com/podcast/ester

Powder Blender and Texture Fixative

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Store.html

Creative Colored Pencil Workshop (book)

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Colored-Pencil-Workshop-Exercises/dp/1581808186

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 .

Stay sharp!

103 Creative or Copying

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: May 8, 2017

Topic: Creative or Copying?

Points of Interest:
Many people think that photo realists are copying, and are therefore limiting their creativity. Is it possible to use photo references and be creative? John and Lisa believe so, and offer their tips for making it happen.

Links Referenced:

Google Nik Collection

https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Adobe Photoshop

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html

Interview with Cecile Baird

http://sharpenedartist.com/podcast/cecile

Free 30-day Audible Trial:

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 .

Stay sharp!

093 Prepping to Teach a Workshop

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: February 27, 2017

Topic: Prepping to Teach a Workshop

Points of Interest:

This episode is packed with relevant tips for preparing to teach a class or workshop. John and Lisa talk about choosing a location, the importance of preparing well in advance, selecting a payment method, and creating a positive vibe for your class.

Links Referenced:

Episode 027: Are You Ready to Start Teaching?

http://sharpenedartist.com/podcast/2015/11/23/027-are-you-ready-to-start-teaching?rq=teach

Submit a question for one of next month’s Q and A episodes here:

www.sharpenedartist.com/qanda

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 .

Stay sharp!

065 Incorporating a Sketching Habit

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 15, 2016

Topic: Incorporating a Sketching Habit

Points of Interest:

In response to a listener’s question, this episode addresses the rationale for developing a sketching habit and recommended materials, techniques, and subjects. John and Lisa have differing approaches to sketching, so you’ll hear multiple perspectives as you listen!

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 .

 Stay sharp!

058 Lyra Pencils

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 27, 2016

Topic: Lyra Pencils

Points of Interest:

In response to many requests, John and Lisa are discussing their experience using Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils. Listen in for a review of:

-Color options and accuracy

-Blending and Layering abilities

-Frequency of sharpening required

-Lightfastness

-Comparison to Luminance, Prismacolor, and Polychromos

Links Referenced:

-Lyra pencils on Dick Blick:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/lyra-rembrandt-polycolor-oil-based-colored-pencils/

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 .

Stay sharp!