Wescott Dusting Brush Giveaway!
Join LZM Studio’s giveaway from June 13–19, 2019, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for a chance to win. The winner will be announced on June 20. Don’t miss out—enter now!
Hovel Pencil Sharpener Giveaway, February 2019
Enter the Hovel Pencil Sharpener Giveaway! Submit your name and email to participate. Stay updated with up to 12 newsletters per year from LZM Studio, LLC. Your email may be shared with the giveaway sponsor, but no spam—unsubscribe anytime!
The Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick Is Now Being Manufactured as the Factis BM2 Eraser
Celebrate the return of the Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick, now known as the Factis BM2 Eraser by General's Pencil Co. After being discontinued, artists searched for a worthy replacement, but the Factis BM2 delivers the same quality and durability at an affordable price. Available at DickBlick.com, it’s perfect for precise erasing without damaging your paper. Keep your drawings clean and your erasing effortless with this beloved tool!
Why Take Drawing Lessons?
You Used to Love Drawing
Then something happened:
They told you you couldn't draw well.
You couldn't figure out how to make it look "right".
They told you, you didn't have "the eye" for it.
When you were young, they said, "Better stick to writing/basketball/math" or later, "Better stick to your day job".
Only the people who taught themselves were able to draw, and they were called, "talented".
"Creativity Scars" (as referred to by Brene Brown) are real and can be quite painful. So why take drawing lessons?
However, they are not the whole story, nor are they the end of the journey.
Austin Summer Camps for Your Creative Kiddo
Looking for the best Austin summer camps for your creative kid? Check out my top picks that help kids grow and explore outside the classroom. From art camps like The Contemporary Austin Art School and Smudge Studios, to filmmaking with Austin Film Society and coding at Minecraft Camps, there's something for every interest. Don't miss LZM Studio's upcoming cartooning camp, where kids can create their own characters and stories! Whether your child loves art, entrepreneurship, or adventure, these camps offer fun and learning all summer long.
Graphite Pencil Review: For the Love of the Graphite Pencil
As an artist and educator, I’ve tested a variety of graphite pencils to find the best options for drawing. From budget-friendly brands like Marco Raffine to premium choices like Tombow Mono, I’ve discovered that higher-quality pencils offer smoother textures, better durability, and less breakage. While cheaper pencils may seem like a bargain, they often cause frustration with frequent breakage and rough textures. In this review, I compare popular brands, helping you choose the right pencil for your art—whether you're a beginner or experienced artist.
Recommended Gift Art Supplies for the Budding Artist
Here are some great gift ideas for the art lover in your life - just as the holiday season approaches. I posted something similar a couple of seasons ago, but this updated list includes new finds and changes due to suppliers and technology. These are my recommended gift art supplies for the budding artist!
Art supplies make a perfect gift--because it is the gift of an experience--something that will reward the receiver for much longer than just the holiday season. They are the tools that give the art lover in your life a learned skill that lasts. On that note, here are some of my most coveted supplies with links to easy online suppliers at a good price. Happy shopping!
"Tweaking Is Essential to the Drawing Process" (If Steve Jobs Did It, Why Won't You?)
A form of "analysis paralysis" I see my adult drawing students commonly put themselves through is the idea that they have to get something drawn correctly the first time they draw it. This drive for perfection straight out of the gate is horrible for our self-esteem, especially when we're faced with a task we have not yet mastered! I often remind students that they don't know how to imagine the perfect drawing in their head because they have to use their fine motor skills to actually execute the drawing. Fine motor skills are a factor within their control, but more often than not those skills are underdeveloped in adulthood. Because of that, the moving of the hand is a game changer- you can't just "picture it" and be done! And if you're like most of us, you need to be prepared for making adjustments.