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!

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 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!

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

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.

Hi everyone! Yet another pencil review. I think I'm starting to run out of pencils that are popular in the US, but leave me the brand names of other pencils you would like me to review in the comments! This one is a mixed review- some good things, some bad things about them. To purchase the General Pencil Co. Kimberly Pencils click the link below https://amzn.to/35GjjGw

I liked this line of Faber Castell pencils better than the Faber Castell 9000 pencils, which run much harder and the price on these can't be beat! These pencils are a great price so they are good for beginners or kids who want artist-grade pencils. Check out the full review!

These pencils are not the best quality, but still might be an acceptable quality for an elementary or middle school classroom. They, at least, are inexpensive.

I was super surprised with the results of this pencil trial! I used to use these back in art school but it had been some years since I'd purchased them. A lot of my students arrive to class with the Prismacolor Turquoise Graphite Pencils, so here is my review from 2018.

This is one of the best books I've found on drawing figures. Take a look inside with this video. I think it has so many practical tips, loads of information about anatomy, and so many drawings in it that you can practice from that it makes it a worthwhile investment. I think it is a more instructional book than the cult favorite, Drawing the Head and Hands by Andrew Loomis.

I have a less expensive solution for smudging than using tortillons that you buy at the art supply store: cotton swabs! This brand is very compacted and dense, so you can really smudge detailed areas of your drawings. At only $6 for 490 of them, you really can't beat the price!

Here's another Carbon Pencil review! You might want to compare this review to my review of the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black carbon pencils, because they are similar and yet so different. I'm still more of a fan of graphite over carbon, but I'm certainly happy to have carbon pencils in place of the way too crumbly charcoal pencils!

This is a really nice long point sharpener that is good for drawing away from your home/studio or in class! It's portable, and gets a really sharp point- unlike most travel or handheld sharpeners. Also, it has replacement blades that you can buy, for when the blades get dull! Thanks so much, Tony, for sharing this tool recommendation with me!