Artist Professionalism with Email

Show Notes:

298 - Artist Professionalism with Email

John and Barb are kicking off a new series on artist professionalism! Ranging from social media etiquette, they will cover several things that make up being a professional and how you can be taken more seriously.

Starting this week, the two begin by talking about how to be professional over email because it's such an important part of their jobs as artists (and because it's something we all do everyday!).

References or links mentioned

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

Unfortunately, the promotion for the free sample pack of UART samples is not available right now. 😒

You can still get 20% Off your order!

For 20% off, select your UART products at https://www.dakotapastels.com/ by using the promo code UART20 at checkout! (Hurry, offer expires soon).

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 NEW online community for artists!<<<

Stay sharp!

296 - Interview with Lisa Ann Watkins

Show Notes:

296 - Interview with Lisa Ann Watkins

This week John is talking with wildlife colored pencil artist, Lisa Ann Watkins. Lisa has been working in the medium for many years now. She’s been teaching students both in-person and online and has a wealth of experiences to draw on. 

Listen in as Lisa discusses her views on how to start in the medium of colored pencil today. She also talks pencils and shares the surfaces she enjoys working on.

Links to Lisa’s Website:

Lisa's Website

Lisa's Patreon Page

Lisa's Facebook Page

References or links mentioned

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

Unfortunately, the promotion for the free sample pack of UART samples is not available right now. 😒

You can still get 20% Off your order!

For 20% off, select your UART products at https://www.dakotapastels.com/ by using the promo code UART20 at checkout! (Hurry, offer expires soon).

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 NEW online community for artists!<<<

Stay sharp!

288 - Interview with Linda Lucas Hardy

Show Notes:

287 - Interview with Linda Lucas Hardy

This week John is talking to color pencil artist Linda Lucas Hardy about her works on sanded paper. 

Linda has been one of the pioneers and the medium of color pencil. She’s been able to push the medium and make it do things that she didn't even know would be possible. In fact, one of the sanded paper techniques she teaches started out quite by accident!

Related Links

https://www.lindalucashardy.com/

Please welcome our new sponsor to the color pencil podcast, UART premium sanded paper. Please visit their website to find out more about this sturdy, and versatile sanded paper.

https://www.uartpastelpaper.com/

Other Resources for Artists

Ready for personal, tailored art mentoring? Check out the new Art Mentoring program and how you can get started for free!

For the full video versions of the interview podcasts, join the Member’s Circle.

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

• Learn a groundbreaking new technique in the Colored Pencil Painting with Water Course.

• Download the FREE 90 day Colored Pencil Learning Roadmap to learn exactly what to do in your first 90 days in colored pencil.

Stay sharp!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

203 Interview With Maria Wilson

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Topic: Interview with Maria Wilson

Here is one of Maria’s recent pieces, “Dinah”. Photo reference credit: John Middick

Points of Interest:

In this episode John Middick interviews Maria Wilson, a student from his color pencil portrait course, "Face Value."

Maria shares her journey as an artist, which began in her childhood in Lompoc, California. Despite a promising start, her artistic pursuits were put on hold due to early marriage and family responsibilities. Rediscovering her passion for art in her late 50s, Maria was initially drawn back through adult coloring books. This reignited her desire to create original works, leading her to explore drawing and colored pencils more seriously.

Maria discusses her initial struggles with basic materials and her gradual progression to higher-quality pencils and papers. She credits her husband for his support and encouragement, which significantly influenced her artistic development.

John and Maria talk about the importance of mindset and dedication in art. They emphasize that art is a skill that can be honed with practice and persistence. Maria's experience illustrates this, as she transitioned from simple drawings to more complex and realistic works.

Maria's story is one of rediscovery and determination. It underscores the idea that with passion, support, and the right guidance, it's never too late to pursue one's artistic dreams.

Mentorship and instruction are important, as is fostering a community for artistic growth and sharing.

Links Referenced

Join the waitlist for Face Value: The Ultimate Colored Pencil Course!

Products Mentioned

Caran D’ache Luminance Pencils

Stonehenge Paper by Legion Paper

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!

180 Rerun Interview with Tanja Gant

Topic: Interview with Tanja Gant (self taught colored pencil artist)

Tanja talks about her process and approach to doing portraits in colored pencil.  She works in both colored pencil and graphite.  While her work in unique and easily identifiable, she pushes and challenges herself with each new drawing.  

See more of her work and check out her extensive portfolio at:  http://tanjagant.com/

Links:

http://tanjagant.com/

http://scottwaddellfineart.com/

Closing

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.

Want to submit a question to be answered on the podcast? Email us or click here.

Are you ready to increase your presence online and maximize your art career? Click here to start the conversation today!

Affiliate Links:    http://www.audibletrial.com/CPPodcast

Stay sharp!

175 Interview with Barb Sotiropoulos

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 5, 2018

Topic: Interview with Barb Sotiropoulos

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are chatting with Canadian artist Barb Sotiropoulos, who happens to be the Q&A columnist in the COLORED PENCIL Magazine! Listen in to hear her talk about innovation in the colored pencil world, how she pushes herself creatively, and why she has no plans to quit her day job!

Links Referenced

 Check out Barb’s website and blog here.

Get more from Barb in the November issue of COLORED PENCIL Magazine:

Sharpened Artist Listeners Exclusive!

20% off the Nov 2018 Print or Digital Issue 

Use Code: SHARP11 through 11/30/18 only (not valid with other offers)

FREE Download of the 2018 Jerry’s Gift Guide & SoHo-Ho Demo by Barb Sotiropoulos

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!

173 Interview with Holly Bedrosian

Show Notes 

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast 

Release Date: October 22, 2018 

Topic: Interview with Holly Bedrosian

Points of Interest: 

Today’s episode features John and Lisa’s conversation with colored pencil artist Holly Bedrosian. Holly shares her background in art, her artistic process, and some sage wisdom for artists searching for their signature style.

Links Referenced:

Holly Bedrosian Fine Art

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!

169 Interview with John Ursillo

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 24, 2018

Topic: Interview with John Ursillo

Points of Interest:

Today’s episode features an interview with John Ursillo, an extremely talented artist known for his work experimenting with colored pencil and solvents. John frequently works on large canvases and has over 1,000 different colors of pencils. Come here how his left-brain tendencies impact his right-brain art!

After you listen to the interview, head on over to John’s website to request one of his free study guides!

Links Referenced

John’s Website: Bear Cub Studio

Blick Premier Stretched Canvas

Krylon archival series uv protective spray

Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils

The Colored Pencil by Bet Borgeson

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!

165 Interview with Ester Roi

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Original Release Date: August 22, 2016

 Rerun Release Date: July 16, 2018

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

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!

RERUN 139 Interview with Morgan Davidson

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: January 15, 2018

Topic: Interview with Morgan Davidson

Points of Interest:

In this interview, John and Lisa chat with Morgan Davidson about her art school experience, career after graduating, and large social media following. If you’re looking to grow your career, you’ll want to tune in and learn from her experience!

Links Referenced:

Morgan’s Website

Morgan’s Facebook

Morgan’s Instagram

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!

RERUN 137 Interview with Sally Robertson

INTERVIEW:  SALLY ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER AND CREATOR OF COLORED PENCIL MAGAZINE

Sally speaks about the origins of the magazine, her role as Editor-in-Chief, and the mission of her business.

She also talks about ways to get involved and have your art published and be seen around the world.  This exposure seems to lead to more success for the artists who have been involved in the magazine.

Links mentioned in the show:

www.coloredpencilmag.com

www.coloredpencilstudent.com

www.jerrysartarama.com

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!

RERUN 136 Interview with Cecile Baird

Show Notes 

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast 

Release Date: July 18, 2016 

Topic: Interview with Cecile Baird 

Points of Interest: 

This show discusses the dramatic still life art of Cecile Baird.   She is a 5-Year Merit Award recipient of the colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA).   

Cecile is truly one of the pioneers in colored pencil art.  Her resume is replete with many awards spanning over several years.  Her book, Painting Light With Colored Pencil, is one of the best on fundamental colored pencil techniques for both the beginner and advanced artist.  

In addition to her unique perspective on lighting still life she also discusses the need for the artist's to improve in their photo taking skills.   

Her love and enthusiasm for colored pencil is both inspiring and contagious.   

Links Referenced: 

Cecile’s website: 

www.cecilebairdart.com 

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 . 

Submit an artist's name to us: sharpenedartist.com/interviewreq

Stay sharp!