082 Interview with Holly Siniscal

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: December 12, 2016

Topic: Interview with Holly Siniscal

Points of Interest:

This week, John and Lisa are chatting with colored pencil artist Holly Siniscal, who shares her experience getting started in colored pencil, the perks of working with one main model (spoiler--it's her daughter!), and tips for beginning artists.

Links Referenced:

Holly's website

Southwest Art magazine

http://www.southwestart.com/

Fine Art Connousseur magazine

http://fineartconnoisseur.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 .

Stay sharp!

081 Colored Pencil Gift Ideas

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: December 5, 2016

Topic: Gift Ideas for Colored Pencil Artists

Points of Interest:

Gift-giving season is upon us, and John and Lisa have compiled a list of fabulous options for the colored pencil artist in your life. Follow the links to purchase for a friend, family member, or maybe as a present for yourself!

Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links.  Affiliate links will help support Sharpened Artist at no additional cost to you!

Links Referenced:

Powder Blender Kit and Texture Fixative and Synthetic Hog Hair Brush

Sticky Putty

Colored Pencil Magazine subscription

Tombow Mono Eraser

Electric Erasers

Caran D’ache Luminance Colored Pencils

Derwent Drawing Chinese White Colored Pencil

Prismacolor Col-erase Pencils

Reference Photo Subscription Options - Shutterstock, Graphicstock, stock photo 99club, iStockphoto

Richeson Drawing Clipboard

Orbital Easel

Classes or workshops:

Craftsy, Patreon, SA Academy

UArt Sanded Pastel Paper

Kum Long-Pointed Sharpener

Derwent Super Point Sharpener

3-Drawer Wood Pastel Storage Box

YouTube Colored Pencil Playlist

Yupo Paper

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!

080 Powder Blender

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 28, 2016

Topic: Powder Blender

Points of Interest:

This week’s episode is a product review of the Colored Pencil Powder Blender from Brush and Pencil by Alyona Nickelsen. John did not have a successful first experience when testing the product, but Lisa shares some tips and tricks she has learned that yield successful results. Here’s a hint—the proper applicator is everything!

Links Referenced:

Purchase Powder Blender here:

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

Alyona Nickelsen’s instructional video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4MLp_kUUxA

Alyona Nickelsen’s artwork:

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

 

Wild Portrait Artist: Monique Castellani-Kraan

https://www.facebook.com/WildPortraitArtist/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

If you don't have Alyona's book yet, pick it up today!  This is still one of my go-to resources. (Use my Amazon affiliate link below at no additional charge to you.)

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!

079 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 21, 2016

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

It’s Q and A time again! This time around, we’ll be addressing these questions:

-What colors should be used for skin tones, and how do you blend them?

-How can I avoid comparing myself to newer artists who are better than me?

-Can you use watercolor pencils as a base?

-How can I avoid scratch lines on my finished piece?

Links:

Lisa’s Instructions for Color Matching:

http://lachri.com/tag/color-matching/

Luminance Colored Pencils (affiliate link):

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

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!

078 Rendering Hair In Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 14, 2016

Topic: Rendering Hair in Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:

Sign Up for the FREE Live webinar: Drawing Hair With Colored Pencil 

This is an all-important topic for portraiture artists: how to draw hair! John and Lisa dish out their best tips for rendering hair that looks natural and dynamic: follow the reference photo religiously, focus on abstract shapes vs. individual strands, work in sections, work in layers, and more! Lisa also shares an archival alternative to the gel pens that many artists may be tempted to use for highlights.

 Links Referenced:

-Lisa’s video How Not to Draw Hair:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZFak2eAt2I

-Lisa’s Jon Snow video How to Draw Hair in Colored Pencil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma8FSKF4JeE

-Lisa’s video How to Get White Lines and Detail in Colored Pencil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H3hOHx-qZ8

-Touch Up Texture

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

-Colored Pencil Titanium White

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

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!

077 Selling Your Art on eBay or Etsy

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 7, 2016

Topic: Selling Your Art on eBay or Etsy

Points of Interest:

This episode compares and contrasts the eBay and Etsy platforms for online artwork sales (with a brief cameo appearance of Amazon Handmade). Learn about the pros and cons of each site, including information about listing fees and best practices for driving traffic back to your own website.

Links:

eBay

www.ebay.com

Etsy

www.etsy.com

Amazon Handmade

www.amazon.com/handmade

Lisa’s Blog Post on Amazon Handmade:

http://lachri.com/selling-artwork-on-amazon/

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

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!

076 How to Set Up Your Email List

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 30, 2016

Topic: How to Set Up Your Email List 

Points of Interest:

This episode is dedicated to all things email: why an email list can be a great tool for your brand, how to get it set up, and how to get people to sign up once it’s in place on your website. John takes the high-tech approach while Lisa prefers simplicity, so you’ll hear tips and suggestions from both ends of the spectrum.

Here’s a semi-comprehensive list of email providers you can use (there are hundreds out there):

-Mailchimp - Very easy to use and free to get started
www.mailchimp.com

-Aweber - Very easy to use

www.aweber.com

-Convert kit (affiliate link) - Very easy to use and more flexible than Mailchimp and Aweber.  Super easy pricing structure because it's only based on list size and you still get all the features of a huge list.  This is the provider that John uses and recommends.

www.convertkit.com

-Campaign Monitor

www.campaignmonitor.com

-Zoho Campaigns

www.zoho.com

-SendinBlue

www.sendinblue.com

-Constant Contact

www.constantcontact.com

-Infusionsoft

www.infusionsoft.com

-Ontraport

www.ontraport.com

-Campaigner

www.campaigner.com
-Emma

www.myemma.com

-RedCappi

www.redcappi.com

-GetResponse

www.getresponse.com

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

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!

075 Printing Your Artwork

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 23, 2016

Topic: Printing Your Artwork 

Points of Interest:

High quality archival prints are a must if you plan to sell them, and there are several ways to obtain them. John and Lisa compare the various options and suggest a host of print sites for you to consider.

Links Referenced:

Vistaprint

www.vistaprint.com

Robin Imaging (Cincinnati, OH)

www.robinimaging.com 

Fine Art America

www.fineartamerica.com

Shutterfly

www.shutterfly.com

Great Big Canvas

www.greatbigcanvas.com

Imagekind

www.imagekind.com

Art.com

www.art.com

Epson Printers

www.epson.com/printers

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!

074 Art Shows and Fairs

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 17, 2016

 Topic: Art Shows and Fairs

 Points of Interest:

Have you ever considered entering an art show or fair? You’ll want to hear John and Lisa’s tips for having the best experience. This episode covers all the bases: setup guidelines, tips on customer interaction, the importance of marketing materials, travel/storage tips for your art, the pros and cons of a live demonstration, and more!

 Links Referenced:

Print your own business cards:

www.moo.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 .

Stay sharp!

073 What Is Your Art Style?

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast
Release Date: October 10, 2016

Topic: What Is Your Art Style?

Points of Interest:
How do you describe your art?  Do you work in realism, photo-realism, impressionism or a mix of several different styles?  John and Lisa talk about some of the inherent problems today with using some of these terms when you discuss or label your art.  Sometimes words can mean different things to different people and by not using certain descriptions you might be able to save yourself from having to  explain yourself.

Links Referenced:  No specific links today.

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!

072 Using Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 3, 2016

Topic: Using Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Points of Interest:

If you’ve ever been interested in using black paper for your colored pencil work, be sure to tune into this episode where John and Lisa describe their own experiences. You’ll pick up tips on specific recommended papers, why you should pay closer attention to the pencils you’re using, and how to approach the project from a different perspective than you may be used to.

Links Referenced:

Canson Art Boards

http://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-art-boards/

Titanium White Powder

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

Colored Pencil Touch-Up Texture

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

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!

071 Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 26, 2016

Topic: Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:

Since colored pencil has become one of the most popular mediums, John and Lisa identify a handful of core principles to keep in mind when using them. They debunk several misconceptions, describe key factors for colored pencil success, and comment on important qualities of your chosen materials.

Be sure to listen to the end, where Lisa explains why she has yet to try the increasingly popular Holbein Colored Pencils—and why she recommends you avoid them as well.

Links Referenced:

None this week!

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!

070 16 Myths Artists Tell Themselves

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 19, 2016

Topic: 16 Myths Artists Tell Themselves

Points of Interest:

If you’ve ever told yourself that you’re too right-brained to worry about finances as an artist, or that you just need to be discovered, or that you need a viral video to “make it” online, then you’ve fallen prey to one of the myths artists tell themselves. John and Lisa address these and 13 others in this episode. Do any of these sound familiar? Take a listen!

Links Referenced:

Wordpress, an ideal platform for artists’ websites:

www.wordpress.org

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!

069 Skills vs Fairy Dust

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 12, 2016

Topic: Skills vs. Fairy Dust

Points of Interest:

This week’s episode is full of humorous anecdotes about artists who seem to rely on magic “fairy dust” to create their art. Is this a valid approach for a professional artist? Tune in to hear John and Lisa’s experience with this fairly common perspective.

Links Referenced:

No outside links this week!

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!

068 Color Theory Part 2

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 5, 2016

Topic: Color Theory: Part 2

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are back with the second installment of their two-part series on Color Theory. This time, you’ll hear a conversation on some of the more practical applications, including color matching tips (see the link for John’s webinar below), tips for achieving neutral colors (including white), and how to practice determining whether colors are warm or cool. You’ll also hear some fascinating information on color perception among different cultures.

Links Referenced:

Lisa's YouTube video on using eyedropper tool

Sharpened Artist Academy—Beginner’s Colored Pencil Course

                             **** FREE WEBINAR****

Click here to snag your spot in John’s FREE webinar on Color Matching in colored pencil.

Click here to register

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!

067 Color Theory Part 1

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 29, 2016

Topic: Color Theory Part 1

Points of Interest:

Color is obviously extremely important for the colored pencil artist, but why learn about color theory? Listen in for a brief history and science lesson on color and how these concepts can be applied in artwork. John and Lisa discuss the role of color compared to the role of line drawing, contrast, etc.

Tune in next week for even more practical application!

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!

066 Interview with Ester Roi

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 22, 2016

Topic: Interview with Ester Roi

Points of Interest:

The long-awaited interview with artist and inventor Ester Roi is finally here! Ester describes her background in art, including her sudden immersion in colored pencil art as a profession and what led her to create the Icarus Board. You’ll love her stories about her early experimentation with heat in her art, and feel inspired by her advice to artists of every level.

Links Referenced:

Ester’s personal website and blog

http://www.esterroi.com/

The Icarus Board website

http://icarusart.net/

Colored Pencil Magazine—June 2016 edition, where Ester’s work is featured.

http://coloredpencilmag.com/issues/

***COUPON CODES:

Small Icarus Drawing Board (model 1420)-- $30 discount with code SA1

Large Icarus Drawing Board (model 2026)-- $35 discount with code SA2

Icarus Painting Board (model 2228)-- $40 discount with code SA3

Valid only until September 30, 2016, so hurry and take advantage!

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!

064 Interview with Matt Fussell

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 8, 2016

 Topic: Interview with Matt Fussell

 Points of Interest:

You’ll love this conversation with Matt Fussell, artist and founder of The Virtual Instructor. Matt shares his journey to running an online art instruction site full time, and throws in a wealth of inspiration and motivation for us in the process. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for some fantastic quotes!

 Links Referenced:

The Virtual Instructor web site

www.thevirtualinstructor.com

 Udemy, another site where several of Matt’s courses are found

Follow this link for a free course, The Magic of Burnishing!

www.thevirtualinstructor.com/cp

 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!

063 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 1, 2016 

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

You asked, we answered! Take a listen to see if one of your questions was covered in this week’s episode:

 -Can you blend colored pencil without using paint thinner?

-What are the best ways to use colored pencil on canvas?

-How do you get a good point without sharpening the pencil away?

-How can you get realistic fur texture in your drawing?

-How much practice time is needed to “get good”?

-How do you create a true black color?

-…and more!

 Links Referenced:

-The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

http://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/

 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!