Exploring the Creative World

Up until we moved 2 weeks ago, I started painting again. Like, actual hand-painted pictures and objects rather than digital as I've done for a better part of this past year. Let me tell you how good it has felt. Doing so has allowed me to explore both new brushes and paints, (watercolor and acrylic).

I've never really branched out to try out new paints (or brushes) until recently. Mainly, because I didn't need them and was content with what I was currently using. After diving back into hand-painting once again, it just felt like it was time to try something new.

Brushes:
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to travel once again for the Manuscript Pen Company located in the UK to the annual NAMTA convention. It's a fabulous show and has provided me with the opportunity to meet not just other wonderful artists across the world but art suppliers as well. This past February, I had the amazing opportunity to meet the founder of the Princeton Brush Company - Howard Kaufman. I felt honored to meet such an incredible man, who was kind, compassionate and so giving of his time. He impressed the socks off of me and kindly invited me to try out his brushes.

A few months ago, my sample of Princeton brushes arrived and I couldn't be happier. Currently my favorite is the Velvetouch and the Aqua Elite for using watercolors. They feel great when holding and paint flawlessly. I can't imagine using any other brushes and am looking forward to trying out more and sharing those with you. So, keep an eye out for some mini tutorials in the works.

Watercolors:
Prima Watercolor Confections were always on my list to one day try. I have been so comfortable with another brand I never felt the need to try them. However, every day they would continue to pop up in my Instagram news-feed by other artists, so I thought...What the heck!  I now own 5 different sets (Note: all sets are twelve colors and come in a nice metal paint tin with a useful numbered swatch card).  These are great and affordable for beginning artists. And honestly, they bring me pure joy. The colors are rich in color and easy to use.

Daniel Smith Watercolors was another set of higher quality watercolors I've been wanting to check out but have never been in my budget. Thankfully, while at the NAMTA convention mentioned above, I met with a representative who presented me with 2 small sets to try and I love them!  All of the colors are perfect to mix all the shades. Their colors are so nice and vibrant and mix well and blend wonderfully.

How about you? Are you playing around with some new paints, brushes, etc? I'd love to hear about it.