Join me for an unboxing of art supplies

As a seasoned artist, getting new supplies is always a thrill, but it also comes with a discerning eye. After years of experimenting with various brands and mediums, you start to develop a feel for what truly works and what just takes up space in your studio. That's why receiving this fantastic package from Arteza and Lauren Quigley felt like hitting the jackpot – it’s an opportunity to revisit beloved mediums and explore new formulations with a fresh perspective. While my current package highlighted some incredible metallic gouache, a medium I haven't deeply explored since my college days, I know many fellow artists are always keen on Arteza's acrylic paints. From my experience with their other products, Arteza often strikes a great balance between affordability and performance, making them a popular choice for both beginners and those of us looking for reliable workhorse paints. For acrylics, I usually look for good pigment load, smooth consistency, and how well they blend without getting muddy. I'll definitely be sharing my thoughts on how these new items compare once I've had a chance to properly work with them. Unboxing these goodies, I was particularly excited by the prospect of trying out the 'REAL BRUSH' pens. These are often fantastic for adding expressive lines and washes, especially when combined with 'Techniques Mixtes' (mixed media) approaches. The range of 'UNIQUE COLORS' and 'COLORES VARIADOS' mentioned on some of the packaging also caught my eye. As artists, we're always on the hunt for those special hues that can elevate a piece, and a fresh palette can spark so much creativity. The metallic gouache, for instance, immediately made me think of shimmering details and unexpected accents. For any artist, the quality of paper or canvas is just as crucial as the paint. While the unboxing focused on the paints themselves, it's worth remembering that a good surface, like a sturdy 300gm paper, can make all the difference in how your mediums perform. It prevents buckling and allows for multiple layers, which is especially important for gouache or if you're layering with acrylics. My advice to any artist, seasoned or just starting out, is to never stop experimenting. Brands like Arteza make it possible to try new things without breaking the bank. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, whether that's trying a new medium like gouache or exploring different color palettes. I’m genuinely looking forward to diving back into these mediums and sharing my projects and more in-depth thoughts on texture, opacity, and overall usability with you all very soon. Stay tuned for some creative fun!