Chris Wilson 
The best paper for colored pencils isn’t always what you’ll find on the shelf at the art store labeled “drawing paper.” In my experience, finding a paper that actually supports the way you work – especially if you draw loosely and build up layers – takes some trial and error. I don’t draw with formulas … Read more
I used to think daily drawing prompts were just gimmicks – those cute ideas you scroll past but never actually use. But after burning out trying to draw big, polished pieces every time I sat down, I gave daily prompts another try. I approached it differently: I made them simple, messy, and personal. That’s when … Read more
If you’re an artist who likes to sketch, then you know that sometimes the hardest part is coming up with something new to draw… not any more!
I’ve spent years drawing with colored pencils, and they’ve become one of my favorite tools for drawing. They’re portable, affordable, and capable of surprising depth when used with patience and observation. I don’t approach them with rigid formulas or step-by-step rules. Instead, I work observationally – looking closely at real life or photos, starting with … Read more
I’ve been drawing animals since I was a kid, and I still learn something new every time I sit down with a pen and paper. If you want to draw animals in a way that feels expressive and rooted in observation, you’re in the right place. I don’t teach drawing as a set of formulas … Read more
I’ve been using the same travel watercolor palette for over a decade, and I’ve also had a few tubes turn to rock or leak all over my drawer. So if you’re wondering do watercolors expire? – the answer is: sort of. Some watercolors last forever. Others go bad faster than you’d expect, especially if you … Read more
If you’re like me and use colored pencils regularly for expressive, observational sketching, you’ve probably snapped your share of pencil tips. Whether it’s Prismacolors crumbling mid-layer or those softer wax-based cores chipping right after a fresh sharpen, a bad sharpener can completely wreck your flow. The search for the best pencil sharpener for colored pencils … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered, can you use colored pencils on canvas? — the answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as using them on paper. I’ve tested it a few times in my own sketching experiments when I wanted to mix media or explore texture. As someone who draws from life using loose, expressive … Read more
I didn’t think much about watercolor paper when I first started painting. I just grabbed what I could find, focused on color mixing, and worked from life or photo references using loose observational sketches. But the more I painted, the more I realized that watercolor paper isn’t just a surface – it completely shapes how … Read more
When I first started watercolor painting, I had no idea what watercolor brushes to start with. I just knew I didn’t want to fight with my tools. I wanted a brush that felt natural in my hand, held enough water for long, fluid strokes, and gave me the freedom to work loosely while observing what … Read more