When was the last time?

Art Zoom: Saturday 5th July

When was the last time you used a favourite art supply?

For years, I “saved” my nicest materials—my favourite watercolour paints, the good paper, the sketchbook that felt too fancy to mess up. What’s odd is that it wasn’t always about cost. More often, it came down to the intrinsic value I’d placed on the supply—especially if it was a gift from someone. I’ve noticed I treat gifts materials almost like they’re too meaningful to “waste,” which means they often sit unused, quietly waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.

I still have a way to go :D but more recently, I started creating a lot more art, using my supplies more freely—cracking out that 100% cotton paper, finishing paint tubes and completing sketchbooks! I’d love to say it was all because of some wholesome, “you deserve it” mindset shift… lol. But that came later.

What came first were a few random things:

• I started using professional watercolours because I fell in love with Roman Szmal—back when they were so affordable I didn’t even realise they were professional grade. I just knew I couldn’t go back to what I was using before.

• I learnt that watercolour paper can go bad—losing its sizing over time. That fact alone pushed me to stop hoarding it. I realised I’d rather the paper have my imperfect art than be blank and unusable.

• And what really sped things up? Actually having some of my saved paper go bad. What a lesson —to save something for the “perfect moment,” only for it to expire. Lol

That experience broke the seal. It got me to start using the supplies I enjoy most, freely— as a result, I started enjoying painting so much more, and as a result of that…painting more all together.

So this is your gentle nudge:
Don’t “save” the good stuff.
Use it. Enjoy it. Let it be part of your everyday practice—and the joy that comes with it.

This Saturday 6th July at 6pm UK time, I’m hosting a cozy, pressure-free studio Zoom session for members. The only (optional) suggestion is to bring and use at least one of your favourite supplies—whether it’s a colour, a brush, a paper, paint or a sketchbook you’ve been “saving” for the right time.

Your mic and camera can be on or off. You don’t even have to make art if you’re not up for it—just come and be in the room with other creative souls. Sometimes being in gentle, arty company is exactly what we need.

The link to join in below for substack, on Patreon and here for Ko-Fi members.
I can’t wait to hear and see your favourites!