How To Layer Mixed Media To Get Texture & Depth

[@melissaamyx2196]

I seriously needed a good dose of Sandi and her positivity today! I had to say goodbye to one of my horses today. He was 30... your video is just what my poor aching heart needed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for how hard you work to help us crazy artists! You have completely changed my art journey to one of playful joy!

[@corncobpipe4]

Sending you a big hug. 💗 So sorry to hear about your precious horse. 💗

[@melissaamyx2196]

@@corncobpipe4 thank you so much for your kindness, it means alot!

[@lynnerattray9642]

Online hugs 😢

[@char3474]

Melissa, i had to say goodbye to my horses too this last year, it has been so trying. My kind gentle old geldings just hurt too bad. The lead up is so hard. You try everything but then one day you finally know, it isn’t fair to hang on. I loved them so much and still look for them when we drive up. Such noble beautiful creatures, we grew old together. But we had a good run. Yes, a good dose of Sandi, well, regular doses, really helps mend our broken weary hearts.

[@lulabelle33]

So sorry for your tough day -- those goodbyes are horrible. Sandi would be my choice too for a lift-up in spirits

[@Blick_Art]

That's funny, we have been super focused on sequence of application in mixed media lately, so we're very glad you posted this! We like the reasonable attitude toward lightfastness and sketchbooks- duration of exposure to light is what it's all about, and each sketchbook page realistically won't be exposed for more than a few minutes. Lightfastness is something that every artist needs to understand, though, so we're glad you mentioned it. For presentation pieces, especially ones for sale, it's really important to consider permanence, but in the sketchbook, we think it's a good idea to just use what you want, try things out and not worry about making art "for the ages". Thanks for sharing more details about your materials and process!

[@sandihester]

Interesting timing Blick! Anything that I sell is ONLY archival - I meant to mention that in this video but forgot

[@christinefisher5716]

All that you do is filled with authenticity, generosity, and kindness! I love your substack videos, blog, and pictures! Thanks for giving so much of yourself, Sandi! Blessings!

[@sandihester]

awe - thank you so much Christine!!!!!!

[@christinefisher5716]

@@sandihester 🥰

[@robincrawford6056]

Okay, call me addicted to any Sandi content, even though my art is nothing like yours. Love Substack, but haven't figured out how to go beyond the couple of feeds I subscribed to. Keep up please, because it is so nice to have a friendly voice after a stressful day at work. As for the archival police, they clearly have nothing better to do with their time. For me the best part of all your sketchbook tours is the reminder that it's okay to only like parts of a sketch and to carry them forward into the next one. You are a great art teacher! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sandihester]

Robin, not sure why you can’t see the other posts on substack. Go to my page there (you can click the link below or get to it from my website or instagram) and click on the top where it says An Artists Life and you should be able to see all the posts

[@drawsomenow7427]

Thanks Sandi, I love Substack, I am using it to record all the great artists I find, courses/workshops I do or want to do and new materials. That way I don't have to remember to share the good stuff with my community. I love the tip about using kids supplies, when I came back to my art practice I bought big bottles of cheap poster paint and flattened all the cardboxes I could find and just WENT FOR IT, it is the best way I have found to make art with as little judgement as possible. Same actually with my sketchbook practice, you have influenced the way I see my sketchbook and I have finally finished one huge one that I think I have had over 25 years! There are pages of swatching and colour mixing, "good" works and scribbles with my paint sticks, thanks for that tip, I LOVE THEM. Thank you for your work.

[@sararhodes6746]

I only recently got into Tombow markers as a result of your vlogs and I’m really enjoying them. I’m certainly not worried about the lightfastness of my supplies but I can understand why you would need to consider it if you’re turning your sketchbooks into actual books. I am also loving Substack as a platform. I love the short videos and blog style writing that you do there too. Thank you for so generously sharing all this content 😊

[@sandihester]

So glad you’re enjoying the substack stuff!!!

[@WendiWells]

Hi Sandi! This is such a great video! Over the years, I have also been through a similar process of evaluating my supplies and rethinking how I use archival and non-archival media. This was so helpful, I really appreciate you taking the time to record and edit, and put this out into the world! Currently, I am experimenting with smooshing and spreading archival water soluble media (Neocolor 2 and Museum Aquarelle) with a Tombow blending pen instead of a water brush for faster drying time. I’ve also found that water soluble media (Museum Aquarelle, Inktense, and Neocolor 2) will lay down a nice amount of pigment on wet and/or damp paper. So, I’ve switched out some of my Luminance pencils for their matching Museum Aquarelle counterparts, and am experimenting with how I like to layer with them both wet and dry.

[@sandihester]

it's so fun to experiment isn't it?! I never tire of it!

[@MelanieBeilner]

This was really helpful! I'm still using acrylic paint as my base but I can see why a more transparent medium as a base helps build up layers. Thanks for everything Sandi! I've learned so much from you and I love your art. Can't wait for your published sketchbooks! I'll be your first customer!

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful Melanie!

[@corncobpipe4]

Loving your Substack (and it's free, y'all!)!!! I love the informal atmosphere, the chatty videos, the photos, and the FREQUENCY (Whoo hoo!) of the posts!!! So glad you found that platform!! 👍💖

[@sandihester]

So glad you like the frequency- was worried I was posting too much

[@sandymileski5486]

Hi Sandi thank you so much for this great video of your method of layering and the order in which you use your supplies. In the past I only pencil sketched ideas for paintings, but now I sketch in them with total freedom using all my supplies. I used to get so tensed up sketching or painting on canvas but now I’ve given myself permission to be loose and if I don’t like something I can paint over it and start again. You’re an inspiration to me and to all who watch your videos. Thank s again. P.S. I love your earrings!!!!

[@candy9986]

Seriously, looking forward to your book(s). Your sketchbook flip-throughs are always a joy. Also, I noticed you're using more purple ! I could be wrong, but a few of those geese looked like they had purple feathers.😊 💕

[@sandihester]

I have been using more purple 😂🤣

[@katpaints]

@@sandihester I have learned over the past 49 years of painting to NEVER only like certain colors! I refused to own orange paint or yellows that leaned orange and then I discovered you cannot paint a sunset or autumn leaves without it! LOL!

[@patm.3912]

NO NO NO Not boring!!!! Fascinating to see the development of the layers and how some of your signature looks come into being. Also wonderful to have you try out different supplies - very helpful. Thank you.

[@sandihester]

so glad it was helpful Pat!

[@hansendesigns]

More people need to talk about lightfastness just like you. That way everyone can make an educated decision as to what they’re using.

[@christinebarone2151]

Thank you beautiful Sandi, that was awesome. I love how we can depend on you to tell it like it is . I’m also enjoying your weekly’s on Substack. So much fun with all the coffee sketches , parks etc.. I wish they were longer. 😂.. thank you for showing us all darling Cooper.. he looked very puppy like. ❤️. Happy Valentines Day to you and Grady.

[@sandihester]

🥰❤️🥰

[@Alice_in_artsupply_hoarderland]

Yeey, finally a new great video 😃 But man, I have already been putting some of those winsor and newton markers in my basket 🙈 I love that you share the layering process. I keep trying to loosen up, but it still blows my mind how hard it actually is. And I love that you shared a glimpse of Cooper. I really miss seeing him in your videos! He is so adorable ❤️ Lot of hugs to you, and I'm already on a two weeks countdown

[@sandihester]

love that you count down! people just don't understand how hard it is to be loose - it is just hard and takes practice

[@scoanime]

It's always fun to watch your process as you work. And I love seeing all the versions of one scene and how they each are a little different

[@sandihester]

Thank you Sandra!

[@sarabengtsson5353]

The watercolor markers should be stored horizontally. Try to put the ones that had dried out or had a too light color with the tip down over night or longer, that worked for me. Both the pitt artist pens and the watercolor marker can get a gradient if you dip the tip in water and then paint (according to Faber-Castell). You can of course use the waterbrush on the painting of the watercolor markers, it looks just like watercolor. If you haven't already, do your own lightfastness test on the pens and every material you don't know how good they are. I tested gouache stick (like the gelatos) for a year in my window and just one pink color had faded. Good luck.

[@sandihester]

All great info!!! Thank you!

[@jlm517rocks]

an idea came how to revive a dry Pitt brush pen and it worked. Tools: NOW brand glycerin, blunt nose jewelry pliers or plastic covered round tip tweezers ( craft section, hobby lobby). 1. Pull the tip out from as close to the barrel as possible , not the end itself, and balance the nib on the tool, not on a paper (Pitts can be reversed when frayed.). 2. Dip just the dry tip in glycerin, ii used what was in the bottle's cap. 3. Very gently squeeze 1 to 3 drops glycerin into the pen barrel and let gravity do the drop as glycerin is too thick. a pipette may be a good option if it's got a narrow tip (got a huge bag of plastic pipette on Amazon, they work for all art inks, & skincare oils to avoid contaminating anything, and one pipette per item keeps oils clean). Gently tap the pen barrel down to help the glycerin slide into the barrel. 4. From the center of the brush tip,, carefully push the dry end of the brush into the barrel til it's seated. Try to not squish the fresh pointy end. 5. Cap it firmly. Some caps don't seat fully. There's a certain click when it's right. If it's slipping, wipe with a q tip dipped in alcohol. 6. Store upside down for a day to dampen the now reversed dried end, and flat after to mix ink and glycerin throughout the nib. 7. Tap the tip end downward occasionally and check how it writes. After wasting a lot of nibs, only hot press watercolor paper, rhodia paper, marker paper, stonehenge smooth or Bristol smooth paper don't ruin felt tips.

[@katpaints]

​@@jlm517rocks I have used glycerin in water to revive watercolors for years. I have found that you can use too much and then the paints in the paints in the pan and the paints on my paper do not dry and remain sticky. I put a small amount - a teaspoon or so - in a small spray bottle then fill it with water.

[@tradingpostfarms]

I love that some of your final thoughts are to use what you have even kids supplies. I've been a sketch artist for many many years. It's was during the pandemic when I found color, and I've never looked back. But I'm a single who had to stay home and teach my kids. I was living on a very small savings and so new expensive art supploes were out of the question. I learned to love color with kids art supplies. Of course I went back to work and I could eventually afford better materials. But those cheap kids art supplies kept me creating for many months.

[@sandihester]

I totally agree about the kids supplies and some - lots of them hold up well to time! And a lot of them are more fun to use that artist quality supplies 😂

[@tracyvoorhis3349]

Wow! Wow! Wow! So thankful for this mini-course on layering! I’ve been having so much fun “playing” with my supplies since finding your channel. Put me on the pre order list for your books!😃🙌 Also wanted to put in a plug for your Landscape Class. It’s so full of great instruction and encouragement! I’ve been having so much fun! Can’t wait to see what other classes you might have coming. 😁

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Tracy!!!!!!!

[@sheilahubbard4032]

I loved mostly seeing you working with your colors and various medius , creating, using your imagination. That stuff is priceless!❤ Love your new platform too! Great lesson❣️

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!

[@KLeonardM]

I just love everything you post and this is wonderful Sandi. God bless you darling

[@sandihester]

thank you Kathleen!

[@claricek2653]

Your landscapes are beautiful! I loves hearing and seeing you again😁. I think I want those winsor markers.

[@sandihester]

I’m LOVING the markers!!!!

[@verenachichi]

Hi Sandi, thank you. Your ideas of how to paint and feel free to paint what we see, what we can use from this world is wonderful. Thank you!

[@ellengoodloe9786]

Yes, I love the sub stack!! Easy to find all the material, emails that tell you when something posts. No ads, no other distracting stuff. Great video, as always.

[@sandihester]

I love that there’s no ads!!!!!

[@ImaniTolliver]

Loooooved this video! Beautiful balance of reviews, process, and the time lapse …chef’s kiss! You are so thoughtful - I appreciate you so much❤

[@sandihester]

Aweeeee thank you!

[@hollygauper9322]

Oh my goodness I am so excited you plan to make books of your sketchbooks! I have been hoping you would do this for a long time!

[@genevievegagnon4654]

I just discover your videos few weeks ago and I love them. Wow. I just like you! Your speach, your voice but also your attitude and mostly your art. You truly inspire me. Keep up the good work and thanks again!

[@jlm517rocks]

Love This & substack subscription. Got me going on layers w/student tools ii love; gessoed the lower half of sketch paper swatch book to practice w/the tools swatched... made a post-it reminder to use inktense shavings in manual sharpeners containers as background washes (& either discard the woody parts like salt after dried, or incorporate them as texture for collage-ish portions). thanks for the reminder to not be so precious abt using anything... ii saved for many things (took a year to put polychromos set together), watching you jump in whole horse just does something to my hoarding spirit... talk about loosening up, it starts within, mentally dropping all those poverty mindsets...how I know it's there are the spendy resources dying, drying up in their pristine jars & original container packaging because ii am not working & pricing has jumped... this is an inside job, Sandi, & you make all of us aware of the joy of expressing what's inside outward with so much joy and exuberance... feel like the prison bars that were never there are unlatched...

[@shannongailart]

Love love love the speed paint, thanks for showing us your layering process! I can totally understand you wanting to move to lightfast in your sketchbooks, they’re a treasure and will make awesome books

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@klb430]

I think casual was the best description for the substack! I've really been enjoying the peaks into your sketchbook and creative life throughout the week. Its great for me, a mom and small business owner who is always on the go, because I don't always have the time to commit to longer youtube videos. And I am grateful for the emails when you post cuz otherwise I would forget to check it!

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear that Kelcey!!!

[@maisycakes1125]

Just....Thankyou for your never ending generosity ....you are a treasure ❤

[@Ddalgiichigo]

You’ve really been inspiring me lately to branch out and try new subjects and mediums 💚

[@RaspberryColors]

I really like your Substack, it is very simplified platform, non formal, it feels like no barriers to view content, more personalized and more like I’m communicating than just watching a video.

[@sandihester]

I agree with all of that!

[@ArtJournalLife]

Love watching you work. What great colors those makers are. I just did a Blick order and now I need another! Thanks Sandi

[@sandihester]

I'm like that too- hard to see something and not purchase.

[@LindaAKeller]

It Is October 3, 2023. Just found you yesterday and have binged on at least 5 of your videos. As someone who has mostly done b/w drawings plus printmaking, seeing your gentle way of applying layers has been a gift. Thank you. A goal for this week is to buy a journal and new supplies. I was about to subscribe to Substack, and you are one more reason to do so. Your sense of delight, your humanity, your open vulnerability plus your artistic talent, willingness to explore, and years of experience lift my spirits and encourage me to get to work. I am hoping you will read this. A QUESTION: I love using paper. Do you have thoughts to share about framing without spending a fortune? I already search Goodwill, Savers and other thrift shops. Thank you again. Linda Keller

[@Julie-vy3oz]

Always so inspiring. Great thoughts here. I always enjoy learning about the various materials artists use and how and why they use them. Yes on the books. ❤️ I like the texture pastel and pencil gives!

[@agatamiros1210]

Oooh how I wish the swatching was a time-lapse and the painting real time…☺️ Have a lovely day Sandi!

[@jlm517rocks]

ii keep reviewing this...finally 'getting it' about using which tools in the best order. Discovered ii like crayola oil pastels more than pentel...koi water brushes more than arteza, polychromos more than soho...and 'suddenly' organizing all tools in cool and warm families rather than how they come in a set....and also landscapes and abstracts come together faster sort of like a jigsaw puzzle that takes forever to look like something besides piles of similar colors. Even better, for the first time ii actually,like what ii see even if it isn't a typical chroma for that flower or tree...thank you Sandi.

[@celia840]

I just love you! Thank you for creating and sharing with us. I wish you had more videos of you using the tempera sticks. I love them, but find them difficult to use in my sketchbook. I probably need a big honkin’ one. If you had time, I would love a quick video on how you use them. 💛

[@sandihester]

I usually use them as a base layer - just like I do with marker or soft pastels. you can see how I layer in that way in my class

[@dianemartin6077]

Sandi, I love your art ❤and approach your video’s inspire me to get going again. Thank you so much!

[@madelynsmith8281]

I really do love your new platform! The coffee shops are amazing. I love seeing you embrace the mix media process. Your layering tips were very helpful. Sandi, I love your trees so much!! See you in two weeks. Now I will be heading over to the coffee shop. ❤️🙂🌻🦋

[@sandihester]

Ohhh awesome - have fun at the coffee shop Madelyn!!

[@KittehNow]

I LOVED this video. I really like seeing you paint/sketch...it really helps me learn HOW to layer the actual subjects in my paintings ❤

[@melaniek4173]

This video was such a treat, thank you Sandi

[@sandihester]

That makes me happy to hear Melanie!

[@melaniek4173]

@@sandihester Went to swatch my Pitt pens and happily found I already have some of those gorgeous greys you got in the watercolor markers. I've been experimenting taking different supplies out to sketch and the Pitts are getting a test run soon.

[@anthonycooper8063]

Love this video .I just love to see how the art work develops .I am a huge fan of Sandi’s work and particularly love her use of colour

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much Anthony!

[@kaleidascopescreates]

This is a great video, very inspiring see you sketch from a sketch and getting different results from each media. You have such range! Thanks Sandi!

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@onnaaddis7983]

I hate the wait for drying watercolor, but. It gets super hot here in the high desert. I always have a little $1.00 fan from walmart in my bag if im overheated. Did a little fanning on the painting and some on my face. It was dry in no time. I'm glad you said screw archival sorta.. My journals are for me unless I want to show someone something . we need to feel free, right? Love it! Do more shows. I love your voice and your manner of freedom. Onna

[@sandihester]

Love the fan and yes - use the materials - all of them!

[@anapaulaotero-illustration875]

Loved your new suplies! and the way you use them to build your drawings and paintings is very inspiring, thank youuuuu so much for sharing!!!

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that!

[@chelseabaird9071]

Genuinely breathed a sigh of relief when I found your fabulous content, long videos, and deep stare into your process. THANK YOU!!! also, thank you for putting in the time to link your supplies. it's so, so helpful. you're the best! I have one follow-up question though. there's a chance you've spoken to your pencil/tool roll in other videos but am curious if you could share again where that's from?

[@LisaHancock-y8f]

This was really, really amazeballs -- game changer. Love, love, love. Thank you!!!

[@CeruleanCzarina]

Sandi, will you talk about the watercolor and gouache colors that you selected for your travel pallette? I would love to see you swatch what you selected. It's lovely!

[@sandihester]

I wish I’d written it down. I’m the worst about doing that with my watercolor palette for some reason

[@hannahfranklin3229]

What an awesome video. I love your philosophy of play and use what you have. Thank-you Sandi for always being an inspiration xx

[@sandihester]

🥰🥰🥰

[@DinkyPixie]

The little sketch you did after swatches was like Art Jazz, haha....love it, I am inspired to get some layering down this weekend!

[@sandihester]

Oh good 😂!!!!!

[@sandihester]

Love ‘art jazz ‘part

[@discohandgliding]

This was fun. My New Year’s Solution is to revisit all my supplies & not treat them as precious, because that behavior has been holding me back from enjoying the process. Your vids always inspire me

[@sandihester]

Don’t let them hold you back. They’re just getting g wasted if they’re just sitting there. But I also TOTALLY know that feeling!

[@conkrotwife]

I’ve had a set of the WN markers for a few years and I’ve just struggled to understand how to use these bright colors. This was so helpful to see how you layer to knock them back a bit. I’m loving Substack, thinking of starting my own!

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful Emily!

[@LaniCreatesArt]

Yesss!!! Thank you for this video! exactly what i am struggling with atm! the layering part was so helpful! Gonna check out the Faber-Castell markers 💜 btw, your substack notifs are the best during the week. Love you Sandi💐💜

[@sandihester]

soooo glad you're enjoying the substack notifs!!!!!

[@melaniehenson8628]

Loved this video, Sandi. It was so interesting. You are a naughty influence...I had to rush off and buy some of those markers! 😆 thanks for sharing so much of your art and insights into your process with us all. Blessings on your path.

[@stephaniecanaday]

Hello! I love your videos! You mentioned at the end about how you were not sure why some people are not moving to the other platform to watch videos as well, so I thought I would share my reason. I would love to see more content from you, but I watch KZbin solely on my TV. I do not watch much on my phone or computer. Once again, I absolutely love your content, even signed up for the email and stuff, but in reality, if it’s not where I already watch videos, I probably won’t watch. ❤ I’m just one person though, but since you mentioned it in the video, thought I would share my why. Hope you have a great day.💙

[@TomMirizio]

Hi Miss Sandy - I’ve been enjoying your substack videos as well, the only downside for me is that I usually listen to your videos while washing dishes, and the sound isn’t as loud on substack as it is on KZbin. Thank-you for your cheery videos. Beth :)

[@sandihester]

Beth I know - that’s because I’m filming mostly in my phone for substack but I’m going to purchase a microphone soon for my phone so hopefully it will be better! So sorry about that!

[@kanamichelle7404]

Last night I was watching past episodes of Portrait Artist of the Year, and it popped in my mind that you were posting today, and it made me SO HAPPY!! This was very helpful, Sandi. I have wondered which order you tended to work in. Thank you so much for being so generous with your talent. I figure you open your sketchbook much more often than I do, so I imagine I would be fine with non archival, but boy do I want those markers now😂Temptress!

[@sandihester]

The markers are tempting I know!!! I’m sorry!

[@kanamichelle7404]

@@sandihester Just teasing, Sandi. I am still learning self control, and that I don’t have to buy everything I see online. (But you bet your booties I looked them up on Blick!) I have so many supplies I need to start using up before they qualify as vintage, and that’s why this video was so useful to me. I see how many ways you have used certain mediums, and that was very helpful!

[@agirlhasnomoney]

Omg yay!!! I just checked the account this morning if I missed sth, as I thought it had been loooong!!! And here it is, perfect timing, as soon as I sat on my sofa after finishing chores...mmm 🥰 thank you!! And LOVE those earrings 🤩😍😍😍!! Also, this is a very helpful topic...as my art is evolving a lot too. I recently learnt they say butter over cream over tea (?) sort of consistency, which is helpful to remember.

[@sandihester]

so glad it was good timing and helpful!

[@claricek2653]

YAY!!! She's BACK Y"LL!!!😁

[@shanonporter4041]

I live in Kentucky!! Lived in Tn for 22 years. Hello neighbor!!!

[@mariyakapari7976]

I love your videos and letters, Sandi (and being new in your channel makes me so happy there is plenty to enjoy!). I try to control myself a bit with new materials because I have more than enough now and your video makes me want to experiment more with what I already got. For example, I love how other people use markers but never quite find my way with them (which didn't stop me from getting many ecolines and FCs) - now I want to try layering more energetically on top of them :) greetings!

[@sandihester]

It took me quite a while to like markers and to be able to use them the way I do now. Welcome to the channel!

[@vivianqin2658]

U really kind. Help alot.this is my first time watch all steps and even u show us what u use.....🎉

[@msand43]

Really enjoyed the video and the second painting is so beautiful

[@colleenjones5721]

Thank you Sandi. Loved watching your time lapse. I feel like I learned some really good tips on using markers while layering. Always love your videos here and on Substack!

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed the Timelapse! And thanks for subscribing over on substack!

[@heatherhoepsintuitiveart]

Oh Sandi, you made my day - as always :-) Because of you I got into colored pencils and paint pens but I needed to see how you use and layer them. I love this process! I can't wait to try this myself. Thanks again or these long videos! Nothing like it. Muak 😘

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@deborahruth5072]

I saved your video until I could sit down and enjoy the whole thing with a cup of coffee. Sorry you had some dried out markers, that's a bummer. Loved watching your process at the end and how you layer the different materials. The Substack platform is a good fit for you and I follow you over there too. Big huggers and thank you.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Deborah!

[@peterleprevost2154]

Hugs. Our tears mingle with yours. We lost our beloved Corgi at 15 three weeks ago...Take care. Susan

[@AshleyMurphyArt]

Loving the bright colors!!!!

[@lightwavz]

I have been really loving the Substack! I've been lurking on several creator pages, but with your content, I made the full dive in to having a profile and maybe, just maybe, doing some uploads myself. I have been dancing around the archival/lightfast/craft-level conundrum for decades myself. I have been surprised in some regards and disappointed in others. I have encased some treasured doodles in acrylic medium with good result. I have projects I expected to fade away stand strong. And I have played around with adding "pre-faded" pieces into larger mixed media collages, all with pretty good results. I also love the Tombow pens and will stick with Ecoline system as I never sell original art of where I use them, just scanned images. Always that fine line of loving and hating technology and using it with and for art. I am an analog person at heart.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed the substack!

[@mariakalogerasarch2170]

Do you think you might do a Live Online class at any time? I greatly appreciate your open approach to creativity and joy for life. It’s inspiring! And, of course your work!

[@sandihester]

I probably won’t be doing a live class any time soon but will be doing more online classes

[@MonicaReentsArt]

Thank you for another great video and all the valuable information. I got my sketch supplies out and played and made some changes to what supplies I have right at hand. I love watching your process as you sketch 🧡

[@sandihester]

How fun!!!

[@corriegrant367]

Enjoying new Substack platform😊

[@sandihester]

Ohhh good!!!

[@DSmith-pc9jn]

Thanks for your videos. You have really inspired me to loosen up.

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Hi Sandi. Another wonderful video…thank you for sharing your process. I have some inexpensive Crayola markers that I will start messing with. Sending love and light from here.

[@sandihester]

have fun with them!

[@a.humphries8678]

Love this!! Love your "not a blog" on substack!!

[@sandihester]

So glad!

[@mariliansantilli7756]

Your Art works are beautiful!!!!

[@MelodyMiroir]

Sandi it’s been a week I’ve been binge watching your videos. You are an amazing artist. When do you launch your own patreon ? 😍😍😍😍

[@sandihester]

Sooo glad you’re enjoying the channel 🤗

[@Noitsbeckyy13]

Great video. I recently got some of those Winsor & Newton markers, and I love them! Also Sandi can you please do a video on how to draw bodies? I love the one you did on faces.

[@sandihester]

I’m loving them too!!

[@Rockon764]

Just amazing! Super talented Sandy!

[@sandihester]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@jenniferrobinson8769]

I loved watching this. Thank you Sandi! I am not sure that you included the info about the large black tray of soft pastels you showed briefly. Looks like a nice selection of colors in that! The swatching with the markers is so helpful too. Beautiful colors!! 😍

[@sandihester]

I didn’t end up using any of the soft pastels but I do have a list of favorites I use in my website

[@ashleyruth_artadventures]

You're so lovely. I feel like you're a kindred spirit. :) Thanks for giving me permission to use all my fun, messy kid supplies this year - it's made time at home a lot better.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that!

[@rosaliemaguire]

Love, love this video. I'm excited to dig out my Winsor & Newton w/c markers now. I had started to get Tombow, but will stick to the W&N ones. I love your array of neopastels too. I have a handful, but have been hesitant to use them as they're my 'good' ones. Not as smooshy as my Sennelier ones. I'm excited to start using more media on my pages. Thank you.

[@sandihester]

Definitely give those neopastels a go - they’re wonderful!!!!

[@jessicastrideart]

I’m enjoying your Substack Sandi. I’ve recently ordered some of the Albrecht Durer markers too so it was great to see you using them! Mine won’t arrive until Monday and I’m looking forward to it.

[@sandihester]

It’s always so fun knowing new supplies are coming!

[@suzannem9811]

This is so helpful, Sandi. I've been wanting to do mixed media work but wasn't sure which materials to use together.

[@sandihester]

So glad it was helpful!

[@barbaraihlefeldt]

Great video - I like it a lot, thank you so much!!!! The Watercolor Markers are watersoluble..... that's also a great option....

[@TheWaldHaven]

I'm really enjoying substack for It's lack of bumph and added photos, plus you get to read Sandis thoughts on the days events. I don't know about you, but I definitely write differently than I speak so it's nice to enjoy both spoken & written word. x I haven't subed because I don't want email notifications.

[@sandihester]

Totally understand not wanting emails. Glad you’re enjoying the posts though!

[@karenvc8005]

This actually my favorite of your videos. Love watching your layering. I've been on and off layering for years but mostly watercolor and Neocolor II. More recently I've been using color pencils in the mix and really loving it. Now I want to try the markers. I have somee Ecoline but they bleed through the paper which really bugs me. I live up the road from you in KY. Hope you consider doing a retreat sometime. I would love to absorb some of your playfulness; my discomfort with being playful is a real handicap.

[@sandihester]

Really Karen - your favorite 🙌🥰🥰🥰

[@Zoomfreaky]

Subsribed to substacks. Very nice and clean place. Love your feed. Enjoyed this video too. As always. :)

[@sandihester]

Thank you! So glad you like it!

[@Meri_Luo]

Thanks for this video Sandi, it was really inspiring! I especially like the way you use a sketch as a reference for more sketches/paintings! I think I would like to try that as well. I have a personal challenge going on where I go outside to sketch at least once a month but for some reason I have been really unsatisfied with the sketches I have produced so far. I thought maybe I could try this method of yours to paint some of them again and see if I can make something out of them that I like!

[@sandihester]

The method is really helpful! You may find my landscape class helpful too.

[@lightwavz]

@Meri_Luo I did the same thing a couple of years ago. I would drive somewhere, make some sketches and then hate them. But I came back to them a year later and absolutely adored their "wonkiness." Don't let your expectations fool you in the moment. If you let them rest and see them with fresh eyes, you could love them!

[@Meri_Luo]

@@lightwavz Thanks for the encouraging comment! It's very true that sometimes you don't like something in the moment, but later it looks a lot better!

[@Meri_Luo]

@@sandihester I checked the course trailer and the course looks awesome and very helpful!

[@art-alchemy]

Hi Sandi, I got the Winsor and Newton Markers and Watercolor markers both on a carrying case. Mine came like that in a set of 24. I got them both through Amazon. They were cheaper than buying the in 12 sets or individual!

[@sandihester]

Ohh nice!

[@janeandclementine]

Eeeek! So excited to hear you’ll be publishing some of your sketchbooks! Sign me up! (And yes, subscribed to your Substack immediately and loving it)

[@sandihester]

🤗

[@wilmamccoul]

Not only do I enjoy your going over various tools and mediums, but I love, love when you show your working on a masterpiece. It's lovely and calming. Thank you for that. I am enjoying the shortstack videos as well. Too much fun. I like your pens and the TomBows are nice. I never thought about the lightfastness. Thank you for your research and sharing the results. Always helpful. I invested a lot in alcohol based pens like the Prisma and the Copic markers. Whaaaaaat? I do have a question: I have a lot of the Gelatos, in your experience so far, have you found a way to layer on top of those? Also, I thought I always had to gesso before using them. How have they worked for you without it or with? Thanks inadvance!!!

[@sandihester]

Thank you for your kind words!!! I don’t gesso my sketchbook pages at all. And most everything layers over gelatos (color pencils, neocolors, etc) that’s why I love them!

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thanks for sharing your awesome vids Sandi 💜

[@sandihester]

🥰❤️🥰

[@averymorgan1369]

What a fantastic video!! Thank you thank you ! I wanna go play with art supplies now!!

[@sandihester]

Yahooooo

[@mozidacat]

Yay!!!! Waiting for this!!! Thanks Sandi

[@sandihester]

Ohhh good! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@j.477]

the drier the inkmarkers are the more dark they appear, cause the ink is more concentrated in the nib. both nibs are being supplied by the same ink cartridge. so probably the dark ends have been stored upwards and were a bit dry.. after some use of the nib the color will balance out again. a bit of water can fix the really dried up ones. I even often make use of this phenomenon, some interesting drybrush textures come out with the dried nibs and if it's darker than usual I m often happy about the temporary intensified pigmentoverflow. sorry for my English. :) thanks for the video. love your looseness and bravery when sketching. greetings from berlin.

[@sandihester]

Good tips - thank you!

[@sandylabrecque2422]

Hi Sandi I am having so much trouble getting onto your new platform Substack. I have been a follower for quite some time now and love to watch you on KZbin as I am working on my art. Very inspiring. I am becoming so discouraged though as I cannot get this platform going. I have a couple of times then it tells me there is a problem and has to reload. I’ll keep trying though and hopefully things will resolve itself. Thank you for your fun videos on KZbin. Charlene in Canada ( the “S” is for Sandy - my husband)

[@sandihester]

I’m so sorry to hear that! Ugh!!!! Why don’t you try just going to it via my website and if it has t you if you want to subscribe say no and just use it like a website

[@Harkart59]

I've been wondering about those faber castell thicker pens. I like those 😃 Thanks for showing them👍🏼 Thanks for talking about substack going to try it out

[@sandihester]

You bet!