Art Supplies I Regret Buying

[@amyklinke1553]

I am so grateful for the art supply store nearby that takes used art supplies to resell. They give me store credit to make up for my regrets.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

That's brilliant!

[@Cherryblossum101]

That's amazing! I should ask my 2 local shops!!

[@berolinastrassmann]

That's a fantastic shop to have close by.

[@smallofferings]

@@amyklinke1553 what an excellent shop!

[@wendychampness1901]

Please do continue with another art supply regret video. You explanations of why you don’t use supplies really resonate with my tastes and preferences and so will help me avoid purchase regrets🙏 For example, I also purchased beautiful soft pastels but do not like the mess!!!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I have to say, I'm very tempted to film a second one!

[@ntaylo6299]

@@NatashaNewtonArt do please.

[@lifeinhim0861]

Yes please!​@NatashaNewtonArt

[@rampant.hare.illustrations]

I'm gradually shifting to a mindset of letting go. While I don’t have many art supplies I don’t use, for those I don’t, I’m learning to stop making excuses for keeping them and let them go. There may have been a time when I needed them, but things have changed-and that's perfectly okay.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Love this.

[@BB-nz5sk]

Such a powerful attitude and decision!!

[@silvertales]

This is beautiful, and I need to adopt this mindset.

[@almas.2530]

This is excellent advise, and not only for art supplies!

[@r.mucklin1703]

I belong to an art group and we get together once in a while and try media that other artists might use to see if they suit our own way of doing art. That way we try before we buy. I'm so glad I tried alcohol inks before investing in them as I found them fascinating and interesting, but not compatible with my art style at all. On the other hand, the person who let me try them loves them and they are very useful for her.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This is a lovely idea!

[@lacamasprairie]

I get a lot of use out of watercolor pencils! I use my museum aquarelle watercolor pencils to add subtle details and shading to my watercolor paintings. The great thing about watercolor pencils is that you can use a wet brush to subtly erase and soften the lines in a way that you can’t do with normal colored pencils. They work very well for nature studies when you want to add small amounts of detail and pattern but don’t want to be too obvious.

[@r.mucklin1703]

I find that using watercolor pencils is a plus when I'm sketching in the field where I don't necessarily want to carry water with me. I can do quick sketches and/or layers of the pencils and add water with a brush when I get home. Of course, practice with them beforehand is mandatory since the colors change when water is added and unpleasant surprises can be avoided once you get home by becoming very familiar with the watercolor pencils color changes, especially if you use layers of different colors which can easily turn to mud.

[@OkieSketcher1949]

@@r.mucklin1703- I do the same thing at times. A water brush can be helpful, especially in the field.

[@TracieWho]

I've been eyeballing that brass palette ever since I first saw it. It's good to know about how it actually works. Nobody has ever posted anything about it. I am guessing because it has to be embarrassing to admit that expensive doesn't mean better. So thank you for posting! It is now off my "someday" list. I bought a Whisky palette last year for around $85 usd (I think) and it had the same slanting mixing spaces. Fortunately, the seller refunded my money because I was so disappointed in the functionality that I returned it after using it one time. I came so close to buying the brass palette after I received my refund, but I decided to hold off until I could get more info. So instead, I bought a different travel palette, one that can attach to a tripod. It has its issues as well, but they were mostly overcome while I learned how to better use it. The big thing is that the mixing palette lays flat!

[@bluewren65]

Re the brass palette, you would think they'd have done better product testing by actual artists before releasing such an expensive product.

[@j.m.1806]

I agree the whiskey palette is a total fail. I expected more from schmincke. Unfortunately I bought as a gift and didn’t inspect it before giving it. I’m much happier with my brass box but it’s a bit of a novelty as I mentioned in other comments. Travel palettes can be tricky.On one hand so cute on the other less practical. Happy mark making to all!

[@Eiznek05designs]

Yay! It’s good to know that others have regrets about buying art supplies too. I dont ever reach for my pastels yet I hold onto them ‘just in case.’ I tend to buy art supplies, use them for a week, get bored and move on. 😢🤦🏻‍♀️ This year I want to put in the effort of using what I already have and not purchasing any more art supplies.

[@lindakazel6611]

I think everyone who dabbles in art has made the same mistakes with art supplies that don’t “cut it” for us. I’m in the process of clearing out those mistakes and putting together a box to pass them on to our “re-use” shoppe so they can donate to student groups who can explore and learn.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

That's a great idea, Linda! I think we all have a desire to experiment with different materials, and you never know where it will lead - I've discovered some wonderful materials that I love along the way alongside the ones I just don't use!

[@onestrauss3066]

Yep. I’m sure most of us have a stash of art supplies we bought with bright eyed dreams of all the amazing art we would make with them, and years later, still find ourselves looking at them with a huge sigh of regret. I know I have! Inktense Blocks, Semmelier oil pastels - the whole set!!!! (Which I adore because they seem so creamy, but I have never, ever used to this day!) Charcoal - too messy. Soft pastels - too messy. (There is a theme here lol.) I’m getting better, but I love art supplies so much, I’m sure I’ll continue to trip up every now and again. So YES - another video on your art supply regrets would be very helpful! Many thanks.

[@carlaeskelsen]

Thank you. This was very helpful, in more ways than one. I need to remember that I'll get more long term happiness from regular practice with the lovely supplies I already have.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

So very true! I want to stick to what I love and what I know works for me.

[@JanetFriel-cn9cz]

I also have supplies I don’t use but if I hadn’t bought them I wouldn’t know if I liked them or not, so I don’t regret it! You’ve reminded me to have a clear out and pass them on to someone else!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Yes! We partly buy them for the experience. That's a good way of looking at it. :)

[@amychin9071]

Soft pastels, check. Oil pastels, check. Linoleum printing, check! Watercolour pencils, check! You took the words out of my mouth, Natasha! This video actually gives me courage to donate these regretful purchases to my favourite neighbourhood charity shop.

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

Check to see if your local library has a use for them, if don’t mind my suggestion.

[@Decopainterandtea]

Or a local art group in your community.

[@amberdreams_0]

Oh I'm so happy I'm not the only one who's tempted by all the pretty things and end up finding they sit in a drawer or get used once then never again. I'm trying so hard NOT to buy some soft pastels because I know I won't use them, but they are so lovely-looking and I've seen other people do beautiful things with them... i mean I'm sitting here looking at those big chunky ones in your video and feeling the temptation tugging at me... And yup, I am with you re: the lino cutting. Maybe I will get round to doing more of it and using my expensive supplies!

[@jenk7583]

I use the Inktense Blocks like a pan water color-never actually draw w them. BTW they work great w Ampersand Aquaboard or Clayboard.

[@RachelVanse]

This video was so helpful for a few reasons… 1) There were some supplies I had been curious about, and hearing your perspective has given me a much better idea of whether they might work for me. 2) It’s comforting to hear that other people with much more experience than me have art supply regrets sometimes! 3) It’s reinforcing my current attempt to de-stash my art room of things I don’t like / don’t use. Thanks for sharing, and I would definitely watch another video like this!

[@staceg2003]

Regarding the Schminke super-granulating - it's been my experience that granulating/super granulating colors don't rewet well, and are best used fresh from the tube. I have a set of "evolving" watercolors from Rockwell art in Canada that are gorgeous, but the difference in performance between using fresh-squeezed paint from the tube and the bits that I've put into pans for convenience is staggering. Given the cost, I won't buy them anymore either, and will just admire them from afar. :) I do like watercolor pencils in a travel kit, especially if I want to sketch out quick, abstract landscapes. I've used them to sketch /paint florals at a nearby garden estate -- much easier to get a more detailed flower when drawing with the watercolor pencil while standing with people milling about, and using a waterbrush to activate. I'm jealous of your pastels. If I were in the UK I'd offer to purchase them from you! Unisons are a 'treat' purchase for me here in the US.

[@lucys.artchat]

Depends on brands I guess, I find my Kusakabe granulating watercolours rewet perfectly well, same with the couple of Daniel Smith ones I have. I've had no issues at all rewetting either brand. But that's why KZbin is great! We can see supplies in use and share knowledge before purchase 😊

[@jenfries6417]

Soft Pastels: I can't stand the dust and the fixatives, but I've found I absolutely love using soft pastels like pan watercolors. Applied wet, the pastels give a lovely fresco-like matte finish. Water activates the pastel's binding agent, so the color adheres to the paper without dusting and without mandatory fixative. I usually just take the color off the stick with a wet brush, but if I want more paint, I grind the pastel in water on a stone, like a Chinese ink stick. If anyone wants to try this method, be aware you can't layer wet pastel because it won't adhere to itself as well as it adheres to the paper. And it doesn't flow like watercolor, so you can't do wet in wet painting. But you can get good opaque and transparent color and good washes with practice. Best of all, you get far more usage out of each pastel stick using it as a paint, which makes this pricey art supply much more economical. Derwent Inktense Blocks: I've been on the fence about these. I was thinking they'd make an economical way to resupply my favorite pan colors (I'm all about saving money), but for some reason, Derwent doesn't offer the same colors in all their formats, which is annoying. I have the yellow I like in the pans, but I'd have to approximate it in the sticks. Why, Derwent, why? Watercolor Pencils: Good for detailing and outdoor painting or a travel palette. In general, though, I just use two or three colors for details, line work, or white highlights. Block Printing Supplies: Oh, yes, me too. Also, leather working for some reason I don't even remember, jewelry making, and I still have a whole bunch of plaster I haven't touched in years.

[@ShiloWaters]

The reason why you regret buying the bronze watercolor travel palette was the same reason why I was hesitant to buy it. So thank you for sharing your thoughts. I had a gut feeling the mixing surface would leak and would only see myself using this as a travel palette so now I know it's not for me.

[@maggiegregory8399]

I think you can get some one to adjust the hinges because this is what other new purchasers have said but my uncle has had his for twenty years and it doesn’t do that / and yes he stores his upside down because he uses hand made colors made with hunny and yes they do stick if he’s not careful 😅

[@ShiloWaters]

​@@maggiegregory8399 good to know! They look really nice and compact and that was one of the reasons I was interested. I may look more into it someday. 😊

[@chloepekel]

I use my watercolour pencils in my sketchbook to add shadows, background details, and just because they are more portable and less messy. They were also my gateway art supply so they have a special place in my heart.

[@katiesandidge6602]

I woukd LOVE to see a part 2! Thank you for sharing, it inspired me to take a look at my supplies and make a realistic determination on whether to hang on for the off chance of one day using them or letting them go and making space for what i do truly use.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

So glad that you enjoyed it, Katie!

[@grannysmithart]

thank you for your honesty! i've almost stopped watching reviews because "how can one say something is bad when it is gift?" and "how can one admit spending money on poor quality products" ? i only watch reviews that show a product along side a similar product and compare them.

[@stroodledoodles]

Here's hoping all that linoprinting stuff goes to a good home, I know I'd be well chuffed if I got it! Those cutting tools especially!

[@noralockspeed]

My daughter has taught me to stop being an inspirational buyer and try to concentrate in purchasing only when I run out of paint, paper or brushes that I love and use regularly. I must confess I am trying very hard to do better. 😅

[@hollycoh]

For the soft pastels I’d really recommend experimenting with making them into watercolours! If you combine gum arabic with some honey and crush the sticks into powder you can use a palette knife to mix the liquid with the pigment to be transferred into a pan. I’ve tried it with my Sennelier soft pastels and find I like using them more this way than as pastels 🤍 I think it’s worth mentioning too - please don’t feel disheartened or guilty about having bought materials to find that you don’t like them or use them often! You can’t know beforehand if something is going to be worthwhile unless you try it first…or even a few times! As a side note, I took a break from my patreon subscription the past couple of months as I’ve been unwell, but I’ve been trying to keep up with the youtube uploads. As I start to manage a little better I’m slowly finding the energy to get back to painting. I can’t wait to rejoin to see what you and the other lovely members have been sharing 🤍

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Hi Holly, that's a good tip! Thank you. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been unwell, and hope you're back to your normal self very soon! No rush re: Patreon. It would be great to see you over there again whenever you're up to it. xx

[@jennw6809]

I love regrets videos, and would love to see more. It helps me be honest with myself and avoid some regret purchases myself. I really enjoy my watercolor pencils, and use them for sketchy details in landscapes *on wet paper.* Or, to sketch before watercoloring so the lines will disappear. (The idea of drawing anything in detail dry with them, then wetting it, is just silly in my mind). On the other hand I really don't enjoy regular colored pencils, and just last night I wondered why I bought a set of pastel colored ones in addition to the regular ones that I almost never use. But, I am a very loose and expressive painter. I happen to also enjoy soft pastels and oil pastels. Everyone has their own taste, and it's best to be honest with oneself.

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

I think we sometimes have great ideas for trying new things in our art,and get a kind of creative wanderlust so buy all the new mediums etc,but somehow we lose momentum and the idea gets shelved along with the materials as well.But a positive side effect is it makes us appreciate the mediums etc that we do use and love a bit more (Matt)P s selling them on is a good thing as it means you have money to buy more of what you know you will use and also re-homing art materials gives someone a chance to try something new

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This is so true, Matt! And thank you for your email the other day - I found it so fascinating. I will reply! Wishing you all the luck in the world.

[@janscott9151]

I too fell for the brass box. And it sits there entirely unused. I did see someone once using it in the wild and to be honest it looked a mess when actually in use. I also regret the Winsor and Newton travel palette - again just unused. though the little flat water bottle is quite handy. Then there was the brass Schmincke box - too heavy, and worse of all it buckled and I have seen others have the same issue. The mixing surface also dropped down, so like the brass one it did not get used. The cheaper standard small metal palettes are for me, and the Art Toolkit ones too work when out and about. But oh, the amount I bought before that ...... Great video though - made me smile when you kept trying the same supplies that hadn't worked for you before. Made me feel so much better about my own mistakes.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

That's so interesting, Jan - thank you for sharing! I don't feel so bad now. And I don't know why I keep trying things I've already tried (that didn't work out) before! What's wrong with me?! 😅

[@msfrehel8758]

I love lino printing and especially the combination of them (using waterproof black ink) and watercolour! Itös such an interesting contrast of the rigid and the flow I think - and your equipment is just amazing! But of course I understand that it’s not possible to do everything - and you already have so many glorious art related hobbies! So have great fun with them!🎨❤️

[@bluewren65]

Like you, I like the idea of soft pastels, but I know that messy media are not for me. I don't mind oil pastel because I can keep a cloth with some vegetable oil on it to clean my fingers. As for watercolour pencils, just use them without water. Those albrecht durers will serve you well even if used without water.

[@kookatsoonjan]

THANKS for the tip...a cloth with olive oil...or even baby oil might work for finger cleaning...Janis

[@SandyWarner-ys4ec]

The beauty of Derwent blocks is that they cannot be reactivated by water. That makes them perfect for the first layer underpainting. Also they make excellent tiny flower color additions to a painting for the same reason... they wont smear.

[@kookatsoonjan]

If you apply them first, lin washes...you can glaze over them with watercolours, they DO NOT LIFT...and it is beautiful...the luminousity that comes through to the top of the watercolour wash...I also layer them over themselves, after each layer dries, in thin washes, and the transparency of say 3 colours of the derwent intense with more water colour layers on top is satisfying...don't scrub...they might lift then. I much prefer the pans or blocks...to use with a brush and water....not keen on the pencils as they leave hard edges behind after being wetted....Janis

[@nathalieetcetera2357]

Thank you for sharing! I don't really use watercolour pencils except to sketching before painting. I don't like having graphite marks behind my paintings so this fixes the problem. As for the other supplies I don't really like, I use them very loosely for experimenting abstract drawing/painting. I try to use colours that are not in my usual palette. In this case, I like using all sorts of cheap papers so no guilt and a lot of interesting discoveries!

[@truthwillrise3712]

This was such an informative and honest review and I so appreciate that. I often grapple with the temptation to buy all sorts of art supplies but am reeling it in after de-cluttering and moving a three storey house! I came across art supplies more than 50 years old. Some that had never or rarely been used. This process of letting go was one of the most freeing things I've ever done. I would love another video on regret buys ... it is very helpful indeed!

[@firby7341]

i personally really like watercolor pencils. the stuff i draw is mostly fanart of anime characters, and i really like that i can just lay them down dry and use water to set accents, without the need of switching between normal colored pencils and watercolor. i basically dont activate all of the pigment i lay down to create the "illusion" of mixed media

[@txspacemom765]

I just took a whole bag of crafts supplies and a huge box of art supplies to a school and an adult care facility. I have to be honest with myself in what I truly enjoy using and working with. The bag of yarn just about unhinged me but I did it!

[@Little_Ammy_Arts]

Very enjoyable, straight to the point video! 😄 my biggest art supply regret is probably the 320 set of Ohuhu Alcohol markers. An impulse ask for Christmas one year. I loved them at first but then I learned that they can even fade in your sketchbooks and that’s just a no for me. I also got so overwhelmed by the amount of colours in the set that I couldn’t even face them anymore. It makes me feel ashamed in one way but at least I’ve learned a lesson!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

That's so interesting and relatable - thank you for sharing!

[@michellenwhiteartist]

Hi Natasha, great video, a little tip with watercolour pencils. I use them sometimes with my watercolour paintings by applying detail work on dry paper, but also when the paper is damp, the watercolour pencils are great to use creating a soft effect. I hope this helps. Thank you for sharing your videos. 💕

[@jennw6809]

I also use them on wet paper, I believe they are best this way!

[@kookatsoonjan]

@@jennw6809 maybe this is the way to use my Inktense pencils also...on WET PAPER.

[@jennw6809]

@@kookatsoonjan I only have one Inkense pencil which I got for a special purpose (it's fluorescent yellow-green!) but I'm interested in how it goes!

[@reze3416]

Ugh honestly this is how I feel about oil paint… it’s just so messy for me with the solvent, the waste towels, etc! I have a whole box of paint tubes just sitting in a box. Ironically, I do like oil pastels even though those are messy as well but it’s a manageable messy for me! Thanks for the video!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Great video! I made a regrets video too and can totally relate to the feelings you shared, I find them super helpful ❤ Thankfully I don’t have many regrets but reflecting on them is a great way to make better decisions next time and pick the supplies that are right for me x

[@ntaylo6299]

Watched yours also.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I love the Faber Castell watercolor pencils. I carry them out for Urban Sketching. They are very helpful in museums or for very thin lines on a sketch.

[@trinec9320]

I love my watercolor pencils when I’m sick and need an easy painting setup. I also like to use the watercolor pencils to add texture when I’m on the go and I don’t have regular color pencils with me.

[@UTleochi]

I feel you with the watercolour pencils! It took me ages to discover how useful they can be, and now I reach for them quite a lot, especially for drawing and sketching. They are very nice to use for sketches under watercolours because they disappear without trace as soon as I add watercolours. I also like to use them as the first layer before adding regular coloured pencils, it saves me quite a lot of time because that first „watercolour“ layer adds depth to the drawing . And they can be used with alcohol markers, too. (I only reach for alcohol markers in sketchbooks due to their poor lighfastness). Sometimes, when a finished watercolour needs more depth and umph, watercolour pencils can provide those missing lines that will give the painting that special something, especially when it comes to details on faces or hair. That brass box is so, so pretty, but I’m really glad I didn’t cave in and refrained from buying it. Thank you for pointing our all its flaws, it makes me really happy that I didn’t spend the money on it. Oil pastels are a new discovery, I regard them as replacement for oil colours that I don’t use precisely because of their odour. I use them with bigger formats for rather loose drawing, and I must say that I grew to like them quite a lot. Thank you for another interesting and thought provoking video. :D

[@poppyllulu]

Such an interesting video! I have lusted after that Frasier Price box since seeing it on your channel despite the fact I almost never paint plein air! I was thinking about it last week again so this video was very timely! 😬 I also have a set of Inktense pencils and watercolour pencils that have been barely used, some soft and Neo pastels and ditto all the Lino cutting gear which at least came in useful for my daughter when she was doing her Graphics A level! Watercolour paint remains my favourite but the fomo after watching a good art haul is real! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I would recommend the Art Toolkit palettes for in the studio and outdoors - I use them all the time and they've been great. :)

[@naomifreya1481]

I think, the biggest lesson here is when trying a new art supply, start with only a few colours and see if it works for you... Rather than buying sets or large quantities... Then, if it didn't work out, it's only a few. And if it is right for you, you can always get more later..

[@j.m.1806]

My brass box mixing flaps don’t slope down yet. If the box is often stored without the plastic pan insert the mixing flaps will slump inwards weakening the hinges thereby eventually hanging more downward. Difficult for me to explain☺️. I do agree the box is a bit of a novelty and I would only recommend with that in mind. I used it while traveling once and that was a less than excellent painting experience. It’s very attractive and does spark conversations. Thanks for your honest review

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Mine is always stored intact, so I don't know why they slope down? I do love that little box, but it's not exactly practical!

[@JC-il4or]

Watercolor pencils...Painting and Chocolate has a series on them that may kindle your interest. Her approach is helpful.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Thanks for the tip!

[@fanatlarge]

I like to use watercolour pencils over a dried watercolour sketch - usually the ones I'm not happy with. Watercolour paper, when dried gets a rough surface that takes pencils very well. I guess I just enjoy the rich stroke.

[@sirenu-eveart6246]

Lovely video, over the years I have accumulated so many art supplies but realised for the stuff I don’t use many charity places will take them or if not they can make lovely gifts for friends and family I know will use them. Especially when u purchase a media and find out it’s not for you or doesn’t personally fit maybe your art style . 💕💕

[@Didjerigirl]

Hi Natasha, thank you for sharing your perplexities with some art supplies, as I'm sure many of your followers and fellow artists can relate (I can also speak for myself!) Can I ask you a question: where do you usually sell them? Which platforms do you think are best for rehoming 2nd hand art supplies with various degrees of usage? TYSM!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I tend to sell them for greatly reduced prices to my Patreon members - that way I make a little bit of money back (art supplies are expensive and I'm not making so much money that I'm able to just give everything away!), and my members can try art supplies that may have previously been out of their budget.

[@kimhollis9416]

I’ve laughed at so many points in this video - especially the Lino printing bit! We have all bought things with wild curiosity and big plans. Thanks for sharing.

[@karenvilleda888]

This was so helpful and refreshing, most artist don’t share their buy regrets but like you said these supplies are like candy. Thank you for sharing

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@karenirving7088]

Thanks for the honest review much appreciated

[@lesleycrawford7244]

I love soft pastels. Thought I would love oil pastels, but didn’t get on with them, so sold my box of over 100 Senneliers on eBay, unregretfully. Love w/c pencils, the Caran d'ache museum have some lovely natural colours, great for botanical and natural history drawing. Also , they make a palette of white plastic that is smooth on one side and rough on the other, for these pencils. Rub the pencil on the rough side and add water, use it like a w/c wash, nice and smooth. I’ve got the Cd'A and the Faber castell sets, as well as the Inktense, and use them all. It's so easy to be suckered into buying all this stuff (guilty as charged!), and having complete set syndrome, but after clearing out my late brother's house I decided to get rid of stuff I don't use.

[@jennw6809]

a white plastic cutting board also works well for this!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Great tips, thank you!

[@megperry5586]

This was so helpful! I have soft pastels sitting in my cart for over 2 weeks. I am going to wait, sometimes the allure of new is so strong, but restraint is important as well!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Some people make amazing work with them, but they are 100% not for me!

[@kashfiahare3190]

Hello Natasha. I enjoyed watching this video and your commentary about your purchasing habits since I fall into the same patterns as you. I think we all have a fantasy version of ourselves doing certain tasks or attaining certain skills and a lot of does not get implemented. For instance, I like the idea of plain aire panting and have watched countless videos and read books about this practice. I’ve spent a lot of money on different gears for plain aire over the years (fancy chairs, tripods, easels, etc) and never really pursue it. I’ll try it many once or twice, don’t enjoy the experience and then return to my desk practice. I always enjoy the research and purchasing aspects but not the actual practice. Maybe someday I will, but for now I will not purchase any more plain aire products. Thanks so much and Happy new year! 🎆

[@susancrane6695]

What was I thinking? So glad I am not alone in this when I look at some of my past art supply purchases 😂😂😂😂

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

You're not alone - I do the same things! I periodically buy soft pastels, don't find a use for them, sell or give them away, and a few years later, get tempted and buy again. Rise, repeat. And my Durer watercolor pencils just sit in their case LOL While I do use Neocolor ll water soluble crayons, I also have non-water soluble crayons and wax pastels that I find I don't use as I prefer things that don't say waxy or oily. But every few years, I try them again when I think "this time, I'll use them">

[@natsumisayuri7819]

I've not really regrets about art supplies themselves but more about the fact that I spend so much and only have a limited time to practise my art. There has been a sleight disappointment with the Etchr cold pressed sketchbook, I've found out that I do not like the texture of the paper inside it.The other thing about this sketch book is that the white cover gets dirty with cathair from my cats.

[@bluewren65]

I hate the Etchr cold press sketchbook. There's something about the paper that it sucks the vibrancy out of any medium you use on it. Everything dries to a dull meh, and gouache gets this weird shiny appearance. Biggest waste of money ever.

[@LauraGomez-bl2so]

I'm exactly the same with soft pastels! When will I learn? They just look so delicious.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

So tempting!

[@firdyk]

This was an enjoyable video. Id love to see part 2. Inktense blocks never worked for me and ive given away my soft pastels. Water colour pencils are a great quick sketching tool and looks lovely when softened with water.

[@christineroberts6076]

I've been quilting and stitching all my life. Just started watercolour painting recently. I wish I could trade you stitching supplies for your art supplies but alas I am in Canada. Love your videos and hope someday to get your Deep Deep Light Palettes.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Enjoy your watercolour adventures! :)

[@askialuna7717]

I mostly use watercolor pencils for sketching and to put the finishing touches on my watercolor paintings. it's practical to be able to dissolve them with water when I need it. There hasn't been a good art store in my area for a few years, and that's why I tend to have a good storage here at home.

[@katsmith8263]

6:32 I use watercolor pencils as the usual pencils, without water😊

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This is probably how these will be used, if I'm honest! ;)

[@dorothyatchison1825]

Love this video for I too have purchased supplies that I do not use … and brushes, let’s not even go there ❤ Many thanks for sharing and providing me with numerous chuckles …

[@IraMishchuk]

I love watercolor pencils. I draw the whole picture with them, mixing different shades on the paper and then slightly wetting the areas that I don't want to be in focus with the brush. In the end, I usually add a watercolor background.

[@mariac4602]

Got Tim Holz distress watercolor pencils for Christmas - not really enjoyable. I thought they would be more like Neocolor II's or Viviva Color sheets but they aren't (I love those 2 items for fun, highly pigmented paintings in my sketchbook).

[@krakentowa8727]

I’ve traveled with the Frazer Price box extensively. You are right about the pans sticking to the mixing tray when upside down. I solved this by cutting a bit of card that fits over the pans and issue solved. The pans stop sticking when you wear the paint down a bit.

[@smallofferings]

I think we all have something 😂 I have a large collection of soft pastels - I love them, and used them a lot years ago, but these days it's the mess that's off putting. I am planning to give them one more try... I always wanted some of the Diane Townsend, but perhaps fortunately, never bought them- I found myself eyeingbyour set rather covetously though 😂😂😂 Watercolour pencils: I use these dry, as you would coloured pencils. I love the slightly different finish they give. I particularly like them on Ingres paper - the texture gives them a slightly vintage look, but they also work nicely on smooth papers too. Because I use them like this, my coloured pencils are languishing though!

[@jennw6809]

The Diane Townsends crumble at the slightest touch! The crumbliest brand ever. I don't have any idea how people actually use them.

[@smallofferings]

@jennw6809 really? I had heard the soft pastels were very soft, but not that the Terrages were also.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I have used the Diane Townsend's a bit and mine haven't crumbled!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Thank you for the tip about watercolour pencils!

[@jillweisensee8524]

Thanks Natasha! This is exactly why I keep holding off on buying a Gelli plate and Pan Pastels. I think, "oh, that looks interesting...and I like how that KZbinr is using them...I could try it..." But I just know they'd arrive and get set aside to collect dust. NO JILL, NO!!! (By the way, I, too, have been tempted by those lovely pastel shades! So pretty!)

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I'm SO GLAD that I haven't given in to the Pan Pastels! I even started added different sets to my cart at one point, but didn't check out. I'm so thankful that I didn't!

[@alejandromorales9516]

Re: watercolor pencils. I think they work best for me if I think of them as a colored pencil with a special feature. I use them mostly for drawing and I can do a line and wash and get values in quickly which I can then add paint to. They're convenient for museum sketches or places where you can't use ink or a brush (most museum docents don't bug me with using a Pentel Aquash to tease out some wash). My other favorite use is going into wet washes with them to make these particular marks. But it did take me a minute to figure out they are the colored pencil solution for me. And even then it took me a minute to settle on Albrecht Durers because the FC pencils are my favorite for drawing. The lines stay consistent and smooth and I have control and things don't get smudgy too soon. Polychromos and Albrecht Durers draw exactly the same for me. Same silky feel. Caran d'Ache comes close but the FC keep a point better.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This makes me excited to give them another go! Thank you.

[@rociocruz2786]

I love the way you express your regret!That happens to me all the time!❤😂

[@aqua_coloring]

I love this video topic:) I'm also not a fan of messy art supplies, or anything that needs a fixative. But watercolor pencils are one of my favorite mediums, especially the Caran d'Ache Museums! I basically use them similarly to colored pencils, except I can use a wet brush to blend them. It's easier on my hands than regular pencils, because the water does half the work. And I love that I can control how smooth or textured the result is, and just how much the colors blend together. They work really well in combination with Neocolor IIs.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

could be my story of being too excited for new art styles and supplies 😃❤

[@j.evadostie8642]

Inktense blocks are not the same as the pencils. The pencils have more vibrant pigments and the blocks are more chalky. The blocks don’t re-wet the same. I had bought them to cover bigger areas but they were so disappointing!

[@birbtunes]

I'm with you! I can't handle dust, I've bought a box of pastel sticks and also bought all kinds of charcoal (but I do love charcoal drawing) but will never go through all the charcoal I've bought. I bought a large metal box of coloured pencils I haven't touched, lots of paints and brushes I don't use. I have a few palettes, lots of sketchbooks I haven't started yet I buy more. I've bought different brands of watercolour but it turns out some are so close to each other in colour that it's more like repeats I've bought that I really didn't need. I so appreciate this video as I don't feel I'm the only one who has done this.

[@sineadkellyartist]

Thank you so much for the honesty in this video Natasha ❤

[@stephaniedragonfly5619]

Lutea - vegetal's water colors

[@kriksis]

Brilliant video Natasha! Thank you for sharing all of this! Regarding to watercolour pencils - maybe you can use them just as regulars without adding water? :) All the best to you! I think my biggest regret regarding to art supplies is to buy something too much because I am really into that particular thing at that moment thinking that I am going to use all the time and ending up being fascinated about something else and getting too much of that art supply as well :D

[@lifeinhim0861]

Me too!!!

[@SallyMoore1000]

your watercolour pencils, if you don't want to use them as aquarelles, you can just use them as coloured pencils, and they lay down really well like that, as soft as luminance. I use mine both ways, they are dual purpose

[@bagobeans]

I love soft pastels. I have the same ones. I like to use them with charcoal. I also like oil pastels. yes, they do need a fixident, but if you spray outside, it's less irritating. The colors are intense and beautiful. I love Derwent colored pencils. Not a big fan of the watercolor pencils. I use Winsor & Newton watercolors.🎨

[@garrettdoyle1173]

I found it useful hearing about which products you didn't get along with. I'm not a fan of brush markers, fountain pens and oil pastels. I'd like to see an expanded video where you discuss other products too.

[@johncronin2929]

I enjoyed this very much Natasha! I too fell foul of the complete setup for linocut that only ever was used once or twice, and the press never made its way out of the box… Maybe that’s what it’s all about, learning about new materials and processes even if we settle on the a few we like. My New Year’s resolution is to try do more and buy less! J

[@ultramarine_finest]

I also had issues with storing oil pastels paintings and fixative...I found that royal talens has a varnish for oil pastels that works great for me, and it doesnt smell. but yeah oil pastels are super messy in general 😅

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I find the messiness really distressing. 😂

[@ultramarine_finest]

@@NatashaNewtonArt i can totally relate! specially compared to watercolor 😅

[@LCLand]

I think it stretches us to use supplies that take us outside our comfort zone. I cut a bunch of index cards in half and wrote an art supply or watercolor palette on each one. Every few days I pick the next one in the deck and I have to use it in my sketchbook or practice paper. I keep a lot of cheaper but good enough watercolor paper on hand so I’m never intimidated about just starting to put pigment to paper. I don’t plan on any of these being my masterpiece I’m just having fun and exploring and discovering. I also don’t like pastel dust but I enjoy the pastels. So my husband agreed I could keep my easel in a spot in our living room and when I’m playing with pastels I lay an old towel around the bottom and paint away with the pastels. Easy cleanup Is so fun to have this rotation system. I’m always excited to see what I might do with whatever is on deck. I recommend keeping your supplies and using them as a challenge for yourself periodically I would be interested to see your results. I bet they will be fabulous.

[@maureencrawford2275]

I love your big wooden storage box too!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Thank you!

[@naomifreya1481]

I tried printmaking at college (art degree) and fell in love with the process, it feels meditative to me. We were able to try several different methods (mono, lino, screen...) mono and lino printing were a favourite of mine, and so I was able to invest in the supplies knowing they'd get use. If you are able to try it first, that is very helpful.

[@naomifreya1481]

If you do consider selling the lino printing supplies, I'd be very interested . I'm in the UK.

[@julienotsmith7068]

For a hundred pounds, any tool should be perfection in all things. Good lord. I’m surprised by your news about the Schminke paints, thank you for that information. I’ve got a set of 24 watercolor pencils that I don’t use either. I am glad to know the Inktense blocks are fragile, I’ve been looking at them. Linocut is great fun but it’s hell on the hands. Try stenciling instead; you can cut them from gallon milk jug plastic, and sponge paint over them. 😁💖 I appreciate the information on the Neopastels, too. Thank you for all the information!

[@ntaylo6299]

I want that invention that brings me coffee and calls me beautiful.

[@chrisgregore359]

Thank you for sharing this information with us. ❤ I think we can all relate with purchasing items that didn't work out or meet our expectations even though most of us are probably not as open to admit it. It is so refreshing to see you sharing this with us. 🙂 I have found that I love my Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils but I use them almost completely like watercolor. I bought a very thin kitchen cutting mat (thin plastic with a smooth side and a rough side) and I cut it to fit inside my sketchbook/watercolor journal and when I'm doing plein air type artwork I scribble on the rough side of the plastic mat with whatever color I want to use and then use that like watercolor. It's probably not as economical as just using watercolor but it is fun and different to use sometimes. But I'm really trying to scale down my art supplies and thinking that maybe I can figure out how to donate them to someone who might have lost all their supplies in the terrible California fires. 😢

[@BeckyTregear]

I can totally relate to unused Lino printing supplies! I have a starter kit which I bought at least three years ago and I still haven’t opened it. 😂

[@louisesuth8141]

oh such a familiar story! but you need to try things to know whats best for you. . i love soft pastels but cannot take to acrylics/ oils. I did find that going along to some classes at a local art club was really helpful as you could try things out.

[@JanBell-h5c]

My choice of art materials are watercolor pencils, used them for over 10 years. I can get very vibrant colours which I love and being a pencil the colour is a constant if you need to use it in many places over the artwork. First I colour in the drawing just like using colouring pencils if I need a deeper colour just add another layer the trick is to use the watercolour brushes that you fill with water, over time you get used to pushing the colour around the area to get lovely deep shades and blocks of colour I have tried watercolour painting but just can't get on with them as you're constantly having to dip the bush in the water, plus mixing the colour you want each time. Made me smile when you showed the lino items, I also have done exactly the same 😂 but spent £280 on a antique book press that's just sitting there😕 it's on my to do list to sell this year, along with the other lino supplies.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I'm so glad that you love your watercolour pencils! I really need to give them another go. :) And wow, £280! I don't feel quite so bad now. ;) Thank you for sharing!

[@annestickney7371]

omigosh, I wish I'd watched this before I hit the buy button on Jackson's art supplies. I NEVER use pastels, but I let myself get sucked in and spent over $100+ "just to try these again, cause they are so pretty". They may end up on FB marketplace.

[@awatercolourist]

4:04 Have you tried adding ox gall or synthetic ox gall to the Naturals? It might help with the streaking... I think.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I haven't tried this, but thank you for the tip!

[@Sue-pn7mq]

Have you tried to use them like a liquid? A small amount straight from the tube mixed with water might work. I’ve also noticed that some of their more unusual watercolor products work better on bamboo paper than cotton and brushes are making a huge difference too. For example, Da Vinci brushes leave more streaks than any other brand I’ve tried.

[@marygonzalez5907]

This is MY BIOGRAPHY!!! I am not ALONE ANYMORE!!! lol bravo!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

Ha ha, I'm glad you could relate!

[@sandorkocso1798]

i am glad i got to return the brass box in time. hated it :))) it for sure wouldn't have patina over time, just finder prints

[@berolinastrassmann]

Thanks for your take on the brass palette. I had it on my list...but the issues you mentioned are dealbreakers for me. I am moving away from soft padtels. I hate the mess. So my collection will be finding a new home soon.

[@lynleyshort2758]

Love my albrecht durer water colour pencils.

[@LisaZoe86]

I have quite a few art supplies that I don't really need, even though I like to use some of them every once in a while. For example all those acrylic paints in way too many colours. I need to find a way to use them up in some way that's worthwhile...

[@janine4143]

I use my Albrecht Dürer pencils only dry like a normal pencil (mostly for mark making in mixed media), because I gave up using them as a watercolor pencil😅

[@Paperthumbtack]

1:55 and probably in certain climates in other countries, you can’t use it at all.

[@Homeward_Pilgrim]

Ok, I laughed out loud watching this. It's probably the most useful video you've made, given the craving and hoarding we struggle with, watching all these art haul videos on youtube. I also bought soft pastels, and love how they look, and the art people make with them. I also don't use them. I'm not getting rid of them yet, but I may have to wait until Heaven to actually use soft pastels. Like you, I dream of sitting down and working with my linocut tools. Fortunately, my investment has been smaller. I also still dream of using the Inktense blocks! Didn't Winston Churchill say he was going to spend 100 years watercoloring in heaven?😇 I have used watercolor pencils (Inktense, Supracolor, Caran d'ache, Albrecht Duhrer) when on the go, for years. I carry them in a round canvas cylinder that zips around the top, so you can see the tips. I use a water brush with them. I think Lynn Chapman used to use them a lot for urban sketching. I have given away a lot of the lower quality art materials I've gotten over the years, but find it hard to let go of artist quality ones. Anyway, kudos to you for being able to face up to our time constraints, and share the wealth with others.