Last-Minute Holiday Gift Idea!

Looking for the perfect gift for an artist? Check out my Graphite Pencil Reviews to see my favorite studio pencils: Watch here!

This Lyra Rembrandt Art Design Pencil Set is budget-friendly at $14–$15 USD, but is it worth it? Watch the video to find out!

The Perfect High-Quality Paper for Artists!

If you're looking for beautiful, professional-grade paper with a variety of neutral tones, Stonehenge Neutrals by Legion Paper is a fantastic choice! I’ve used this paper for decades, and it’s consistently high-quality—perfect for mixed media, graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, and even crafts.

A Must-Have Book for Kids Who Love to Draw!

I stumbled upon Dog Loves Drawing by Louis Yates at a bookstore sale, and it’s been a studio favorite ever since! This adorable story takes kids on a fun, imaginative drawing adventure with Dog and his doodled friends. Perfect for young artists!

The Perfect Autumn Read for Young Artists & Nature Lovers!

I’m back after a much-needed break, and I have the perfect book to share! The Boy Who Drew Birds by Jacqueline Davies tells the story of John James Audubon, the father of bird illustration. This book beautifully connects art and science, making it a great classroom resource for teaching migration patterns and animal illustration.

Budget-Friendly Drawing Pencils – If You Can Find Them!

Looking for an affordable pencil set for beginners or kids? The Kasimir Drawing Pencils were a solid budget option when I bought them in early 2020—but they’ve since disappeared from Amazon!

I’m not sure if the company shut down or if sellers just aren’t importing them right now. However, you might still find them on Walmart for $8.58. I’ve also included the original Amazon link in case they come back for Prime shoppers!

A Fun & Silly Art History Book for Kids!

When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden is a playful take on art history, introducing kids to two famous artists in a colorful, imaginative way. Is it historically accurate? Probably not! But with bright illustrations, a fun story, and an art-inspired rivalry between a cow and a pig, it keeps kids engaged while sparking their creativity. Plus, there’s a short historical summary at the end to set the record straight!

A Stunningly Illustrated Story – The Rainbow Goblins

One of my all-time favorite books for its gorgeous paintings and captivating story—The Rainbow Goblins by Ul de Rico! This tale follows mischievous goblins who steal color from the rainbow. While it may be a bit spooky for sensitive kids, its breathtaking artwork makes it a fantastic read for teens, adults, and art lovers alike.

Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils – Love Them or Leave Them?

Tried out the Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils, and… I kind of like them? And kind of don’t!

Kickstart Your Summer Creativity with Max Makes A Million!

Happy first week of summer to all the kids (and teachers) who made it through the semester! To celebrate, here’s a favorite creative book—great for kids AND adults looking for inspiration and freedom in their drawings. No one does whimsical illustration better than Maira Kalman!

Why Copy Master Drawings? Da Vinci Book Review & 3 Reasons to Try It!

Want to improve your drawing skills and develop your artistic style? Copying master drawings—like those of Leonardo da Vinci—is a powerful way to train your eye and hand. In this video, I review a Da Vinci drawing book and share three key reasons why studying masterworks can help any artist (yes, even if you're into manga, anime, or graphic novels!).

This is another helical sharpener that came highly recommended to me -but my take on it is that it doesn't replace my standby old favorite by Xacto!

My First Paid Review! Honest Thoughts on This Eraser

After 6 years of working on my YouTube channel, this is my first paid review! But don’t worry—you’ll still get my honest opinion.

I actually prefer this polymer eraser over the Faber-Castell versions I’ve tried because:
Less dust – way easier to clean up!
Great for fine detail erasing
Good price for a 4-pack

Happy National Pencil Day! Let’s Talk Blackwing

This week, in honor of National (US) Pencil Day, here’s the scoop on the infamous Blackwing pencil.

You can check them out here Blackwing602.com (Nope, not sponsored! Just sharing!)

They’re beautiful pencils, but be warned—the sheer number of editions can turn into a serious collecting obsession!

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Looking for a fun and inspiring book to help build confidence in young artists? The Dot by Peter Reynolds is a wonderful story following young Vashti on her journey to believing in herself as an artist

Back to School & At-Home Art Fun!

Looking for a fun, interactive book that teaches kids to reuse their artwork instead of tossing it after a small mistake? This book is a classroom favorite and a perfect at-home art project resource—especially during quarantine and remote learning!

Kid's Book Review: Ish

This is a great book for kids who might be hard on themselves when learning to make art or draw. It shows siblings Leon, Ramon and Marisol and how they can be supportive of each other while learning to make art. It's a good book for kids who need a little more confidence and a little less criticism of their efforts.

This is a great book for kids that addresses an embarrassing problem in fine art- Why is art full of so many naked people? The book by Susie Hodge is a fun book that guides you through modern and classical art questions anyone (even adults) may have as they move through an art museum. It invites readers to flip between pages in a non-linear order so it is fun for younger kids. Loads of pictures of artwork make it fun for the whole family.

This book, by James Gurney (creator of Dinotopia) is the book I recommend to any of my students who are thinking about tackling color - especially if they are moving on to acrylic or oil painting. It has some sections that are helpful even if you're working in graphite or another black/white medium. This is a pretty thorough book, that will help you get into the mindset of an artist, and I recommend it even if you are attending art school- because it goes into specifics on issues that often are covered in more commercial artistry than academic art settings. You can pick up a copy here, or many other online retailers: https://amzn.to/2Jdexsw