My Experience with an Art Supply No-Buy (One Year) | Beam Paints Watercolor Speedpaint
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- čas přidán 22. 11. 2021
- In today's video, I talk about my experiences and lessons learned taking a year away from buying art supplies (no buy). This was a great experience and I absolutely recommend it (but also do not judge if you want to keep buying up all those gorgeous paints :D).
This video also features a Juno cameo.
[ Supplies ]
- Handmade Sketchbook with Bockingford Tinted Waterford Paper by Spofgh
- Beam Paints
- Sakura Gellyroll pen (white)
- Princeton Neptune brushes
- Princeton VelvetTouch brushes
-- Not Sponsored --
Sketchook by Spofgh [Warning: NSFW Shop]
- Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Spofghly
- Instagram: /
Beam Paints:
- www.beampaints.com/
[ My Socials ]
Instagram and Artfol: @briwidmerart
/ briwidmerart
I’m only a minute in and can I just say, THANK YOU. CZcams contributes/preys so heavily to my over-consumption. I fell victim to it in both the beginning of the beauty community boom and recently with my interest in watercolours. Just before I found your video I instituted a no buy 2022 so finding this was very timely for me! Cheers!
Thank you! I'm so glad to be supporting savings accounts 😂 I am very guilty of the see stuff, spend money too. I wish you lots of luck on your no buy and I'll be joining in again in 2022 with a very low buy (I'm allowed 3 things at specific intervals).
I really loved hearing your thoughts on art consumerism. I've been thinking so many of the same things lately, and it was nice to hear it all put together so well. I also loved hearing your no buy experience. I stress shop as well, and only lately realized that it came about partly because I have been working so hard on not stress eating junk food. I traded one bad coping mechanism for another, lol. I'm still learning, I guess.
The junk food avoidance does drive me to other habits too. I've started to journal and it has helped channel the stress, but it doesn't feel as immediately satisfying and snacks or shopping, unfortunately 😩 Good luck with kicking the stress _____ habit (and I need to get back on that train myself. Thanks holidays and your leftovers.)
I really get what you are describing here. It can give us a healthier more complete life experience to deal with our uncomfortable feelings in a more direct way. Buying unneeded stuff is an illusionary solution to a problem. You end up more in control of your life by talking the issue out or sleeping on it. A few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can take care of a lot. Also appreciation for your current stuff is very satisfying.
That's well said 💙
As someone who hoards art supplies and has collector/full-set syndrome, I really respect anyone that can do these no-buy restrictions. It's probably for the best, especially if you're already happy with what you have. I have more watercolor than anyone could ever need, especially with how seldom I get to paint, but sometimes I just "need those new colors." I do get actual joy out of getting those new items, but I have pulled back recently. Yes, all that paper I bought years ago and was too afraid to use may have gone bad, so use what I have now! Do I really need perylene green in 4 different brands? No. So yes, I think it's a great restriction to have to an extent, but don't hold yourself back from getting something you really want or that might expand your artistic horizons.
You mentioned Roman Szmal, and I will say--since you enjoy Daniel Smith, I highly recommend the Aquarius paints. I've been reaching for them more now than my DS, and they have an excellent selection of granulating colors. From what I've seen of Schmincke's "super granulating" paints, price-wise, you're probably better off just buying the individual pigments and mixing your own, since they're fairly simple, and there are many crossovers within the line. Also, I've heard that Yinmin blue hardens into an unwettable, unusable brick after a while, so fair warning. That's only hearsay, so take it with a grain of salt. But if you do get it, you may want to use it quickly.
Love your paintings as always!
Thank you! That's perfectly fair... and I know who to contact if I need to find the most perfect perylene green :D I know from personal experience that the same color in different brands can be wildly different. I *miiiiight* have to get those Roman Szmal Aquarius paints sometime next year. They have been the biggest temptation during my no buy. They are ridiculously affordable for the amount of paint and the apparent quality of the paint. Their selection is just large enough to overwhelm me with choices though. The custom mixing of the Schmincke super granulating paints makes sense too - I've seen some amazing dupes from friends so I know it's completely doable. They're not as tempting as they were upon immediate release, thankfully :) That's a huge bummer about Yinmn Blue, but **SUPER** good to know in advance. Thanks for the head's up!
@@briwidmerart I totally get that. If you do decide to try out the Aquarius paints, there are a couple premade sets now. Also, Oto Kano here on CZcams has some videos where she swatches the entire line and goes over them, including the newer releases. It might be good for picking out a small, limited palette without overwhelming yourself. Either way, look forward to see what you come up with next!
@@elvenham1 Thanks! Dr. Oto Kano is amazing. Since I've mostly bought pre-made sets in the past, I did want to try my hand at creating my own palette. I know I had a pick of 12 of theirs once upon a time, but I guess I didn't save it. Now I have to start over 😂
@@briwidmerart Roman Szmal comes out with new paints really soon, so keep an eye out for that before you design your new palette :)
@@Finkeldinken oh nooo they already have too many 🤣
Bri you just have to realize that it's an entirety reasonable amount of paint if you start painting 14" x 20".
🤣🤣 but that's huge! Impossible!
LOL
I go two months art supply no-buy at the time and think really hard about what I do get now.
I still over-buy a little occasionally, but it's mostly done with. I'm a very 0 or 100 person, so when I'm done splurging on a specific thing, I usually do fine.
I really undestand wanting to try out Roman Szmal. That is one brand that I know I am going to fall hard into at some point, but I've been staving that off for at least a year by now, of which I am pretty proud.
Wonderful painting yet again!
Thank you! Yeah, I guess I'm 0 or 100 too. I think I may get a small Roman Szmal palette sometime next year but otherwise stop buying again. I might have grabbed a few fountain pens and need to go on no buy there now 😂
I’ve always s been a sort of impulsive buyer and supply “collector.” All shreds of self control left when I had kids. My time and attention is so scattered. Free time is in bursts of just a few minutes, and I found myself using that time scrolling, looking at reviews, refreshing my saved searches on eBay... gotta start using that time creating!
It is so hard to break the habit (if you want to, I knew I had to). Admittedly, I relapsed a teensy bit as soon as I came off no buy (darn you Black Friday fountain pen sales 😂) and now I need to go back in timeout 😅
I love that your thinking sustainability in art. I've been trying to become more sustainable overall and it is hard watching all the new and shiney on CZcams. Also your skin painting is on point 🙂.
Thank you! I need to work on it more. I know there's a lot of additional sustainability improvements I can make in my life and I really need to start doing some research and making changes 😊
Everything deteriorates. I can appreciate your point of no buying. I’m currently working on making my own palette with the colors I want and mix up manufacturers. I really don’t need multiple options and every color in the universe 😂. It’s mind boggling 😮
Good luck selecting your perfect palette! 💙 Mixing manufacturers and picking from everyone's best is such a joy but it's so much to choose from. So much window shopping 😂
Wow, you really do use hardly any paint and you don't waste a bit of it! The effect is beautiful!
Me, sitting over here with my full sheets and size 20 brushes splashing paint around LOL
That sounds like so much fun! I want to start working my way up to larger paintings. I also need to get better about mixing more paint so I don't constantly need to mix more later. My current process is tidy but inefficient 😂 Leftover watercolor can be reused in another piece so there's never waste anyway.
I'm a first time viewer and just subbed. What attracted me to your video was the "No Buy" in the title as I have been seriously thinking about doing this myself at the end of the year. I've already started by cancelling my art supply subscriptions and giving any unused (hoarded) supplies to my grandkids. They'll use them up in no time for sure 😊. Great video and I love your art.
Aww hello and thank you! Art subscription boxes give you so much stuff that really does collect. They were a massive part of my first declutter - I gave some to friends and donated the rest. Your grandkids will love them!
Whooo! This video, painting, successful no-buy, it's all glorious!
Awww thank youuu! 💙 😊
I'm doing a no buy in 2022 for the exact same reasons. It's inspiring to see other ppl on CZcams have decided the same thing.
That's so exciting! Best of luck with your no buy! It really is incredible to see all this feedback on this video and know other people are taking on a no buy challenge next year. I will not be doing a complete no buy in 2022, but am severely limiting myself in my purchases. I'll be cheering you all on 😁
Loved, loved, loved this 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. VERY inspiring! I’m definitely thinking about trying this.
Oh, thank you! If you do give it a go, I wish you luck!
Congrats on no buy!!! Woo you did it! Love this piece, I don't know how you manage to make skin glow so prettily, but damn!
Aww thank you, Amber! Obligatory: The trick to getting that glow? Spofbooks. 😂
Thank you for sharing this!!! Such a great video!!❤❤
Thank you! 💙
I love Beam paints! I too have a terrible paint hoarding issue. Beautiful painting and chat. Thanks so much!
Thank you! It's so hard to resist trying all thr wonderful colors from all the brands 🥺
This is great inspiration... hoping I can make that commitment for 2022... keeping my fingers crossed
Good luck! And thank you! I will be doing a low buy in 2022 - I've laid out a few restricted items to motivate me at the 6 month point and I'll pass on the rest.
what a beautiful painting 😍
Thank you so much! 💙
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on no buy periods. It’s strong to make a whole year, but I can see the necessity of it buying way too much myself which turn into shelf warmers. Your portrait is beautiful, love to see how you build up the layers.
Thank you! Yeah, it was a long year 😅 Next year, I've decided to allow myself a couple of purchases throughout the year, but keeping it minimal. Low buy? Something more flexible that ensures my current stuff gets used still.
Just found you. Love this video so much I had to stop watching to subscribe and comment. Pure Perfection.
That means so much to me.. thank you so much!! 🥺💙💙
I love this piece so much! Like A LOT! It's beautiful :D Also congratulations on successfull no buy year, that is awesome achievement. I am on no buy for 4 months and it's getting easier but yes, there are sometimes things I really really want and it's difficult but those times pass and my vallet is happy :D
Aww thank you so much, Rye! Best of luck on your own no buy! Four months is already a big accomplishment. I found the holidays really hard because there are *so many sales* 😅
@@briwidmerart thank you and yes, all black fridays are horribly tempting 😅
the no-buy idea is interesting..., but watching you paint that portrait is incredible! i paint (mostly still life) with watercolor but have not tried portraits. lately i've been drawing portraits, so i guess the next step is painting one with watercolor! you're giving me inspiration. :)
Oh wow, that makes me so happy!! 🥰 I hope you enjoy painting portraits too! I really should do some still life paintings myself and work on my observation and lighting 💙
Thanks for an interesting video. I had also found I had hit peak stuff but was constantly being tempted by new toys. My own way round this has been less strict but has worked quite well. Keeping an inventory via swatch files certainly helped - having 14 different kinds of Pb 29 seems like close to a lifetime supply - and I decided to only buy single pigment lightfast paints. (Mixing up dupes of pricey new colours from my existing stash is fun and a great way of finding out if they'd suit my style.)
I now only buy replacements with the occasional foray into new stuff after exhaustive research and when they are on an offer. Eg. Tinted watercolour sketchbooks which are lovely and I waited months until I got them at a bargain price. I do allow myself a single pencil/pan or tube of something new when I infrequently restock on essentials - I discovered Roman Szmal and Renesens that way which are excellent- but only buy sets if some economic quirk makes them far cheaper than open stock. I do miss the glorious sensation of opening a chocolate-box pretty set but can offset that against not accumulating more extra stuff.
I do agree the reasons we go for retail therapy are about consolation rather than need. Perhaps deep down we all hope that the new paints or brushes are going to solve not just our artistic problems but something deeper?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your painting.
That's a great way to do it! Honestly, having a swatch book all nicely in order helps me not want new paints as badly because of the effort of making and rearranging swatch cards 😂 I have a handful of ultramarine variants myself.. I do have a preference for single pigment paints in general.. it's just the ability to get consistent mixes that makes me happy. The convenience mixes are gorgeous but I imagine it's more satisfying to be able to get that mix yourself from colors you already have.
So excited to watch this. I'm going to do no buy art supplies 2022....
Best of luck with your no buy! I will be doing a limited buy in 2022 so I'll cheer you on and join in!
This is honestly a good idea for the video. But the best thing about it is how you draw it. I like your style! And the atmosphere here is so great!And do you usually put your fav music or music without copyrights? I used to put my friend's music when I realized that my fav music is not free.I also used to make speedpaints like you, but I got bored. And I started making another type of content. Like memes with my characters + some type of trending or interesting themes. Now I do what I like to do. Again, you're the best! Good luck in everything you start!
Thank you, Horami! I tend to avoid music because I haven't found a good resource for free music that I like (without getting overwhelmed by options).
Kudos to you for this video 😁 It earned you at least 1 new subscriber-me. I can totally understand fountain pen lust as well😆 I have a small channel I havent done anything with for 5 years, and it's dedicated to fountain pens and the art I use them in.
I am going to try to do this in 2023. I don't so much worry about paint, or paper - the archival stuff stays good for the length of your lifetime, same with good watercolor, I think. You have inspired me to try to do a no-buy this year.
I did not know the mica mining process was unethical. I tend to avoid the synthetics out of a concern for microplastics. I might need to look into that.
Aww, thank you and welcome! Best of luck in your own no buy!
Archival materials are great for display longevity but the sizing on paper can still go, unfortunately. As long as you live in a dry environment or keep them sealed up in an airtight bin, they last a good long time, though. My humid environment ruined a small pad of W&N cotton (luckily there weren't many pages left).
That's a good point on microplastics and mica. I hadn't considered that angle, so I'm glad you brought it up. I have taken a lot of the basic steps to reduce my own impact on the environment, but I want to learn more and do even better.
I used to buy like one thing I needed a year or wait for Christmas to ask for things. I didn't buy anything the rest of the year and I wasn't even interested in doing so. Until I discovered youtube lol. First it was with makeup, then art supplies, I even got hooked on buying candles.
Now I've decided to only buy either what I run out of or things that I don't have in my stash. For example: I really want some pan pastels and I don't have any so I would buy that. But I wouldn't buy new watercolors even if they are from a different brand and formula because I have plenty
CZcams is dangerous 😂 My friends send me videos and suddenly all my recommendations are telling me what new thing I need in my life - art supplies, fountain pens, electronics.. Waiting until I run out surprised me because.. I didn't run out of any watercolor in an entire year. They last forever! So yep.. I'm still well stocked for the next 10 years probably.
Absolutely great message! But now I want to try Beam paints…..after that definitely no buy 😂😂😂
😂 Oh no, I enabled 😅 I have a hard time saying no to Beam because she makes her paints based on family tradition and sustainability and it's just beautiful... but also... oops.
Your work is lovely. CZcams has been helpful to compare performance and qualities as I consider new water media; I have dry media to use up and keep me busy as I wrap grad school and training. I'll be starting with limited palettes as I explore gouache/watercolor.
Thank you so much! Best of luck with finishing grad school (congrats in advance!) and I hope you enjoy exploring watercolor and gouache! I should use my dry media more (colored pencils).
I love your no-buy experiment, it is amazing how much we buy, but don't use. Myself and a friend did it for three months last year and she is still doing it now. I ended up buying stuff. I love also how you use ethically sourced mica, I keep telling people that mica isn't necessarily a better alternative to glitter, but they just don't listen.
Congrats on your 3 months of no buy and your friend's on-going no buy! I'll admit that not all of my mica is ethically sourced, but I've been checking for that since the moment I learned about the mining of mica a few years ago.
I’m so late but- 1. You’re amazing Bri and your skin painting astounds me 2. I don’t even know how to pronounce my own name I use 3. I totally never enabled anyone ever 4. You’re amazing again
1. 🥺🥰
2. That makes me feel somewhat better and I'm going to just go with Spif-Spof from here on out.
3. Totally. Never.
4. 💕💕💕
I love this video so so so so much
*furiously inserts more junos*
In May 2023 I found myself unemployed, and so I knew I didn't have money to buy new art supplies, so no more art supplyshopping for me. I could handle this, it's all good, not a problem, not addicted to buying art stuff... Then a couple of week into the world of no money I did a stocktake and found so much paper that I forgot I had. And pens, paint, canvas. What I did end up buying, after the financial year end, and tax back from the taxman, was the picture shelves from Ikea, so displaying my work. Normally these would have been home made, but, it is what it is. I'll see how long I go... woohoo!
It's amazing how much you can make by shopping your own stock. I should get some picture shelves too - all of my stuff goes into piles still. Good luck with the continued no buy 💙
Art supplies addiction is real I'm trying a no buy on to appreciate what I have day 1 today 😬
Super real.. Good luck with your no buy!
I’ve done 3 years of “no buy” except I did allow myself art supplies. That was because I started art 3 years ago, so I had nothing, and then I would run out of paper. Watercolors do last forever. Be picky when you buy them and learn to make your own color mixes.
That's the best approach, so you never end up an art supply hoarder 😂
Beautiful,nice sharing friend😃✌️.
Thank you!
I should definitely do this for paints this coming year. Surfaces I'll allow, especially since I'm out of wood panels right now, but I definitely have enough paints. It's too easy to get Shiny Object Syndrome with pretty colors.
Shiny Object Syndrome 😂 I love it. Yeah, definitely worth catering to your own needs. I gave myself an allowance for if I ran out of something.. but I did not 😅 If you do a paint no buy, best of luck!!
I feel the same way...the only thing i really wantvto purschase is a light bix to help me with my sketches my paper...enjoyed this video.....no buy is a good way to stop becoming a a art hoarder....
Thanks! I really do like having a lightbox. Some items I might consider a support tool over an art supply (like ergonomic aids or furniture). Lightbox might get a pass in my personal book, but it all depends on your goals 😊
Oh tell me about it!! Yes it’s all about that but not on my channel 😄 this is why it’s taking me 4+ years to get my first 1k subs 🤣
I’ve never heard of Beam paints - interesting to see what you use and lovely painting 👍
Thank you! I can't imagine hitting 1k subs 😂 But yeah, new supplies and unboxings get the views (although apparently no buy is a hot topic right right too 😁). Beam Paints come from a small paintmaker in Canada. They don't have as much buzz, but they are really good and sustainably made so I really appreciate them 💙
@@briwidmerart I will have to keep a look out for Beam Paints - I like sustainable items too but it’s difficult in the art world (though Princeton paintbrushes are vegan I think)
They are synthetic (at least the ones I use), so yep - vegan 🙂 Beam Paints aren't vegan, though. She uses locally sourced honey in the paint and beeswax in their plastic-free wraps. There are paint makers that do make vegan paints, but I'm not sure if any also do plastic free.
I need to do no buy. This inspired me to start. I have tons of supplies. Stress and fear of running out if I use them. Plus thinking I’m not good enough. But cancer recurrence should mean I’m allowed to use them surely.
Oh, how cool! I hope you enjoy your no buy! But yes, art supplies are meant to be used and loved, even though it's so easy to set them aside in fear of not being good enough for them. Most art supplies last a good long time, fortunately 😊 I'm sorry to hear about the cancer and hope you can defeat it fully 💙
Really interesting video !
Thank you!
I love that you specifically mentioned Roman Szmal because while I’m listening I’m thinking I could do no buy unless the Roman Szmal colors I want come back in stock. 😄 Love your thoughts and art!
They're such a great price for full pans and the lineup is huge! I'm so curious about them (but I really don't need more paints 😂). I take it you really like them then? I think I'll allow myself one small palette purchase in 2022 so maaaaybe... 😁
Thank you so much!
@@briwidmerart I haven’t tried them yet, I just got 4 colors in the mail today for Christmas. So so excited I’m mostly interested in the more unique colors they have. I also want the finelinernerd palette, do you find yourself coming back to it often? Me and the want monster could really use an art supply buying break!
Oh, that makes sense! They do have some wonderfully unique colors.
I do love the finelinernerd palette. I used it often for awhile this year but haven't gone back to it lately. It does make an excellent skintone set, but it does lack a true warm red so that's my only real issue. The paints are made with clove oil, so they smell wonderful, and the gold is gorgeous and uses ethical mica, so that's fantastic. The colors are vibrant and re-wet easily. I definitely do need to take it out again soon 🙂
@@briwidmerart Yeah the gold is a really lovely shade. That’s good info, thanks for chatting!
@@meldixon1918 yeah, it was great chatting with you as well!
I went a little wild with art books in the last few months 😀 but last month, I had a huge expense for my car and I'm on a no buy regime, but I allready broke it, I bought swatch stamps and an inkpad. Painting supplies although there are so many palettes hyped about, I have managed to stop myself from buying. I try to paint more to get the buzz instead of spending on art supplies. I know when I recover from the car disaster I will buy some more porcelain palettes, but I plan to use up more paints before buying more.
I'm sorry to hear about your car! I wish you luck on your current no buy. It is so hard to say no to new palettes - congratulations on doing so! I hope you can get that buzz from painting more. I need to get back to painting more myself.
I would love to try Yn Min blue. Funny I was in a fountain pen rage, I use them for art. Got 3 or 4, some really cheap to use with Sketch ink and a nice one from Faber Castell.
I just started sketching with mine after this video! I'm not in the habit of working in ink anymore but I'm learning and having fun with it! Doing daily doodles with my pens 😁
Thanks for this video. I will try as I had bought a lot of art supplies each time corona-numbers were rising. This needs to stop - well, both, but I have only the power over one of it. Let’s see how long I can do it. My first goal is to buy nothing until easter.
Yes both.. but definitely the one we can't control 😣 I wish you lots of luck in your no buy! Starting small sounds good! I decided to continue a no buy next year, with allowances for one small watercolor palette, one fountain pen, and one sketchbook once I hit specific milestones. Hoping that makes it feel less like punishment and more like rewards for achievements (and also preventing me from going overboard as soon as I'm "free" this time 😂).
Such a good breakdown for no buys. Love the "magpie part of the brain" sentence. Writing that one down. Also, this discord with artists, do you know if there's perhaps still such a thing going strong? I know I'm really late to this video, but would love to find a group of like minded people 😃
Thank you! That specific Discord community kind of collapsed, unfortunately. I'm currently only in art Discord communities related to the classes I've taken. There are alme massive ones that I think are public, like Lightbox Expo and Art Corner, which may be overwhelming but could be a good place to find a smaller community or create one.
I'm really glad this was recommended to me..lately youtube has been recommending things like black Friday halls or generally halls of people buying more art supplies in a month than I could ever use in 10 years 😂 I do like review videos because I'm that kind of person who would study the material quite allot before giving it a try, but it has been really excessive lately!!
I personally only get to buy art supplies once a year so I'm on a no-buy by default 😂 I also try to use my materials to a maximum (no new sketch book before I finish the one I have and so on..) you might be surprised of how much potential a student grade colouring pencils can have you only have to work around their flaws.
I really loved this video and even if you do buy more stuff you can always have a minimalistic approach ❤
Aw, thank you! I love review videos too and learning about new supplies and new brands but yeah, my self control was slipping a bit 😂 Getting new supplies less frequently and getting really acquainted with your media is such a great way to go about it (and much healthier for the wallet). There are so many amazing student grade brands nowadays too (I'm sure there were before, but I wasn't as aware of them and started with super chalky paints).
I passed this year buying watercolor art supplies, they were so expensive that I decided to just stop next year, maybe I will save some money to buy a new set in 2023, I don't know yet. Maybe I probably will have to buy more paper next year, but let's see...
And I just realized that I bought a lot of art supplies just because I saw on CZcams or in another social medias. Lol 😂 but now I'm a little smarter with my tendency to buy.
People are just so good at hyping up products here 😂 I've bought things I've seen recommended from multiple CZcamsrs before and yep.. can't buy everything (definitely don't need to either). Good paper is essential though. I definitely don't *need* more paint but I might allow myself a small palette of 6 next year since I've withheld for so long. But maybe not? Congrats on your watercolor supplies no buy!
Your cat is so soft and fluffy! And pretty...
I came to watch this after watching the more recent one where you mentioned the no buy year - now I feel even guiltier about all my cupboards full of STUFF. Plus paper can go off? Meep! How long does that take, I wonder... I know I have got some pads of paper that are at least 50 years old. Re: the paints - I do have a problem and it's mostly from watching YT vids and finding all these reviews of paints from handmade (Poems about You and Kwartz are my downfall there) and all the more commercial ones from Schminke, Daniel Smith to Roman Szmal and White Nights... and I do now have a huge number of brands and makes and almost suffer from a kind of paralysis when I come to paint as I can spend a good half hour to an hour trying to decide which paints to use. A Gallo or Kwartz? Isaro or Maimeri Blu? So yep, I can see I have a problem, and your idea is such a good one. If I stop buying I might actually use some of that energy on actually drawing and painting instead.
Oh and the Yn Min blue to me looks very much like ultramarine - though I haven't used it in anger yet. I'd love to see you do that video comparison one day though.
Don't feel guilty on my account because I have SO MUCH paint too (and sketchbooks and paper and brushes and more and more). Paper sizing (the gelatin in paper) can expire but it depends on how it's made and the environment itself. I live in a very high humidity environment, which takes a toll. Leaving them in a container or wrapped helps (or just not living in a swamp state 😂).
I haven't even heard of Kwartz and now I'm curious 🤔😅
Also, I just use the same palette for a few pieces, then trade it out for a different one.. and kind of rotate through. It takes out the pressure of picking one for each piece and ensures you use them all over time.
WC paper expiring depends on how it is stored, and the climate. Dryer areas, no light, and plastic wrapping all can help. Your 50 year paper is almost certainly unusable. I've had issues with sheets from local stores being off from sitting loose in a display and they couldn't be more than a year old at most, probably less.
It seems quite a few youtube artists has been on a buying freeze of some kind or another this past year. I have not been on a no buy, but more on a buy less, buy smarter thing the past year. Pretty much for all the reasons you mentioned. Next year will be somewhat the same. I am going to try to use up stuff instead.
Oh, I hadn't seen those videos! I'll have to look into the experiences of others. I think I'll be on a "low buy" next year as well. Buy smarter - I like that 😁
You’ll love Kremer Pigments Blues palette … check out Oto Kano’s review. It includes YBlue 🌺
😂 I've seen it.. I just can't justify that price point and so much BLUE! I do want it though 💙
i have been painting 27 years now. and for many years i got my art supplies at thrift shops and gift cards from my sister i have hundreds of brushes ive never thrown them out ,i have so much and want them all ,i paint with passion every day and having prime makes it so easy i dont sell my art so im not buying arches ,if i sold my art id end up with an art store in my 1 bedroomapt,lol ,i say buy if you love art .
I definitely have enough watercolor and gouache for now 😅 I don't paint every day, but that sounds wonderful. Maybe one day I'll be able to dedicate more time and then I'll go through more supplies and be able to justify buying all the good stuff. In the meantime, I don't have the time or space for it all 😂
This is something I'm very familiar with because I'm a terrible stress buyer. I know it... I work on it.. but I have regressions from time to time. I have more paint etc than I ever need and tons of things I not only regret buying but never use... and that is after setting up a broke but talented new artist with an entire studio of his own about a year and a half ago. At the worst not only do I buy, but I spend more time watching videos, reading articles, and browsing store sites online than I do painting.. which doubly defeats the purpose. Prices constantly rising and the huge shipping increases are making it even more of a problem. The only way I can sustain a no buy is to cut off the triggers. That means no communication from stores in any format... no groups because like you said they are enablers to the max...extremely careful YT video browsing (turn off your history because YT LOVES to promote videos begging you to buy).. and no YT subscriptions that promote buying. It's a LOT harder than you may think to find channels that are about painting and not buying.. one big red flag are affiliate links and/or sponsored content, if they are getting paid from sales, run. Most professional artists stick with a set of supplies for years if not decades, they know them inside and out which is one of the large components that enable them to create great art... it's really hard to do your best work constantly switching back and forth since everything is different especially in watercolor. Those artists seldom have an online presence however except to advertise their art or classes. The vast majority are hobbyists/collectors.. or influencers who literally get people to buy for a living. When I cut off the last time I was kind of shocked to find out I really prefer to paint with a limited palette.. ultramarine, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, sepia, sap green, and magenta. I kind of like to have cad yellow/red around in a half pan just for pops of color. I also do enjoy and appreciate my granulating palette which is all single pigment. I tend to reach for two brushes on the regular.. a half inch flat and a #2 round, or a 3/4 inch flat and a #4 round depending on the size I'm working with, and I am perfectly happy with my Princeton Aquaelite and Neptunes. Good paper is a must, and after trying about 50 different kinds I discovered I actually started with my favorites.. Arches and Bee cotton. I could live without everything else I've ever bought.. and everything else is a huge amount of stuff that just breaks my heart to look at... much of it very high end. I keep meaning to try to sell some if it, but the thought of dealing with Ebay, packing, shipping, payment, etc is daunting.. so it sits. I think I'm off to declutter my YT channels again, after writing this I know it's time for some to go.
Totally understand. It's absolutely not for everyone. The fact that you set up a studio for someone else is incredible and super thoughtful!! I have such a hard time parting with supplies, but I'm starting to get better and even have a box of watercolors I'm not using to send off to a friend who wants to get started. The whole idea of selling online is overwhelming to me, so I can understand that barrier. If I'm just shipping to friends on occasion, it's not too bad.. but I have some items I haven't given away simply because the cost of shipping is probably too high for what it is. If I can bring myself to try things out, pick out only what's a keeper, and then pass along the rest.. that would be better. I just tend to hoard and then no one benefits from the supplies. I might have to get your palette a go at some point - it's an interesting assortment! Very earthy. I imagine it's quite fun. I haven't used Bee cotton myself, but I might give that a look when I finally use up the stash of paper I have, since I know they're more affordable than Arches. Aww I feel guilty that I'm driving you to declutter channels :(
@@briwidmerart The palette is earthy, I prefer muted tones, but you can really do natural color with it too.. ultramarine is bright enough and the use of magenta (usually PR122 or the rose version of PV19) instead of something like alizarin or other "earth reds" gives you bright pink, purple, and even some pretty oranges with the yellow ochre. Most Sap greens are quite bright, I use it to mix other greens most of the time. I tend to paint landscapes, florals, and critters and find I have no problems with "day-glo" artificial looking colors, mixes that just don't fit, or pigments that are super strong compared to the rest.. everything plays well together... and they are all very lightfast even in cheap brands (you do have to watch the sap green, in some brands I would choose another mixed green option or leave it out and just mix my own). Bad side basically none of the smaller palettes give me the colors I want so I almost always have to buy individual pans or tubes.. which I think is best anyway you have to think more about what you buy and why.. and it slows you down. I have to give credit to Peter Sheeler, he uses that palette and I fell in love with it after doing a few of his paintings myself. Bee cotton is similar to Arches.. likes to hold color (glaze), doesn't like to lift, thirsty, nice smooth blends. On the lighter side of CP texture. Not as strong but strong enough if you don't scrub at it. Have to be careful with your tape. It's my go to "cheap" paper, but it comes in limited sizes and can be hard to find, it goes out of stock very frequently. It's pretty much the exact opposite of the Bockingford you were painting on. Don't feel bad about the channels, I knew I had gotten sucked in again and you did me a favor by pulling me out of the product parade. I cleaned house, deleted the THREE orders I had pending.. because I. Do. NOT. Need. More. Art. Supplies. I feel better, honest.
@@waymire01 🥰 In that case, nice! One of these days I'll head over to Blick (it's 3 hours away) and try to check out the paper samples in person and grab a few new ones to test. I remember when Bee almost disappeared for awhile - I'm glad they're back.
I have a small sap green from Daniel Smith that I haven't used much - I'll need to look at its pigment info. I definitely have some PR122 and PV19s, though my actual tubes are almost empty.
What's your favorite ultramarine? I have Daniel Smith's, which dries down like a rock, and Schmincke's Ultramarine finest, which doesn't have granulation. That's one paint I'd like to replace in my collection with just a good classic PB29.
@@briwidmerart So jealous. We have no art stores left anywhere here, just Hobby Lobby and a couple of Michaels. Hobby Lobby took over everything, there are 14 of them in my metro area. Be sure to check out Kim Crick, she does paint information (YT, patreon, and a great website).. she did real life UV testing on most brands and Daniel Smith had over 25 LF1 rated colors fade in just a few months. My favorite ultramarine is WN, french ultramarine. It's not the highest granulator but I love the tone, its a softer color than many, and the way it blends. Its closer to indigo in mass tone and a beautiful birds egg blue diluted. I think WN is my favorite brand if I had to pick one.. it's just so lovely on paper and to work with. Washes just melt into each other, and all the colors go along with the others. It gets a lot of flack for not being bright enough but I've always been partial to the soft european classic watercolor style and it has been doing that for a very long time. The nicest granulator is Schmincke.. but you want french ultramarine. The one you have is intended to be smooth.
@@waymire01 Yeah, I think finest refers to the pigment being ground down more to sit flatter? I have had mixed results with W&N, but have only tried maybe 5 colors. I'd be willing to give a small tube of their ultramarine a try one day, thank you! Kimberly Crick is wonderful (and Dr. Oto Kano). I tend to avoid them unless I'm looking for something specific though because then I want *all the things* 😂
Ugh sorry about Hobby Lobby. That's so unfortunate. I really wish we could get a Blick or Jerry's nearby. The near 6 hour round-trip is a lot to just pick out supplies so I've only done it once. Even a smaller artist shop would be amazing. It's only Hobby Lobby and Michael's within 125mi (200km).
I have some regrets with buying too many paints too. I hoarded watercolours for years. I put some colours I bought early on when I didn’t understand pigments etc into palettes for different things and started trying to use them, but I just don’t enjoy using those palettes and prefer my favourite colours I know how to mix well. I wished I had just kept a palette of maybe 30 colours max. Oops.
Yeah, it's so easy to see all the products everyone's using online and in stores and buy so much more than you need. I really wish I had known better and started with 12 and built from there.
Where did you get the brush rest from?
Vasuri Glass: www.etsy.com/shop/VasuriGlass
I really want to try some homemade watercolors, but I'm obsessed with light fast ratings. Do you have any suggestions, or should I just take the risk? ❤
I would recommend searching to see if others have performed lightfast tests on the brands that interest you. Most sellers provide their ratings, but they're not official ASTM ratings. I admit that I've been curious but completely negligent in making my own tests for the brands I currently own. Generally a lightfast pigment should be mostly consistent across brands, so a PB29 (ultramarine) should be a safe bet, but a PR83 (alizarin crimson) will consistently let you down. But yeah, there will be differences due to the individual brand's binder that could cause variation. I tend to use my handmade watercolors in sketchbooks and my officially tested brands for anything that might be displayed. I know Kimberly Crick does thorough testing, but it looks like she doesn't have lightfastness tests for handmade brands yet (aw). I really should add this to my to-do list. Sorry that I couldn't provide anything more concrete. I personally love trying out handmade brands, but they are more pricey and it's always a bit of a guess on what they'll be like.
@@briwidmerart thank you so much. I've been negligent in testing my own as well. 🙂
Could you show us some of your pallets or review the supplies you have.
Uhh 😅 Maybe. Some are kind of.. a mess of cat fur that got stuck on them so they're a bit gross.
İm currently doing a no buy and using all of the supplies İ dont currently like and challenge myself to go wild and see if İ can make somethings that are more experimental just to get rid of the supplies and use them
That's such a good idea! Maybe you'll find a new appreciation for those supplies by using them different and, if not, no worries - they're gone. I like it! Best of luck with your no buy!
nice video
Thank you!
Not to enable you.. but that Bockingford paper comes in five different colors.. it's super easy to tear down a sheet yourself, find a nice empty journal, and maybe put them in rotating a different color each page.. would make an very interesting sketchbook.
I have one already!! I use it in a lot of my videos here and it's a favorite. My friend made it for me 🥰 My favorites are the blue and green. I only have a handful of spreads left so I need to finish it up and commission a new one from her.
Also tempted to buy JUMBO BLUE SHEETS and make big ol' paintings, but I don't know how safely they ship around here and I don't have local shops.
@@briwidmerart I’ll fly to you with a suitcase of just full sheets of blue bockingford yeah?
@@spofgh41 🤣🤣 I will set up the guest room
@@briwidmerart I've ordered a ton of single full WC sheets from Blick. They wrap them like they are ready for an apocalypse...plastic wrap then two layers of cardboard box. Never had a single shipment damaged, and if anything happened they are wonderful about replacement. I think they charge an extra $3 in handling but you can buy as few or as many as you like, no minimum, mix and match brands and types as you please.
Oh that's not bad at all! Then I just need to find a place to store them away from the cat that loves chomping on paper/cardboard 😂
Did 3 years of No Buy in another hobby and after that bought only 3-4 items in 2 next years. It is hard in a start but then you think "do I really need this and do I have time for proper use of this"? - the answer is "No" for most of the time ^^
Wow! That is incredible! Well done. I don't think I could go quite that long but I will definitely be scrutinizing purchases more from here on out.
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I feel it would be difficult to explain my experiences (as indicated by the title) without speaking; however, I do appreciate your insightful comment, Polite 😑
Did your parents not learn you any words good? That's a shame.