Stocking up my prints
Added 2018-08-19 21:59:23 +0000 UTCHey guys!
This week went by super duper fast for me! First, I wanna talk about some art supplies I've been using this past week. I've been liking the Strathmore 400 Series Softcover Watercolor Journal in 8"x5.5". I told you guys a couple weeks ago that I've been enjoying the landscape format of my Stillman & Birn sketchbook, and I actually bought this sketchbook at the same time as that one but have been putting off beginning it so that I could properly use up the sketchbooks that I've already started. I'm almost to the end of the Stillman & Birn sketchbook, so I've decided to crack into this Strathmore book, and it's been very interesting. I love that the cover is the soft matte type (it feels super nice to run your fingers over it), and the paper inside is a thick cold press paper. It's extremely textured, so the first time I used it, the huge blocky texture of the paper threw me off and I didn't like it too much until I saw that the paint looked really nice once it dried. I don't know if I can recommend this sketchbook just yet (I've only done a couple of pieces in it by now), but I'm loving that the paper is super thick and that allows me to paint on both sides of the paper easily. I've been making some rough still life studies in it by now, so I'll let you know if I recommend it by the time I use it all up!
Oooo, the second supply I want to mention is this Faber-Castell Goldfaber colored pencil in the color 131? It doesn't have a color name on it, buuuut it's the most beautiful dark nudish pink, and I love it for accents or sketching! Not a big find, I just think the color is gorgeous!
Okeydokey, so this week, I'm not gonna lie, I chilled for a little bit and went thrift shopping (finally found a good jean jacket, so my basic wardrobe is growing quickly), and then I sat myself down to begin my huge print stocking. I get back to college this Friday, and I do want to keep my shop open while I am there, but it's requiring a lot of careful planning so that I can bring all my packing supplies and shop stock with me while conserving as much space as I can. I need to go buy tons more ink, but it's slowly but surely coming along. My hands are falling off.
I also finished this month's Patreon postcard, so if you would like to update your pledge, you can do so until August 31!
I tried a technique that I haven't used for a couple of years. I started with a pretty complete pencil drawing, set it down with a good amount of fixative and then went over it with some light watercolor washes. I finished up the piece digitally for a darker, grungier look, and I'm pretty happy with it! You can check out the digital timelapse in my latest video, in which I explain some of my thoughts on YouTube and my artwork (I've already shared all these concerns with you guys, and you've been the most wonderful and understanding to me! )
MOVIES
OH MY GOD. I've found a better movie than Inception (is it possible? I think YES). If you like sort of mysterious thrillers, go watch Shutter Island RIGHT NOW (and if you've already seen it, feel free to send me a message so we can talk about how amazing this movie is). So apparently, three of my top favorite movies have Leonardo DiCaprio in them? Inception, The Departed, and now Shutter Island. OOofff, oh, if you're wondering which are some of the other movies on this list, we have The Dark Knight (of course), John Wick, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Ratatouille. My tastes are very manly, I know, but they're all amazing movies!
Oh and I made the mistake to watch The Fault in Our Stars again last night (because it's so sweet), and of course I was sobbing for hours. It's objectively wonderful; I'm not a white girl, don't argue with me.
MUSIC
Same as the past two weeks! Sorry for being so boring :-)
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Comments
Hey! Right?? It's incredible; I loved it! Ah okay, answers to the questions. It usually depends on the piece, but my preference is thicker watercolor paper, so whether that comes in a pad, or in a flat lay sketchbook, I like both! For the printer, I do print everything at home. I'm only going to tell you the printer that I use if you've purchased a print from me and really like the quality of it, because I'm a perfectionist and I'm honestly never 100% happy with how prints come out. I use the Epson XP-630. The ink is apparently archival quality and I use premium Epson paper for all my prints as well. It's not an expensive printer, but a set of cartidges always costs a little more than $100 (I had to purchase like 4 sets for all the prints I made to stock up!) Hope this helped a little bit!
2018-08-26 20:44:29 +0000 UTCThank you so much!!
2018-08-26 20:44:00 +0000 UTCGood luck come school! And Shutter Island is so great, the "mis en scene" as they call it is actually well thought out (e.g. colour grading to help evoke or justify certain emotions). That post card is stunning, by the way. I really want to try out that technique too! I'm also curious about some stuff if it's alright, What do you prefer painting on, pads of watercolor paper or watercolor sketchbooks? Or does it depend on the type of piece you're making. Also, do you print your prints from home? If so, would you recommend a good printer with an continuous ink system that works well? What are some things to keep in mind when selling art and prints that isn't usually mentioned (e.g. production work, packing supplies, etc) Ahhhh, I ask too many questions >> I hope I'm not a bother. No pressure to reply. Just curious is all!
2018-08-21 21:10:59 +0000 UTCbeen loving the updates Sara! You're a champ~ We're always rooting for ya ^^ Also if you enjoy scary short films I recommend Crypt TV!
YuyuSunshine
2018-08-21 15:37:01 +0000 UTCBest wishes as you get set to go back to school! <3 I'm SO in love with this month's postcard btw it's stunning
Jean Thomas
2018-08-20 14:54:46 +0000 UTC
