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In my latest blog, I unveil the realities of art supplies once hailed as champions. Prismacolor Premier colored pencils and their troubling flaw, unforgiving papers, and more. Join me as we navigate this murky terrain, where each revelation brings us closer to clarity.

Being an artist who can use multiple media has its benefits. It gives you the ability to decide before a piece which materials might give you the result you are looking for. Here are five factors that can help you decide if you want to use pastels or mixed media for your next piece.

This essential supply list will help you to start creating beautiful colored pencil pieces without all the fuss.

Should you use wax or oil-based colored pencils? In Part 1 I discuss the positives and negatives of wax-based pencils.

Should you use wax or oil-based colored pencils? In Part 2, I discuss the positives and negatives of oil-based pencils.

In Part 2 of my blog series, I dive into the realm of pastels, sharing insights into their history, types, and unique characteristics. While I admit to having less experience with pastels as compared to colored pencils, I provide valuable information on different pastel types, discuss the positives of using pastels, and I candidly address the challenges the medium. Despite these hurdles, I am enthusiastic for exploring and learning more about pastels as a crucial part of my ongoing artistic journey.

Discover the dynamic world of colored pencils and pastels for creating realistic artworks. In Part 1 of this two-part blog series, we'll explore the possibilities these mediums offer. We'll delve into the specifics, uncovering both the strengths and challenges of working with colored pencils, revealing the secrets that bring vibrancy and detail to your art.

Soft pastels are often thought of as simple drawing tools, but they are capable of far more than many artists realize. In this article, I walk through how I use soft pastel sticks throughout my entire process, from blocking in backgrounds to building base layers, refining mid-tones, and adding final details. Along the way, I share the types of marks I use at each stage, practical tips that help me control the medium, and the pastel brands currently in my studio, including what I enjoy about each and my favorite sets. Whether you are new to soft pastels or looking to expand how you use them, this guide offers a practical look inside my workflow.

Learn when to use medium pastels, hard pastels, and pastel pencils, plus my favorite brands, mark-making tips, and how each fits into my painting process.

With so many art supply options available, it’s exciting—but also overwhelming! Let me simplify the process by sharing my favorite soft pastel tools. I’ll explain why I love them, how I use them, and even point out any downsides, so you can make informed choices for your own creative journey.

Organizing your art supplies can significantly enhance both creativity and productivity. In this blog, I share practical storage solutions for colored pencils, pastels, and other materials, offering ideas to keep your art space tidy, accessible, and efficient. Whether you have a small setup or a dedicated studio, these tips can help you stay organized, making the most of your time and space while you create.

Clairefontaine Pastelmat is an amazing surface to use with colored pencils, but some artists struggle with knowing how to use it to their advantage. Here are 5 tips for making the most out of Pastelmat.