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!

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!

262 - Interview with Sema Martin

Show Notes:

262 - Interview with Sema Martin

Sema left an engineering job to pursue her passion for colored pencil art. She was able to figure out how to thrive as a commission artist, drawing animal portraits for clients from all over the world.

She wrote the book, Art Is My Career, to help you start your own art commission-based business. This book is a friendly, practical guide that shows you how to make your dream a reality. Sema shares expert advice on everything from writing a business plan to pricing your work and raising your profile as an artist. Learn how to start taking commissions and ensure your long-term success.

References From This Episode

Sema Martin’s website: https://www.semamartin.com/studioshop

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!

261 - Parkinson's law

Show Notes:

261 - Parkinson's law

We all know that colored pencil is one of the slowest mediums to work in if not the absolute slowest.

But if our expectation is that working in this medium is slow are we creating a barrier that doesn’t exist?

What if you didn't think about the medium is being slow but instead, you thought more about Improvement in your execution skills. 

John discusses this on the show around the idea that is often termed as Parkinson’s Law.  “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

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!

260 - Colored Pencil Skills That Cannot Be Taught

Show Notes:

260 - Colored Pencil Skills That Cannot Be Taught

There are some skills in colored pencil that just can't be taught. In this show, John discusses some of these items. 

To a new color pencil artist, it can seem like stumbling upon the right trick is just around the corner if only someone would reveal the secret! But in reality, there is no secret. Instead, there are some things that you just have to figure out on your own.

Listen to the show to find out what these specific items are.

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!

239 - When Is It Okay to NOT Imitate?

Show Notes: When Is It Okay to NOT Imitate?

”When is it okay to branch out and start creating your own original work vs. just copying tutorials? Is there a timeline to follow?”

This listener question sparked today’s episode, in which John shares his thoughts on the self-paced model of learning vs. a more structured, step-by-step approach. Spoiler alert: the best approach and the timeline is different from artist to artist! Copying is a GOOD thing in the beginning, as long as the purpose is to apply that information to your own work later. Listen in to decide what that timeline looks like for you!

References From This Episode

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

Other Resources 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.

• Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows.

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

• Enjoy a Free 30-Day Trial to Audible on us!

Stay sharp!

238 - Write Out Your Next Art Steps

Show Notes: Write Out Your Next Art Steps

“I’m on your side, I know you can do it, and we can do it together!” says John in this week’s pep talk about your art goals. Maybe you’re feeling discouraged about how much you wanted to have accomplished by now. If so, take a listen and regain some traction on your path moving forward.

References From This Episode

• Check out the free Goals Workbook if you need a little more structure as you narrow down what goals you want to pursue!

Other Resources for Artists

>>>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.

• Looking for past episodes? The “Techniques” CD is a curated edition of some of our earlier shows.

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

• Enjoy a Free 30-Day Trial to Audible on us!

Stay sharp!