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You can't have enough art supplies.

  • Writer: Annie Mason
    Annie Mason
  • 3 min read

This

is an opinion.

My opinion.







The art supplies pictured here are my own. Many of the items link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate, earning from the reader's purchases here. I can comfortably say that I use all the products listed below, and I am confident that they are art supplies that you would enjoy at a beginner or professional level.



Let's start with basic supplies.





PAINTS



You can see that this set has been used. I bought this set in 2015, and it still serves me well. The link will bring you to a catalog of similar sets.


A Paint set which has 24 color pans along with a palette and a watercolor pen.
Sakura Koi 24 color Travel Set





I use these Winsor & Newton© watercolours are rich with high pigmentation. You can see that this has had plenty of use since 2019 and still have plenty of color. Recognizing the colors was a little harder, so I cut a piece from the wrapping on each pan and glued it above each paint pan. This set has a water pen, and the lid opens to a palette.



Winsor & Newton watercolour paint set 12 half pans
Winsor & Newton 12 half pan watercolour set




WATERCOLOR PAPERS




Strathmore watercolor paper pad. bright yellow cover with a watercolor illustration 12 sheets
Strathmore Watercolor Pad

You can find more watercolor paper selections in the catalog search here.





BRUSHES



These are my go-to brushes, especially when using washes. Brushes come in 9 popular sizes—#0, #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12, #14, #16. This is an extremely versatile size range. It is perfect for professionals, artists, students, novices, beginners, and adults. Natural sable hairs have great liquid-holding ability, and soft and smooth blending gives you a perfect sable-like spring back and ability to hold its shape.



A picture of sable watercolor brushes
Sable Watercolor brushes in a range of sizes.

This set is perfect for details with your brush. I keep two sets so that I don't run out when a brush starts to wear down.


A picture of twelve small brushes for details.
Twelve watercolor brushes for small details.

Close up of small set of watercolor brushes.
Transon detail brushes (close up)








































Despite the fancy-sounding name, these brushes are a Value Pack on Amazon. I use them for paintings, wear them out, and then buy another 12-piece pack for under $20. (Eight brushes are shown here.)





A picture of eight different artist paintbrushes
Royal and Langnickel artist brushes


You should clean your brushes! It keeps them healthy.






A Spiral Holder Suspends Brush Tips To Prevent Bending Or Deforming of The Bristles As They Hang To Dry Or Soak In Either Water Or Solvents. Great product.















DRAWING


I LOVE these watercolor pencils. They allow me to add shadows or detail in areas where I can draw colors and contrast. I sharpen these down to the nub. Beautiful colors. * Note the holder. My daughter bought me the holder, which looks like the "spiral shaving" leftover from a pencil sharpener. Very clever. Get yours here Clive Roddy.




A picture of watercolor pencils in a "pencil shavings" holder
General's watercolor pencils in a "shavings" holder





A package of micron black pens from Sakura
Sakura micron pens - 6 pack



These are handy for drafting, but I love being able to trace perfect circles in any situation. The erasing shield also helps to erase unwanted lines close to each other.




A picture of two circle templates and an eraser shield
Two templates of a series of circles and an eraser shield


Speaking of erasing. I don't like to think about making mistakes...but I confess. I make them.





A picture of a Faber-Castell kneaded eraser in a plastic case.
A Faber-Castell kneaded eraser in a plastic case.




As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking the links

and making any purchase from this website will be an Amazon commission

for me but will have no cost to you.



Not necessarily needed, it's nice to have this equipment or these furniture items:









If you like to video your work-in-progress

or you like to do tutorials:










Good lighting:







Keep your artwork safe:


I own all of the products listed above. If you are thinking about any of these for yourself, for a budding artist in your life, or for a crafter of any kind, click through to Amazon and drop a product in your cart. I thank you, as I do get a commission for your purchase after the item has been shown and delivered.










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He Molded the Clay

  • Writer: Annie Mason
    Annie Mason
  • 4 min read

In 1972, I completed my Fine Arts degree from Westfield State College (now Westfield State University). Ready to conquer the world, I set out to be an elementary art teacher. It was exciting to land a job in my hometown.


The position involved "running" (well. not really) from school to school and teaching the art curriculum at Kindergarten through fifth-grade levels. I was assigned three schools in the district, which numbered about 1000 kids in a two-week rotation.


This story involves one of those schools and one particular young boy.


Fort Meadow Elementary. Shortly after the school year started, a group of people and the classroom teacher of one of the fourth grades met me at the door to tell me there would be a new "special needs" student who was being mainstreamed into the classroom. He came into the school accompanied by the para-educator assisting his side. I had all the usual feelings: What were his issues? What could he do? What would I have to do? I was filled with some fear and apprehension.


Rick Hoyt was wheeled in and brought to the back of the room. Over time, I slowly got to know him. The classroom teacher explained that his wheelchair was "state-of-the-art." The chair had a computer that allowed him to "tap out his answers" on the foot pedals, and his teachers would translate. Some students figured out the codes and used Rick as their "cheat sheet" on math problems.


My typical art curriculum involved drawing, painting, crayons, chalk, cut and paste, and other two-dimensional projects. Every so often, I would throw in more unique lessons. On this day, we made "pinch pots" with natural clay, not Play-Doh. The process involves giving each student a hand-sized clump of clay. They would then roll it into a smooth ball, poke in their thumbs, and begin to form a little pot. Finally, they would draw their initials on the bottom, and these would be taken to another school where they would be fired and dried in a pottery kiln and later painted in a ceramic glaze.


I started giving out the clay, and the classroom became alive with excitement. I demonstrated the technique and began to pass out the clay chunks. Ricky was the last of the students I approached, waiting patiently with his para-helper. I took Ricky's hands and plopped the clay into them. He immediately screeched at a level that could be heard three classrooms down the hall.


I was horrified and concerned that I had upset him. Then, I got closer to him and looked at his face. It was bright with enthusiasm, and he was grinning ear to ear. I couldn't believe it. I had made a connection with Rick that would last the rest of my life. For the first time (probably the last), I left the rest of my students alone and spent the rest of this time working with Ricky.


Who is Ricky Hoyt?







Five years later, he and his dad would run a fundraiser for a local lacrosse player paralyzed in an accident. When it was over, Rick told his father: "Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped." Together, they are a running duo known worldwide. Together Dick and Rick Hoyt have inspired the running community to beat the odds.








Dick and Rick have done countless triathlons and iron-man races and competed in 32 Boston Marathon events. Yes. Team Hoyt was there when the Boston bombing caused such heartache in the annual event of 2013. The two were two miles from the finish line when the police patrol stopped them and told them what had happened. Dick was concerned about others on the Team and that they might be at the finish line. All were safe, and the rest of the team had finished. What a terrible scare for all who were impacted by this tragedy.






The Hoyts Team Hoyt
Rick and Dick Hoyt


In 2015, I decided that I would like to reunite with both Rick and Dick in Rick's apartment in Massachusetts. We remembered a lot of stories about Rick and laughed at his antics. My husband took several photographs, and later, I drew an image of both in charcoal pencil. It hangs on the "wall of memories" in Rick's apartment.



As I write these memories, the world has learned that Dick Hoyt has passed. CNN ESPN 's Twitter account and The Boston Globe are among the media platforms posting stories about this sports icon. The tributes are flowing in from all over the world. Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt have inspired the running communities but also families who have had their lives positively impacted by the courage and determination of these two. "Yes, [absolutely] You Can."




A group of runners, sports commentators, and athletes honor Team Hoyt in this tribute video (30 minutes):






It's an honor that my own life has been impacted by these two. My story above is among the many shared by others in the book, One Letter at a Time by Dick and Rick Hoyt and my friend, Todd Civin.






Books on the Hoyts are available on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I will earn a small commission for your purchase at no additional cost. I am among the contributors to this book, One Letter at a Time by Rick and Dick Hoyt, with Todd Civin. It's a story every runner should read.







An additional source here for One Letter at a Time and other book offerings.


Search "Team Hoyt" on YouTube, and you will find videos on the Hoyt family.




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Meet the Artist - CatCoq

  • Writer: Annie Mason
    Annie Mason
  • 6 min read

Meet the Artist. The place where I introduce YOU to an artist through a "virtual" interview. Our featured artist is Cat Coquillette, an artist extraordinaire.

Let's begin.


Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and you purchase an item from this blog, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.





Cat Coquillette

"Digital Nomad"


person artist illustrator teacher
Cat Coquillette - Artist, Illustrator, Entrepreneur

  • Who are you and what is your background?

Hey there! My name is Cat Coquillette and I’m an artist, entrepreneur, educator, and the founder of CatCoq, which is my art and education brand. I started my career in the design agency world and now, I’m working for myself as a commercial artist and educator.


After years of building up my side-hustle, I finally made the leap into entrepreneurship in 2016. In the years since then, I’ve grown my company as I travel the world full-time as a “digital nomad”. My office changes daily, but it’s usually in a coffee shop, co-working space, or Airbnb somewhere in the world.

My brand is split between art licensing and education. I teach others how to do exactly what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis: earn an income through art licensing, grow their brand using social media marketing, paint with watercolors and acrylics, edit artwork digitally, create patterns for surface design, and more. My classes teach a mix of creative and business skills.

My artwork and designs can be found worldwide in stores including Urban Outfitters, Target, Barnes & Noble, Modcloth, Nordstrom, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. I’m a keynote speaker for entrepreneur and design conferences around the world and my writing, interviews, and design work have been featured by Forbes, CNN, US Weekly, Teen Vogue, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post.



  • What is your favorite medium?


I tend to rotate my artwork between about five or six different mediums. My two favorites at the moment are painting by hand with watercolors and drawing digital illustrations using the iPad app, Procreate.







Cat Coquillette's style evolution

  • Has your practice changed over time?


When I first began seeing success as an artist, I was painting a lot of botanical watercolors and brush-lettered words of wisdom surrounded by floral wreaths. That style worked very well for me back in my early days– 2014.

Since then, my style has adapted along with market trends. I still incorporate typography and florals, but my illustration style has evolved. I like retro-inspired fonts or blocky hand-lettering with bold color palettes and cheeky quotes.

I’ve also expanded my motifs. When I was getting started, I preferred to paint non-cuddly creatures: cicadas, beetles, snakes, crabs, moths, and the likes. I steered away from anything with a face because I wasn’t confident enough to attempt facial features. Now, I’ve leaned into my own personal style and embraced painting mammals like pandas, bunnies, squirrels, foxes, otters, and other animals that I love. Bring on the cute eyes and button noses!




  • What do you most enjoy painting?

For me, painting is an indulgent activity, like relaxing in a bubble bath or curling up on the couch with a good book. When I get out my watercolors and set out a blank piece of paper, I’m entering self-care mode.



  • What is the strongest memory of your childhood?


I remembered the exhilaration I felt when I tore away the wrapping paper of a Christmas present to unveil an art easel, which came with a huge pack of assorted markers.

The markers were scented according to their color, so they smelled like blueberry, mint, black licorice, buttercream, etc. After my parents helped me set up the easel with an oversize notepad of blank paper, I got started drawing.

Instead of choosing my colors based on accuracy, like the sun is yellow and the grass is green, I picked colors based on what smelled good together. This resulted in color combinations like chocolate and cherry with a dash of banana for a drawing of an elephant, instead of a standard grey that I probably otherwise would have chosen.

Ultimately, it was a means for me to break away from preconceived notions of color choices and explore something entirely different.




  • What jobs have you done other than being an artist?


watercolor design tech laptop skin society6 catcoq catquillette
Watercolor Burst - society6 laptop skin

My first job was at a paint-on-pottery studio when I was sixteen. I was a pretty terrible employee– I spent most of my time painting on the ceramics products I was supposed to be selling, so after a few months, I was canned.

The experience taught me that having a passion for my career is important, but so is being a good businesswoman. I could spend all day, every day painting, but that wouldn’t pay my salary unless I have a solid strategy for monetizing and growing.

The reason my business is successful is that I’ve found a way to blend both together.



  • What food, drink, or song inspires you?


I went through a phase of painting my favorite foods and sweets. It was a fun project and resulted in a few collections that landed my work in Target, Barnes & Nobel, HomeGoods, and a few more.



  • What has been your favorite response to your work?


Cat Coquillette - classes on Skillshare.com

It’s always a compliment to see my artwork hanging in someone’s home, but teaching is what gives me a deep sense of purpose. My personal fulfillment comes from hearing from my students and reading the reviews they leave on my online classes.


When someone reaches out to tell me that I’ve helped them gain confidence in their artwork, or overcome a creative or entrepreneurial challenge, I feel like I’ve actually made a difference in someone’s life. This is the ultimate compliment I could ever receive and it’s what drives me to continue pursuing education.


All of my classes are online, which means I don’t have one-on-one time with any of my students while I’m teaching. Instead, I’m talking to a camera, which means I lose out on the intimacy and connection you get when conversing with someone face-to-face. So ultimately, when I hear from my students or read their class reviews. I feel a sense of connection. I enjoy painting and will always be creating artwork, but teaching is my purpose and my future.



  • Professionally, what is your goal?

Global art domination.


But more realistically, I’d like to be able to regularly purchase first-class tickets for my family to visit me, wherever I am in the world. That’s my next financial milestone for my business. Not only does it mean more comfortable travel for my parents, but it also signifies that my company is doing exceptionally well.


More milestones I’d like to reach within the next few years:


1. I’m currently writing my first book and would love to get it published.


2. Teaching is a passion of mine and I’d like to grow my online classes. At this very moment, I’ve just launched my eighteenth Skillshare class and am hoping to hit 20 by the summer.

3. I’d love to design special-edition packaging for a cosmetic or skincare line. Because of my background in branding, I’m a sucker for well-designed packaging. Even though my daily face routine is usually just moisturizer and mascara, I collect cosmetics that I rarely use just because I adore the packaging.

4. I want to get involved with more cause-related partners. More specifically, I’d like to focus on foundations that help animals, children, women, or aspiring entrepreneurs.





  • What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to get started as an artist?


Stop procrastinating and put yourself out there! I’ve met so many creatives who aspire to support themselves through their artwork but are terrified of failure, so they don’t take the first step. Everyone starts somewhere.

Also, explore various avenues and find what works best for you. One person’s success won’t be the answer for everyone. Once you find your jam and hit your stride, capitalize on that momentum and hustle hard.



Thank you so much, Cat. My readers are grateful that you took time out of your busy schedule to share your art, your talent, and your myriad of amazing adventures from which you find your inspiration.



Readers, be sure to check Cat's website: Catcoq.com

Check her blog: Cat's blog

Society6: Catcoq

Redbubble: Cat Coquillette

Zazzle: Catcoq Gifts

Instagram: Catcoq


Visit all the MEET THE ARTIST posts


Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive earnings at no extra cost.





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Meet the Artist - Catcoq Cat Coquillette pictures of art bamboo fronds anniemasonart.com







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