My ART No-Buy Rules and 2023 Goals!

I'm sharing my rules for a year-long no-buy and also my goals for 2023. It should be a fun time!
Hi! I'm Miranda Watson and I create fun art videos on this channel twice a week. I do a fun art subscription box every month, plus many other fun art-related projects. My passion is watercolor and water-based media. Subscribe to my channel if this appeals to you, and hit the All Notifications on the Bell to be notified when I upload a new video. A Like on this video if you enjoyed it also helps me out. Thank you for spending your time with me today, I appreciate you!
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None, you know, because of my NO-BUY, lol. Actually, it was just a talking video, so there's that, too.
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Instagram: @alkalicreekart
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I got a PO Box! Here it is:
Miranda Watson - Alkali Creek Art
P.O. Box 396
New Castle, CO 81647

[@renmuffett]

My only art goal this year is to simply have fun with my watercolor. At 68, I have to get stress out of my life. It's time to relax & play. 💖 Yes, unfortunately the sizing on watercolor paper does go bad. I still have some several years old. However if I can't use it for watercolor anymore, its still great for oil or wax based color pencil, watercolor pencils or gouache. So your old paper will not be wasted. But if you need fresh watercolor paper, you just NEED it! Lol.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank goodness for the other mediums we can use when we've let our paper go too long! I really love your goal for this year. Your last sentence was perfect.

[@wynngwynn]

I find that it doesn't even effect the paper that much. Literally burning through some 20 year old arches right now lol.

[@gillinacook1477]

I love watching people do a no buy art supplies, especially when they show you each month that they didn’t buy and what they used up. I’m on a no buy art supplies this year too, going well so far.😊

[@WeblightDreams]

I agree. I'm on my third year this year. 😊

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I'll try to keep everyone updated on how it's going. Thanks, Gillina!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Wow, Dora, your third year - that's awesome!

[@anitadavidson1266]

I’m on a no buy art supplies year, but already failed 😳 So, given my lack of self control, I have unsubscribed from all the various art shops I use here in the UK. Wish me luck? I’m going to need it!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh, shoot, but great idea to unsubscribe - that should help a lot! Good luck - it'll be fun to see how the rest of the year goes for you!

[@Julie-vy3oz]

I need to keep up with Skillshare better, too, and yes not automatically renew it this year. I’m on a light-buy with all things, including art stuff.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I like the "light-buy" terminology. I was hoping to start up my Skillshare last week, but it didn't work out, so I need to put it on the schedule this week. I was thinking Fridays, but the kids keep pulling me into the mountains on Fridays to go snowmobiling, so that went out the window, lol. Maybe Thursdays for an hour or two!

[@WeblightDreams]

Some watercolor supplies do go bad. My frisket dried all up, entire bottle. Also cheap watercolors get brown and loose their color super quickly after many years. I have some reeves tubes that are around 18 years and if I use them the paint turns out dull and brown after a few days. It looses it's color very quickly. Acrylics also have around 15-20 years shelf line well some brands. Yay for no buy! So exciting.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh, that would be so disappointing in regards to those old and cheap watercolors. 😑 Yuck, lol.

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I think these goals are 100% attainable Miranda... and you have us cheering you while you create more Art using what you have. So far I have not purchased any paint this month and I'm hoping to keep it that way. I do plan on buying paper but other than that, I honestly have a good amount of paint that I've never used and I noticed I've created a bit more with what I have in just 2 weeks. You can do it!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

That's awesome, Laura! Thank you for the encouragement on my goals.

[@loveandlife4222]

I have some art goals I want to implement to help me improve this year ~ painting daily and doing a sketch and value study first. I want to plan and sketch to help with the end watercolor result. I will never do a no spend. If something came out new or if I realized I really wanted something I don’t want to be restricted from getting it. With that being said though, I am not someone who just frivolously buys whatever they want. I am very selective about my purchases and I only buy high quality supplies. I feel that if I’m going to put the work and time into painting, I want to use the best supplies to get the best results that last a very long time. My supplies are professional and my paper is 100% cotton (except my practice paper.) I’m going to intentionally try to paint much more often (daily if I feel well enough). Painting gives me so much joy! It really is therapy for me. 😊 Thank you for this video Miranda!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I love your goals. I just started a daily painting challenge yesterday to try and use up that Himi Miya palette a little more quickly. We'll see how it goes. I'm allowing myself to take Tuesdays off from the "Daily" part since I teach at the college from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If I can still squeeze it in on Tuesdays, then that's just a bonus. There's definitely no need for everyone to do a no-buy, so I'm glad you don't feel pressured into it. Being selective is ideal. Thank you!

[@AlexisCassandraArt]

I thought I commented here already but I’m not sure I pressed send! Anyway, I’m proud of you going on a no-buy! It’s so hard with a KZbin channel because you want to get new supplies and share it on the channel, but then of course we already have so many supplies to use😂 here’s to 2023 on KZbin!🎉

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you and yes!

[@michellebuchanan6641]

Thank you for saying you are doing a No Buy for art supplies in 2023. I too have way too many art supplies and like a dog with a squirrel, I get distracted with new art supplies that are offered. Hope that I can be strong and stick to this. I'm just starting this today because I bought oil pastels and will be working with these. But THAT"S IT!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, it's so easy to want to try ALL the things (and I still do!), but it's time for me to buckle down and use what I have for a while. I'm hoping to find out what my favorites actually are out of all these goodies. Have fun with the oil pastels and good luck!

[@elflordsjourneys]

I'm getting to that point but buying supplies is so addictive 😀😬

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

It really is!

[@lorettawatkins5024]

I did a no buy a few years ago and found that I needed nothing except card stock for a year and a half! Good luck to you Miranda

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh wow! That's telling, isn't it? :-D I'm loving it so far, but this Jackson's gift card money definitely made it seem as if I weren't limited, lol. We'll see how the rest of the year goes!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Miranda, You have some great goals. I am doing an Amazon no buy until my Amazon credit card is paid off. That does not mean I can buy art supplies elsewhere. I have a lot of art supplies so I really don't need any more. As for your other goals, they are good. I need to eat less, but it is difficult for me.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Diane. I hope you get your Amazon card paid off soon - that'll be a good feeling. I know what you mean about not needing any more supplies, but sometimes it sure is fun to receive them, isn't it?

[@danielleb.7055]

Oh my goodness Jack is getting soo big! I think your goals are definitely attainable and it's good to set goals. Have a great day

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yeah, he's almost all grown up, darn it. Time flies with puppies. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@interior_painter_steph]

Yes, a good idea. I have a similar problem. I have loads of stuff that i haven't touched. I am going to do that too. No buy until finished! Maybe a paint brush. I use them a lot. But nothing else until finished!!!! Prey for me.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Definitely praying for you, lol. I watched Moni's art haul this morning and I wanted it ALL! But I have plenty and I'll just go through my drawers today and find something fun to play with. It'll keep me happy!

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

I'm also trying a No-Buy, at least for the 1st Qtr of the year and I'll see if I can continue after that. Small steps first haha. I'm actually editing my art goals video right now where I talk about my no-buy that I'm posting on Sat. I totally understand when you say running your YT channel is like a full-time job. I also work full-time so it's a lot haha but even when I burn out or take breaks I always came back to it because I love it 🙃

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I'm going to be really curious how the no-buy goes for you. It's fun to do once in a while!

[@BeckyTregear]

I think No Buys definitely need a few caveats, in that if there are things that are required for specific projects then of course we need to get those! But I am with you in avoiding buying things that aren't necessary. Michael Harding watercolours are the exception to that for me as well (and your kitty colouring book!), lol. Best of luck with your plans and upcoming projects. My schedule is a mess right now and I couldn't get ahead with two videos a week either, One a week doesn't seem to be progressing much right now....I've been so slack this month! 😂

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

That's so sweet that my kitty coloring book will be an exception to your no-buy/low-buy - thanks for that! I'm glad you agree about things needed for specific projects - it should be a fun one! Yeah, the video goal is a HUGE challenge.

[@AnnieNoodle]

Hahahaha I would LOVE to get ahead on videos!! I'm not sure how that's going to happen unless I take days off just for that. I just bought a few domestika courses, and I'm excited about those! I should do a video on my 2023 goals, just so I have something official to look back on at the end of the year. Also MIRANDA WATSON how dare you release an art supply advent calendar in a year when I'm doing a no buy!! 🧐

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I'm pretty sure by my experiences over the last two weeks that getting ahead on videos may be a pipe dream, lol! But it sure would be nice. I'm still going to try, that's for darned sure. Doing the video really helped me solidify my goals. I still want to write them out on a piece of paper and put them on the wall next to my computer monitor so I can SEE them every day. It's okay if you want to make an exception for my advent calendar, LOL! ;-)

[@bjustbee]

I like your goals list. Seems reasonable and achievable. I just finished up my 2023 goal list last night. I kept it short and simple (I like the Ryder Carroll mentality on goals, they are the lighthouses to guide you on your path, not always the end destination) So mine are 1. make bad art (step outside comfort zones and try new things) 2. Create everyday (make time and space in my life for art) 3. more figure studies (reinforce the basics) 4. no buy (and track inventory). I'll be honest, your miya palette challenge is what prompted my 'no for real this time' no buy year. I realized how long it was taking you to use that palette, that I would never get through the stuff I was buying. And that's just a waste. So I actively stopped buying similar items last year, I have an almost complete water color palette, darn near every color I could want, so I stopped buying new watercolors. (though I did get an oxide black for my birthday, I'm going to have so much fun making granulating mixes) I've made myself use the sketchbooks I have on the shelf instead of buying new (I've found using a sketchbook I don't like to be so freeing, I feel no fear about making 'ugly art' when I'm already just trying use it up). I'm about 3/4 through my inventory for no buy, oh my goodness I have so much stuff. You don't really see it I guess until it's all out in front of you on pages of lists.

[@rebeccah7689]

I have a similar reaction to the Miya palette challenge! Whenever I worry I might run out of something, I remember how long that palette is taking and realize that I'm farther from needing a replacement than I tend to think. Thanks for doing that, Miranda! :)

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

You bet, Rebecca!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I LOVE your goals - especially the "make bad art" one. So freeing! And you made a good point about using a sketchbook that you don't necessarily like - it's not precious so you can do whatever you want in it. I bet good things will come out of that sketchbook. I'm really glad something I've done on this channel (the Use It Up) has made a difference in your life. Thank you for letting me know! And yeah, the inventory list is sure getting long!

[@JujuLand0]

After watching your videos, I got the Miya palette myself! My favorite thing about it is the matte white that doesn't cause my paint to bead. I got it inspired by your use it up videos, and now I have something to use freely in my sketchbooks.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

It's a great little palette. I was hoping to use it up really quickly so I could squeeze my own paints into it, but since it's taking so long it sure is nice that the paint that came with it is also fun and easy to use. A few of the colors are a little hard to re-wet, but it's nice overall.

[@theartofetta]

Thank you for sharing your goals with us. I'm not in a no buy year, but I'm trying to use all my art supplies, and this is pushing me to buy much less 😅 so maybe I'm in a no/low buy and I don't even know😂

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

That's awesome!

[@FaithAnnNB]

I hadn’t really thought of listing exceptions for my no-buy…but tape and masking fluid are a good idea! Since I’m allowing myself to use gift cards (local art store) that I received for Christmas/birthday, my year is probably more of a “low buy”. I did use gift card funds already this year when I saw that Etchr sketchbooks were on sale and I wanted a size I don’t have for a gouache class I signed up for. Definitely will NOT be buying any watercolour paint, even if I do have gift cards. I have so much paint to use! Possibly will need to buy gouache, but again, will use gift cards. Lovely goals for the year… good luck with your big projects and your personal goals!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, FaithAnn. I agree that gift cards can and should be used regardless. Yes, the gouache seems to get used up pretty quickly, so I can understand needing more at some point. Have fun!

[@wynngwynn]

my parents were insane and got me arches to learn watercolor on (i never realized how expensive the paper was until WAY after) and I still have a ton of full size sheets from 20 years ago that are still fine. IDK if the sizing is doing anything weird but it's not affecting any of my art so I don't care lol.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh wow, that's awesome they did that for you! It probably helped your watercolor journey. 😀 Its awesome that you're not having trouble with your old paper - gives me hope for some of my older paper.

[@E4Alabbasy]

I'm glad to see many artist goals include being healthy. Good luck with your goals 🌺 I'm doing a no buy only until April, that's when my twins will turn one year old and I deserve to buy something for myself because it has been a Crazy year 😅 But I'm hoping to go through my cotman watercolor set and using my watercolor paper before they go bad

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh my goodness, twins! Yes, you definitely deserve a nice gift for yourself! Thank you, E4!

[@Elvraie]

The inventory of all yout art supplies is a very good way to discourage you to buy new things. I like the idea of painting in a big canvas. See you later. Have a great week.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

You are so right about that inventory because it's crazy how many things there are in one room when they're all listed out individually. Hope your week is great as well. Thanks, Valerie.

[@teresabotkins4983]

Love your goals. My goal is to just do more art. As a beginner I sometimes get insecure about my art, but thevonly way to improve is to do more, right? 😁 I'm afraid I don't have the willpower for a no buy!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I agree that the only way to get better is to keep "arting!" Love it.

[@kathyoh9713]

No buy here also. Good luck to you and how you want to do things! I appreciate your videos. Jack’s coloring is getting darker. Funny how he goes to the kitty then looks up to you, like see what I’m doing, this is good, right?😊 My Aussie does that too. 🙂

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I just have to remember to update everyone each month on how it's going - mostly so I can get comments back from you guys on how all of YOU are doing as well - that's the fun part! Yeah, most of the other videos I've shown of Jack have been several months old, and he's quite dark now, sadly. He's still adorable, though. Our cattle dogs, LOL!

[@Art_IsTherapy]

These are great goals!! I really want to trim down on spending money buying art supplies (which is one of my goals). This month I had gift cards I wanted to use while there were sales. 😅 Anyhow, thank you for sharing! I feel inspired!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

It's so fun to have and use our gift cards! Good luck this year.

[@MrsBarnabas]

I like your approach to your goals, Miranda, and I'm looking forward to see how the kitty colouring book and the advent calendar work out! I think you may find that there are other little sundries you'll run out of, as well as tape and masking fluid, though. W&N masking fluid: store the bottle upside down to keep it from gumming up, and when you open the bottle, decant some into a small (about 20ml) screw top bottle for 'everyday use, and again, store that, and the bigger bottle upside down. It's oxygen starvation which prevents the gum from setting, and this way, the contents will last for years. Oh, and using it, do you use a pointed silicone tip tool (among other names, aka colour shaper)? Also a technical drawing pen (those that have the oddly shaped, two-pronged 'nibs') work like a dream for smaller areas (except the smallest sizes, but if you're buying a mixed pack, those small sizes work for paint!). I really praise you for your decision on eating! I'll admit that I've been losing weight slowly (not deliberately) since last May. Part of that almost certainly has been because I've been able to walk once a week! Can't do more yet, but working on it (a 2023 health goal)! For the last three months, as I've been making good progress health-wise, I've been aiming at a specific target, while still eating pretty much the same. As of now (17.01.23) it's to lose about 2kgs more (about 4.5lbs), and then I will *need* to make sure that I eat enough! That's going to be difficult, as I've been eating sensibly anyway, and will need to do a calorie count, I think, to work out what I have been eating and add a little to it... So I guess we'll be encouraging each other in the eating / exercise department? Art goals? I can't do better than to repeat what I wrote on Maggie's goals thread: "I think the big one remains - to get outside and get paint on paper. It's the only way I'm going to regain my confidence, because I'm not really motivated by indoor work, unless I'm prepping or teaching a lesson (which I love, btw... ). And I love being out of doors, drawing and painting what is there to be drawn and painted (that's sort-of everything!). So, thanks for making me put that thought 'out there'! 😊 " I might be doing quite a big creative project for church in the near future, and if so, I'm going to set a specific, realistic timeline for it, as I still intend to make my day-out-to paint target! Oh, and yes, I'm still on a 'replacement only low-buy'. Budget restraints are a big part of that, and some (not all!) of the things that I get "I want" thoughts for, when I stop to think, I realise that I might play with them a few times, but would I really use them at this point? And usually the answer's no! 🙃😄

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I'm curious to see what other random supplies I may run out of that I'll actually need - I'm looking forward to finding out! I love that you've been able to get out and walk more. Yes, we'll have to encourage each other to eat enough for sure. To answer your question, yes, I use a pointed silicone tip tool for my masking fluid. Thank you also for the suggestions on storing my masking fluid as well. I love your goal for the year. Love that you can take a moment to stop and think before buying that next art supply. That's so important!

[@revondamehovic3132]

These are great goals! Good luck! I think having fewer supplies makes me more creative, but I'm not quite ready to do a year long no buy

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I completely understand. A no-buy is not the solution for everyone, but I am curious to see where it's going to lead me in my art journey this year. I have so many supplies that I suspect I won't even notice a difference for quite a while.

[@le2382]

I think your goals are great, and I think they’re attainable too. I’m doing an art supply no buy this year too, I allowed myself one last purchase for my birthday last week and that’s it. My only exclusions are if I get a gift from someone or a gift card, otherwise, I won’t buy any other supplies. I can’t wait to see your progress on your various supplies. Especially the little Himi Miya palette!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, L.E.! I agree that gift cards and gifts are an exception. They need to be used in the manner they were intended! I gotta get going on that little palette again, lol.

[@tapotiart4446]

Hi Miranda ! This was a great video to watch , especially with your personal touch. I would like to tell you mine. This year i want work on commissions . Already working on an A2 size commission art with sennelier gouache . The couple wanted it in a vintage Bollywood (India) movie poster type . It's so fun to do that. 2. I want to "show up" on my sketchbook everyday . Even if it's a 10 min doodle . I've sepearted a drawing sketchbook for that. I get a long lunch break during work. So using that slot of time while sipping coffee ☺️ and munching 3. Last year i had a great creative journey with art. So this year i want to explore and push myself more. I recently did a few monochromatic animal watercolour portraits on A3 sized paper. 4. I want to try brush pens , markers, microns and other dry mediums for good sketching. As I only play with wet mediums. 5. I wanna finish atleast one art supply this year. Let it be a sketchbook or the watercolour papers . I've a lot of it so I'm not sure though. 6. I wish to create something with my friend . It's been so long. 7. I want draw things which I've never drawn before. Today I sketched a girl sky diving. It was so randomly selected by my friend. 8. Though I have some art supplies to buy this year , still i loved your idea about no buy . So I'm gonna buy only those with which I can create final pieces . 9. Lastly , i want to make some paintings to gift my family and friends ..

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you for sharing your goals - I really appreciate it! You have great goals and I wouldn't mind also trying the daily sketchbook practice. Good luck this year!

[@debsmith7050]

Great goals! I am not that organized....but I am still going for a low/no spend - art stuff and beyond. I will hope to make an exception for your goodies when they are released :)

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aww, thank you. I hope they'll be great; fingers crossed.

[@PaintinHiding]

oh this was so fun to watch! no buying new watercolours was one of my rules last year as well. we all definitely don't need more watercolours haha ;P i love that you included eating/exercise goals. i'm aiming for daily exercise as well but i'd be happy with just 4-5 times a week. looking forward to following along your journey~ :D

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

4-5 times a week for exercise would be great! I have a feeling I'm not even going to notice the no-buy very much since I already have so many supplies, but it'll be interesting to find out as the year goes by.

[@Zahirian]

For me the no- buy thing ended yesterday... Thanks to Schminckes new Urban super granulating set and YInTiCo red😂.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Hahaha, this cracks me up - and I totally understand!

[@marygallo2174]

Wow, great goals!! Hard goals!! I hope you were able to meet them :)

[@liz8272]

I really liked your shirt! Just wanted to let you know I like your goals for the year.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you!

[@fuzzydragons]

oh i should make some rules lol, this is a good idea🙂

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

It's fun to make some rules, lol.

[@meretekj_creates]

I so enjoy your videos, and I think these are really good goals to have! (I'm copying the skillshare one... need to use it more!) This year I'd like to learn watercolor better, and how to better draw or paint from a reference. And I'd like to put something up for sale in one form or another, even if it's just a sticker or two...

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you, Merete. I really like your goals. I think doing stickers would be great fun, too!

[@MadebyDawn23]

Welcome to the no buy. Im on a no buy for 2023 chiefly due to the hurricane that destroyed my home. I did my own art advent calendar for 2022 and another 2023. for my video i have a book full of ideas, research and outline for all the video i do. Maybe these hint can help

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your home; that's devastating. I'm glad you are still able to do artwork; hopefully that relieves some stress. Very cool that you did your own art advent calendar.

[@MadebyDawn23]

@@MirandaWatsonArt Thank you, we are about 90% recovered. Yes art did help a lot. Maybe having a Journal might also help with videos ideas

[@shadowguard3578]

I had the Jane Blundell Roman Szmal watercolor palette on my wish list, but last December I acquired Jackman’s (not Jackson’s) watercolors and now I have no desire to make any watercolor purchases in 2023 unless I do not own the pigment. I have more than enough to last a while plus I do not want the same pigment from different brands, which can happen when buying curated sets from different brands. I can buy a pigment if I don’t have it already (but it must be usable not just for collecting purposes), watercolor paper, sketchbooks, masking/washi tape, masking fluid etc when I’ve run out. I’m not a saint since now I have the Derwent Lightfast coloring pencils at the top of my wishlist 😅. Good luck on your no buy and plans for 2023! 🎉

[@dees3179]

I love the derwent lightfast. They filled a couple of really specific odd niches for me in my pencil collection. I hope that if you give In To the urge you love them too. There are a few unique colours in there which are worth getting open stock. Particularly arctic white which I adore. It’s available in their black and white tin as a harder lead (artist pencil extra colours) but for some insane reason those are not open stock and I even asked derwent directly why not and they don’t know😵‍💫

[@shadowguard3578]

Thanks for the support! Cult Pens (UK based online retailer) has Derwent Lightfast set 2 with 36 pencils. That’s the set I’m longing for plus a few other pencils open stock. They do deliver to the USA but weirdly when I go to checkout tax is added to the total. I’m not sure if it’s US or UK tax. Cult pens have many of the Derwent ranges of pencils open stock. I’ll look for the arctic white. I have some other brands of coloring pencils, and Derwent Lightfast coloring pencils would complete my collection. 😊

[@dees3179]

@@shadowguard3578 you could also try: Jackson's fine art, ken Bromley, pencils4artists. I believe all three ship to the US and normally have open stock. Do check the colour list for the set. I ended up with some I won't use as someone sent me a present if the 12 pack. I'm not complaining.....! Just that some of the combinations are a bit odd depending on your customary subjects. They have some truly excellent dark colours that I've never seen elsewhere. Particularly a couple of dark purples which are amazeballs. Hope you get hold of them and have lots of fun.

[@shadowguard3578]

@@dees3179 I did the deed! After taking the price of the specific set and taxes into account Cult Pens was still the best price for me. I noticed some of the sets are heavy on colors that aren’t ideal for me. Set 2 was a better fit for me. ☺️

[@dees3179]

@@shadowguard3578 wooohoooooo congratulations. I hope you love them as much as I do. If you want to see someone else being really impressed, Lisa Clough at the channel lachri fine art, uses a lot of purples -so when she got the light-fast ones she was really happy. I think her first video on them was a review about four years ago where she drew a partly purple giraffe.

[@nancyloomis3046]

It is hard not to buy buy buy. I'm thinking of actually giving away or selling some of my supplies. I'm getting to where it's staring to bother me to have too many things that I don't use, taking up precious room.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

It IS hard, but rewarding all at the same time. I've really enjoyed my periods of no-buys. Fortunately or unfortunately (however you'd like to look at it), this year I have such a big back-log of previous-bought and previous-gifted supplies that it won't feel like a no-buy year, but I do also enjoy the feeling of using the supplies I have and giving them some love. There is also a lot of merit in giving away the supplies we don't enjoy or just don't want or need anymore. You're right - the room is precious.

[@tasticola]

Hi Miranda. Good luck with your goals. It's not going to be easy! You're brave!!Your dog is an Australian Blue Heeler? I'm just wondering why his tail is docked? Not something we do to them down here... x Nell.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you. Yes, this dog is a blue heeler, and they dock their tails here in America so the horses and cows can't accidentally step on them and the ranchers don't have to get weeds and other junk out of their tail fur, or at least so I've been told. This is what Google is telling me: Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, increase a dog's speed and prevent injuries. For hunting and herding breeds, tails could collect burrs and foxtails, causing pain and infection. Herding dogs with longer tails risked being caught in gates behind livestock. Hope that helps explain it!

[@tasticola]

@@MirandaWatsonArt ok. I hope I didn't sound rude. I think it's actually unnecessary and cruel. I know you didn't do it, but pets certainly don't need it for thr reasons google gave us! Beautiful dog though xx Nell

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@tasticola oh no, you didn't sound rude at all! It's a bit of a crazy practice here, but I suppose the ranchers still appreciate it. I tried to get the lady I bought my Aussie from to NOT dock his tail, but she refused. Apparently it "devalues" the dog if they still have their tail. How crazy is that!?! I was around when they docked Jack's tail (and his siblings) and it was horrible. I hated it and so did the people doing it.

[@tasticola]

@@MirandaWatsonArt so sad. That certainly would have been awful. I just think the practice is outdated, and can't understand why the U.S still does it when Aussie farmers etc don't see the need. We have a Kelpie and love her dearly. Jack is obviously loved too! Thanks Miranda. x Nell

[@HumdrumCurio]

I enjoy watching KZbin videos but I completely understand if there is a break in the schedule due to a vacation or trip. Especially if you are going to be getting much needed rest. It’s about time we fought against the algorithm as a whole and stop letting it punish our favorite artists for taking a break 😢

[@JessicaLynnIllustration]

Agreed! Working a full-time job make it's hard to keep consistent on YT, but every year I set a goal of 1 video a week and I fail every time because life. This year I hope by planning out videos in advance and hopefully batch recording will help.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you - that's encouraging to hear!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Jessica, I applaud anyone who can work full-time at a "regular" job and STILL put out videos - that's incredible.

[@sandfly60]

Good! Please help me be likewise strong!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

We're in it together!

[@jennw6809]

Wow! Your goals sound wildly ambitious for someone who's also just lost someone important and also flipping a house. I'm giving you permission right now not to feel bad if you don't accomplish them all. Now do tell - what moved you to buy those huge canvases? I also want to go big!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Than you, Jenn. The only goal I'm really concerned about is the advent calendar, but if I work on it a little bit at a time, *maybe* it'll happen, but thank you for the permission to let some go! The main reason I bought the huge canvases is because if I'm going to hang artwork in my own house, I would want it to be rather large artwork, so I'm working myself that direction. Once I feel comfortable with oils on a large canvas, I'm hoping to also move my watercolor work to a much larger scale. Plus it's a fun challenge!

[@jennw6809]

@@MirandaWatsonArt I assumed you found the big canvases at an art store that was closing or something!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@jennw6809 it was a buy one, get TWO free sale.

[@jennw6809]

@@MirandaWatsonArt Ahhhhhhhhhh 😅

[@rayne6737]

Other people’s negative opinions on your goals frankly don’t matter. You’re not making them for others but just for yourself. I think at least a couple of people I use to watch have left KZbin because of other people’s negative opinions that they seem to want to express in rather unnecessary nasty ways. Personally I don’t care what people do, buy or no buy, or whatever else they choose to do. It’s their money, time and their life. I watch or I don’t but I’m not leaving a nasty opinion just to make them feel bad. Any time someone does that I think it means they are the ones with the issues, huge issues, and not the person they are doing it to.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you; I agree. It still astounds me some of the comments I see out there. Luckily, not so much on my channel, but occasionally.