258 - 4 Keys To Performing A Self Critique

Show Notes:

258 - 4 Keys To Performing A Self Critique

This week John discusses HOW to perform a self critique of your work.

Listen to the show for all the details.

Here’s the high-level overview:

1. Look for specifics.

2. Change your work in order to really see it.

3. Don’t look from your perspective.

4. Be nice.

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of this podcast, and others, 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!

257 - Interview with Anna Warren

Show Notes: Interview with Anna Warren

Here’s some sage advice from Anna in this episode:

“Be prepared to mess it up.”

“Get an education as best you can. Take classes.”

“Persist.”

“Develop a thick skin. When you get rejected it hurts. But you have to keep going.”

Anna worked as a graphic designer for years but kept up her habit of drawing and sketching. She’s been primarily focused on the drawing and creation process rather than outcomes or results. She speaks of how that practice can free your mind and allow you to create without limits.

Listen to how Anna initiates collaborations with artists to keep the work fluid and spontaneous.

References From This Episode

• Anna Warren’s website: https://annawarren.net/

• Open Bite Printmakers

• Australian Society of Miniature Art

• ADELAIDE PERRY PRIZE FOR DRAWING
  

Other Resources for Artists

For the full rough cut video version of the podcast for this interview and others 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!

256 - Reflecting Back 4 Years

Show Notes:

256 - Reflecting Over The Past 4 Years

This week John is reflecting back on events over the recent past. 20 Years ago, 10 year ago, and 4 years ago.

Memorial Day weekend is usually a time when life slows down just a bit. You enjoy being off work and spending time with family.

On Friday, May 20, 2016, John launched the Sharpened Artist Academy to the world!

That was four years ago. A LOT has changed sense then.

There was only one course offered back then - the Beginner's Colored Pencil Course - and it's still the most popular course and continues to help thousands of students worldwide.

Today, John’s goal and vision remain the same. To help transform as many students as possible. To help them learn the new medium of colored pencil quickly and methodically in 10 weeks so that they can start creating their own original artwork and not merely copying someone else's process.

John’s goal is to help you learn to trust yourself so you can be the artist that you look up to and admire the most.

So in the spirit of good ole nostalgia and new beginnings, here's a coupon for the flagship course that is still helping transform students today. Join the others in our group, inside the Sharpened Artist Academy. ​

Just use coupon “MD2020” at checkout to get 30% off for the next few days.

Join the

FREE Portrait Prep Course!

We begin on June 1, 2020. Here’s the link.

Stay sharp!

255 - Learning To Level Up

Show Notes:

255 - Learning To Level Up

If you’re ready to learn how to draw portraits by going back to the basics and learning how to observe, then check out the

FREE Portrait Prep Course!

We begin on June 1, 2020. Here’s the link.

References And Links From This Episode

• Tracy Frein’s Interview

• Jesse Lane’s Interview

• Carrie Lewis's Interview

• Julie Podstolski’s Interview

Stay sharp!

254 - Faber-Castell Goldfaber Pencil Review

Show Notes:

254 - Faber-Castell Goldfaber Pencil Review

In another installment of our series of discussions on “alternative” colored pencil options and lightfastness John Middick and guest host, Barb Sotiropoulos, review a lesser-known pencil made by the highly reputable pencil company, Faber-Castell, called Goldfaber.

If you’ve not heard of this newer colored pencil from Faber-Castell then you’re certainly not alone! They’re not discussed much but they do seem to be a great pencil when starting in colored pencil.

Listen in to find out more about this pencil from Faber-Castell, Creative Studio line.

References And Links From This Episode

• The Lightfast discussion podcast - Show #250

• Tracy Frein’s interview - Show #253

• Barb’s article on Goldfaber vs Polychromos

• Barb’s FREE 2020 Social Media Starter Guide for Artists

• How It’s Made video from Faber-Castell

Other related references:

• Comparison video from Faber-Castell on Polychromos vs Goldfaber

• Article from Faber-Castell comparing Polychromos vs Goldfaber

• Podcast review of Polychromos

Links to purchase the Polychromos and Goldfaber pencils:

(Amazon affiliate links provided below)

Faber-Castell Goldfaber pencils

New sponsor for the show for the month of April:

You’re going to love the coffee from our new sponsor, Fruit Of The Bean. Only roasted after you order!

They live out their motto: Drink Coffee, Do Good! They’ve marked their coffee down 20% for the next couple of months to help everyone who is feeling the pinch during the pandemic. Check them out at this link!

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of this podcast, and others, 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!

253 - Interview with Tracy Frein

Show Notes:

253 - Interview with Tracy Frein

“I try to figure out how photographer’s work and how painters work, to be able to bring something new or extra to my drawing.” — Tracy Frein

In this episode, Tracy discusses his trademarked process called “Drawing by subtraction”.

Can you really just use 1 colored pencil- a black color no less, to create realistic colored pencil pieces? Hand Tracy an eraser, the black pencil, and drafting film and out pops a “narrative portrait”!

Tracy has been teaching this process and perfecting his unique technique for a long time. Listen to the show to discover why, after using color early on, he has chosen to only work in a monochromatic style.

References And Links From This Episode

• Tracy’s website: https://tracyfrein.faso.com/

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of the podcast interview, and others, 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!

252 - Derwent vs Winsor & Newton CP Face-Off

Show Notes:

252 - Derwent

vs Winsor & Newton

Colored Pencil Face-Off

Part 3 in this series of discussions on “alternative” colored pencil options, Barb and John talk about a new colored pencil set from Winsor & Newton and make some comparisons between several of the Derwent pencils.

If you missed the early shows in this series, then go here for the first one in this series.

References And Links From This Episode

• The Lightfast discussion podcast from show 250 - The first in this series.

• Check out Barb’s blog post on the Winsor & Newton Colored Pencils

Links to Winsor & Newton Pencils and the Derwent Pencils:

(Amazon affiliate links provided below)

Winsor & Newton Colored Pencils - Studio Collection Pencils

Derwent Colored Pencils List: (Derwent’s website)

• Coloursoft Pencils

• Drawing Pencils

• Lightfast Pencils

• Metallic Pencils

• Pastel Pencils

• Procolour Pencils

• Studio Pencils

New sponsor for the show for the month of April:

You’re going to love the coffee from our new sponsor, Fruit Of The Bean. Only roasted after you order!

They live out their motto: Drink Coffee, Do Good! They’ve marked their coffee down 20% for the next couple of months to help everyone who is feeling the pinch during the pandemic. Check them out at this link!

Other Resources for Artists

Looking for the full video version of this podcast, and others?

Join the Member’s Circle for the rough-cut video podcasts, and many other exclusive perks!

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

• Learn a brand new technique in the Colored Pencil Painting with Water Course. We use “wax” and “oil” based colored pencils with WATER!

• 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!

251 - Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor vs Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils

Show Notes:

251 - Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor

vs

Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils

Part 2 in this series of discussions on “alternative” colored pencil options and lightfastness is a discussion of 2 brands that don’t get a lot of fanfare. In this show John and guest host, Barb Sotiropoulos, speak about the pros and cons of 2 colored pencils! Listen to the comparisons they make and why you may want to choose one over the other.

References And Links From This Episode

• The Lightfast discussion podcast from last week - Show #250

• Check out Barb’s blog post on Cezanne Pencils vs Prismacolor

• Barb’s article on Lyra vs Prismacolor

Links to purchase the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils and the Cezanne Pencils:

(Amazon affiliate links provided below)

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor pencils

Cezanne Pencils

New sponsor for the show for the month of April:

You’re going to love the coffee from our new sponsor, Fruit Of The Bean. Only roasted after you order!

They live out their motto: Drink Coffee, Do Good! They’ve marked their coffee down 20% for the next couple of months to help everyone who is feeling the pinch during the pandemic. Check them out at this link!

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of this podcast, and others, 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!

250 - Does Lightfast Really Matter?

Show Notes:

250 - Does Lightfast Really Matter

In a series of discussions on colored pencils John and guest host, Barb Sotiropoulos, talk about this question that can sometimes stifle a newer artist’s growth. Lightfast! Listen in to learn why it’s worth asking the question about the importance of how well a pencil may hold up when exposed to UV rays. The answer may surprise you.

References And Links From This Episode

• Lightfastness explanation

• Check out Barb’s website and blog here

• Barb’s Interview

New sponsor for the show for the month of April:

You’re going to love the coffee from our new sponsor, Fruit Of The Bean. Only roasted after you order!

They live out their motto: Drink Coffee, Do Good! They’ve marked their coffee down 20% for the next couple of months to help everyone who is feeling the pinch during the pandemic. Check them out at this link!

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of this podcast, and others, 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!

249 - Interview with Bonny Snowdon

Show Notes:

249 - Interview with Bonny Snowdon

“Draw something you’re really passionate about drawing! Just jump in a draw!” That’s just some of the advice from Bonny in this week’s show.

In this episode, Bonny discusses marketing, advice for artists just starting out in the medium of colored pencil, and how to improve! She also shares how she got started by drawing in adult coloring books which eventually let to taking commissions for pet portraits and so much more.

Bonny shares her beginnings with black cartridge paper in 2016 to eventually finding her 2 favorite surfaces to work on today.

References And Links From This Episode

• Bonny’s website: https://bonnysnowdonfineart.co.uk

• Bonny Snowdon’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJJjjBiMqmKEfZwxJ1HQqA

Some of the materials and products Bonny mentions are:

• Staedtler pen eraser

• Clairefontaine PastelMat

• Duralar Drafting film

• Derwent Studio Pencils

• Faber-Castell Polychromos

Other Resources for Artists

NEW SPONSOR FOR THE SHOW FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL:

You’re going to love the coffee from our new sponsor, Fruit Of The Bean, only roasted after you order.

They live out their motto: Drink Coffee, Do Good! They’ve marked their coffee down 20% for the next couple of months to help everyone who is feeling the pinch during the pandemic. Check them out at this link!

For the full video version of the podcast interview, and others, 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!

248 - Interview with Alejandro Castanon

Show Notes: 248 - An Art Marketing Interview

with Alejandro Castanon

Interested in selling your artwork? Now may be the perfect time to “pivot” to an online selling platform.

In this episode, Alejandro lays out some concrete things to do right now to begin selling your artwork online. You’re sure to gain some insight from this discussion even if you’ve never sold any of your work before!

References And Links From This Episode

• Alejandro Castanon’s Article discussed in the podcast: Coronavirus vs Artists

• Be sure and check out website: https://www.alejandrocastanon.com

• Alejandro on Instagram: alejandro.fine.art

Other Resources for Artists

For the full video version of the podcast interview, and others, 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!

247 - What To Draw Right Now

Show Notes: What To Draw Right Now

Last week John talked about the current pandemic and social distancing. Click here to listen to last week’s show.

This week he talks about the exact things that we can draw as artists living through this disease that is changing our world. As artists we can document our world around us. There are many unusual things happening and we can depict them through the art we create. Listen in to find out some very practical ideas for documenting the current affairs.

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.

Stay sharp!

246 - COVID-19 and the Artist

Show Notes: COVID-19 and the Artist

This week John talks about the current threat of the pandemic threatening and limiting our social interactions with each other. There are some things that we still can do to be able to reach out and support one another as artists. Listen to find out more!

Other Resources for Artists

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

The facebook group that John talked about is called, Colored Pencils for Beginners and Beyond

• 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!

245 - Never A Blank Canvas

Show Notes: Never A Blank Canvas

This week John talks about how there is actually never a blank canvas. We all come with preconceived ideas and notions. So what can we do about it? Listen to find out some practical advice for improvement!

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.

Stay sharp!

244 - Interview with Karen Hull

Show Notes: Interview with Karen hull

“I would call myself an experimenter more than an artist… If I had one message to give to people, it’s to be fearless! It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t look like you had imagined. Just get in there and have a go at it, to see what happens.”

From drawing on rocks during a family vacation in Tasmania, to writing a book on colored pencil portraits and teaching colored pencil on myblueprint.com, Karen Hull has always followed her curiosities even when it scared her.

Listen to how she describes pushing past anxious feelings to do things that she knows will be fulfilling.

References From This Episode

• Karen Hull’s website: https://www.karenhullart.com/

• Be sure and check out Karen’s useful color comparison charts and tutorials on this page: https://www.karenhullart.com/Pencil-Charts-and-Kits.php

• Info on drafting film: https://www.karenhullart.com/Information-on-Drafting-Film.php

Other Resources for Artists

For the full rough cut video version of the podcast for this interview and others 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!

243 - What Bad Art Teaches Me

Show Notes: What Bad Art Teaches Me

“Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it.” — Dr Viktor E. Frankl

This week John riffs on the idea of examining our own bad artwork. Do you sometimes create art that you term “bad”? What lessons can these experiences unlock for your artistic growth? Listen to find out.

References or links mentioned

Book by Dr Viktor E. Frankl: Man’s Search For Meaning

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!

Stay sharp!

242 - Colored Pencil On Drafting Film

Show Notes: Colored Pencil

on Drafting Film

“I've tried drafting film off and on for several years now.  I'm no expert on this paper!  But I did complete a recent project on the paper and I have some things to share about my experiences.”

John looks a little closer at using drafting film for colored pencil art. It is unlike other paper types and has it’s own set of pros and cons. But there is no reason to not try it and see if it’s a support that you might enjoy using!

colored pencil on drafting film - Apple Snack - Sharpened Artist

References or links mentioned

Karen Hull’s website for more information on using drafting film.

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!

Stay sharp!

241 - A Day In The Life

Show Notes: A Day In The Life

“. . . the best artists know that it’s never about emulating someone’s techniques, but it’s about getting their art closer to who they are and what they wish to say. So it’s taking something of ourselves, flaws and all, and showing it to the world.”

John takes a slice of his life as an artist and shares the truth about what that looks like. If you are planning to become a full time working artist in the future then don’t miss this episode.

Even if art is a hobby, there are times that you may feel the need to travel somewhere more “exotic” than right where you are. The next great reference might be in your own back yard.

Also be sure and grab a reference photo of the Mail Pouch Tobacco barn to draw from!

References or links mentioned

Photo reference mentioned in episode:

Mail Pouch Barn I

Mail Pouch Barn II

Barn and field

Covered Bridge

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!

Stay sharp!

240 - Interview with Carrie Lewis

Show Notes: Interview with Carrie Lewis

“Don’t pay attention to market trends. Don’t pay attention to what every other artist is doing. Draw what you want to draw with what you have and just get it done! The more you finish the better you’ll get. The better you get, the more you’ll finish!”

These wise words from artist Carrie Lewis perfectly capture the passion behind her career as a painter of horses. Carrie is committed to helping other artists improve their skills with the resources they have, focusing on transparency through the ugly parts of the drawing process. Listen in for the whole interview!

References From This Episode

• If you’re anywhere near Newton, KS, be sure to sign up for Carrie’s very first LIVE beginner colored pencil workshop on February 8th, 2020! Click here for all the details.

• Snag a free PDF copy of Carrie’s “6 Common Colored Pencil Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them” — no strings attached! Just click here to download.

• Carrie has also generously provided a discount code for her Colored Pencil course! Use the discount code ColoredPencilPodcast at checkout to claim your savings.

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!

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!