December 18th, 2017

My Favorite Things: December 2017

Lately, I’ve really been enjoying getting into art again. It’s been very therapeutic and relaxing, especially as I realize that it’s ok that I’m not where I’d like to be yet and that I just need to keep practicing. I used to stress out about it, but now it’s a nice hobby I can do on and off in my spare time. There’s some art supplies that I’ve been really loving, so I thought I’d do a My Favorite Things around them!

Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen

I came across this brush pen when I was researching supplies for Inktober, and it seems to be a popular item for many artists. $11-20 might seem like much for just one pen, but it’s refillable, so it’ll last you. (I bought a 12 ink refill pack on Amazon.) I love how smoothly the ink flows out of the pen, and the brush tip lets you make variable widths in your lines. It took me awhile to get used to it, but it’s fun to use!

Copic Sketch Markers – Sketching Grays

I wish I had these for Inktober, but I ordered them afterwards because I wanted to continue working with ink. Though they’re double ended, I’ve only used the brush tip. It’s a good range of grays, and the ink flows and blends smoothly. I find them pretty easy to use overall. I love the result, and working in grayscale has been good practice too.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketcher’s Pocket Box

Ok, that’s a mouthful, but it’s basically a compact watercolor set. I was looking up a set for beginners, and this one was mentioned along with the Prima classic colors set. I bought both! However, as you can see in the photo, I use the Winsor & Newton set way more.

The Prima set might seem like good base colors to start with, but the colors that Winsor & Newton supply are much more versatile. I feel like I can mix a wider range of colors with the Winsor & Newton set, which lets me do a lot with very little. I do like the Prima set for when I’m too lazy to mix certain colors (like gray or black) at least. I think that both paints are high quality though, so it just depends on the type of colors you want.

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

These have been one of my favorite mediums for a long time. (I bought the set featured in the photo over 10 years ago!) They’re definitely on the pricey side (like $1 per pencil), but they often go on sale and craft store coupons can usually be used on them. I find that they’re worth the price because the colors are vibrant, and they can be blended and layered. They are way better than your typical colored pencils!

Figma Archetypes

Lastly, these aren’t really art specific, but they’re useful as references! (Figuarts has a similar figure if you have issues getting the Figma version.) I love how flexible these figures are and how they come with extra hands to change out. They’re so much easier to use than the wooden mannequins. I typically put them in the pose I want, and then I take a photo in the perspective that I want. It’s helped so much when drawing human bodies!

I have other supplies too, but for many things (like pencils and sketchpads), I don’t buy from a consistent brand. The ones above are specific ones I really like! If you have art supplies you love too, feel free to let me know!

10 Responses to “My Favorite Things: December 2017”

  • Shar aka Lee says:

    PRISMACOLORS are my favourite too! I still have my set from like 10 years ago. I admit, I have fallen off my art hobby as well. I used to draw so much and I had 6 sketchbooks full of stuff to 3 empty sketchbooks sitting in my closet waiting to be used >.< I miss it so much!

    I have always wanted to try watercolor but my horrible inability to paint always scares me off it. I do have watercolor pencils that I would like to explore one day. They look so pretty and look like they so much potential to create such beautiful art pieces but I just have to figure out how to use them. Again, they're sitting in my closet waiting to be used!

    I think I'll start off small to get back in the drawing groove. I was planning on buying a teeny sketchbook and bring around a bunch of sakura pigma fineliners with me in my purse and just draw as I go just so I'm at least doing something then I can work my way up when I get more and more inspired!

  • Nancy says:

    I am totally loving how you’re rocking in all of these artworks! It’s great that you found a nice brush pen that does the job without breaking the bank. The watercolor set looks neat. I’m still trying to figure out this whole watercoloring thing but need to set some time @__@. Your Figma Archetypes sounds like a great help with drawing poses. I don’t have any recommendations but thought that watercolor pens are cool XD.

  • Amy says:

    I’m loving your art posts lately. It makes me so happy to see you doing so well, and I’m always impressed by what you come out with.

    I love Windsor and Newton paints. I have one of their watercolour sets, which got me through my graphic art A-Level. They’re such amazing paints, and I love how they’re packaged.

    I’ve never tried prismacolors, but my sister has tonnes of them. I used to use Derwent Studio pencils, which were better than normal coloured pencils, but still not amazing. I’d definitely want to try prismacolors if I ever get back into art again.

    Glad you’re enjoying getting back into it!

  • Rezina says:

    I also like using brush pens! I’ve been experimenting with water brushes and ink and I find that it’s really hard to control how much flow comes out, haha.

    And Winsor & Newton is great! I haven’t experimented with water color as much (your pictures are sooo detailed and pretty), but I use their colored ink and I really love them.

    I love all your art posts and how you’ve been really getting into it. It makes me more motivated just looking at your post, haha.

  • Michelle says:

    I love your art posts even if I don’t know much about it, but I am learning about it more and more. Merry Christmas to you!

  • Claudine says:

    These are awesome! πŸ™‚ I don’t know anything about art at all, but I do love seeing other people’s works! And I love finding out about different supplies and materials that artists use – I can’t tell the difference because I don’t use them myself, but apparently each one has its own advantages! πŸ˜€

  • Mars says:

    Hi! It’s my first time here in your blog. You’re really good at drawing!!! The Copic Sketch Markers are really interesting… this is the first time I’ve heard of that one. Also, thanks for your thoughts on Prima vs Winsor &Newton, now I have an idea if ever I get to buy myself a watercolor I can bring anywhere. Anyway, Happy Holidays!

  • Tara says:

    You have some good stash of art supplies! I know nothing about them, but I am glad they are working out well with you! Your artwork is awesome, and I think it’s great you’ve been doing art more this year! Hope to see more artwork from you in 2018! ^^

  • Mija says:

    My husband started using a similar watercolor kit. He usually used acrylic paints so it’s a learning experience right now.

    After doing digital work it’s always nice to just put ink down on paper, your tools are awesome!

    You’re like a jack of all trades!!!

  • Kya says:

    It’s great to hear that you have been enjoying art again! The more you practice and experiment the better you get, which is evident from the great sketches you have been sharing. πŸ˜€

    Thank you so much for sharing all of these! There are many items that I have been interested in, but wasn’t sure about. The figures would be such a great asset when drawing, because you have a visual reference on how to draw certation movements! I have seen a few in shops, but yours have a lot of detail! πŸ˜€

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