Sketchbook Tour

[@Blick_Art]

We don't think there's another artist who does sketchbook tours better! Authentic, with the real process on display- so encouraging! We actually like the no-nonsense, results oriented approach to how you keep your colors- there's a system here, but it's a private one based on habit and practicality. No artist should ever feel self conscious about a watercolor palette with evidence of mixing, a pastel box with loose fragments, or a sharpened stub of a pencil. That, dear friends, is what a productive artist's studio looks like!

[@sandihester]

Blick you alway encourage me with your comments. FIRST, thank you for continuing to watch! And secondly, thank you for letting me know you’re here. I think you’re right that my color choices are instinctual. I think that comes with time and knowing your materials. Thanks again!

[@LynnHPalmertree]

Sandi, I enjoy so much your sketchbooks. It’s like peeking into your brain process. And I will say this, never let anyone sway you from what you are doing and loving. Whether it’s art or life. Take your time, soak it in. As a woman of 76 years, I wish I could tell my younger self that. This life is a mere blink in the scheme of things. I am so grateful you share yourself with us.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it Lynn!

[@CC-jy3el]

"Where you are right now is a great place to be!" What a great reminder. :) Thank you, Sandi.

[@patm.3912]

I've gotten more encouragement and excitement from looking at your sketchbooks and listening to you talk about your practice and your philosophy of art than any of the classes I've taken, the books I've read, the art dreams I've dreamt. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art. You truly have given me the confidence to just do it - and be happy that whatever it looks like is the expression of me in the moment.

[@sandihester]

So glad it was encouraging!

[@Scattycatartwork]

I love your conversation and seeing your sketchbooks, you’re so inspiring, just what I needed to hear this morning, to keep enjoying the process, which I really do, and not worry. I also liked that you might feel a painting is not too good, so put it away, go back later and it’s like a different painting. Sometimes I can’t believe I painted it :) I don’t see your sketchbook paintings as unfinished, they captivate moments in your life and are just as they need to be. I live in England and also love to hear about your local area and the places you visit. I can be catching up on housework and painting in between, or painting and catching up on things and your videos keep me going, put beauty and encouragement in my day. Thank you so much ✨✨✨

[@susanwildt6535]

That was such good advise at the end on your process and taking time to learn and enjoy the whole way. Thanks Sandi. Loved the sketchbook tour. ❤

[@lilpicita]

Nothing inspires me more than a Sandi Hester sketchbook tour! Thank you Sandi!

[@sandihester]

❤️❤️❤️

[@chelseabaird9071]

Happy Friday to me!!! Can't wait to watch!

[@carole2077]

I so loved Cooper in the Den. What a wonderful small painting that would make for the wall. I miss seeing Cooper on your channel.❤

[@hannatrue150]

Thank you for another great video, Sandi! So appreciate the reminder that you can't rush art and your encouragement to enjoy the process. I definitely needed to hear both of those things. And you do a great job of leading by example! You're a blessing. :)

[@Artwitchmama]

Thank you for sharing more of your beautiful sketchbooks Sandi, always so inspiring and a joy to watch. I hope one day you’ll publish your own art book, I would definitely buy!! X

[@sandihester]

I hope to do that too!

[@cookienmac]

I really can’t fully express how much your words and your art have pulled me back into the joy of creating. IG and the focus on selling sapped the life out of me. Now, because of you, I’m back to playing. Thank you so much!

[@janillingsworth7478]

I really enjoyed seeing a development in your figures and faces. I Iove the ducks too.

[@xurupe]

I love the ending advice about each of us being where we are on our own journeys and how we should enjoy that!

[@jbonamo]

I love looking at all of your sketchbooks and hearing you talking through the process. I am in the sketchbook phase and maybe will always be. I love your description of how the sketchbooks are how you work through new skills and themes. I have now watched everyone of your videos on youtube; working from the beginning to present. I'm sure I will watch some of them again soon because there are many I want to go back to. After watching them all I am sad that I'm finished but I will go to your substack and Instagram for more Sandi updates. :-) Thank you for sharing yourself and your bits of an artist's life. I know I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. You have touched so many people with your laughter and smile.

[@bellaandthebooks6368]

Hello, dear Sandi today is my 4th day since I started painting again. And that's because of you. I want thank you so so much for inspiring me and help to get back to my soul. Yours sketches and art make me so happy. I send you lots of love and best wishes. Have a nice weekend. ❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

So happy to hear that!

[@susanloramorris]

Sandi, this video was such an moving experience, watching you draw everywhere you went. I love the way you assess your own process and describe how you feel/think about your work. Your sharing of yourself and what you do is truly an enriching, encouraging, and inspiring part of my life as an artist. Love you lots. Your mom and Grady too.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@amandajb2024]

How wonderfully inspirational Sandi!!! Would love a session on those compositional exercises. 💜

[@magpie_mel]

This was SO wonderful, Sandi...thank you for sharing. I love your work and I also love your attitude...you have such a gift of "permission-giving" (?!) that feels really empowering to someone like myself is only just coming back to art after a long while away. I especially appreciate the encouragement to slow down and take the time to be where you are...I'm definitely doing that this time around and it makes the whole experience so much more exciting. I'm learning so much from you and I deeply appreciate your generosity.

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ddalgiichigo]

I love seeing all of your work! Finished or unfinished! Sometimes I just listen to you talk while I paint 🤣 and then rewatch it again later. There was some really valuable advice in this one thankyou 💕

[@kimhollis9416]

Really enjoy your sketchbook tours. Particularly loved how you use oil pastels and your portraits.

[@celinefederici6951]

Very inspiring to see so many subjects. One never knows when one will make beautiful sketch. I especially love all the beautiful greens that I have seen throughout and all the gorgeous colors and combinations. You clearly demonstrate how important it is to keep sketching and not be limited any what may be in front of you that you don't think is worth sketching. You show how it is all worth sketching either one time or several of the same scene and of going back and revisiting people and places.

[@michl6688]

I love how you don’t let the ‘art world’ box you in as a THIS artist or a THAT artist. You do it all and you own it. I find juried shows always want a consistency of theme, but my three best at that moment might be a still-life, a floral, and a landscape so 🤷🏻‍♀️. There’s real power in that versatility, because it means we can never really run out of ideas. I have so many ideas for things I want to sketch/paint, but just don’t have the time to do them all! The sketchbook really is the basis for establishing a style that transcends all themes. Your sketchbooks are such an inspiration! 😊💚

[@bellap2570]

Love your words Sandi…thank you so much…love, love, love ❤️

[@Beadseller]

I really enjoyed this, Sandi! And I love what you said about enjoying the process and wherever you happen to be in the art journey. As a full time RVer, I'm really looking forward to seeing how you capture your travels. And I'm so glad you are able to get out and about again! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@kanamichelle7404]

That represents a lot of work, Sandi! No one can ever say you aren’t dedicated to your work. Some of my favorites are the animals, particularly the tigers and the left handed goose. I also loved the mountain goat in aqua!

[@sandihester]

Thank you! Yes, I love what I do!

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

Greetings from 🇬🇧 I so love your sketchbook tours. And just want to get my paints, crayons and pens out and get on with. So often I fast forward sketchbook tours but I savour yours and take my time over yours. Love it, love it, love.

[@sandihester]

Well thank you! I appreciate that!

[@kr2112]

5/6/23 That was absolutely incredibly fantastic, Sandi!!!!! Thank you so much!!!! I LOVE what you said, “Practice contentment!” I’m going to make a sign with that on it to remind me of it. What a beautiful reminder. It’s like Ram Dass’ quote and title of one of his books, “Be here now.” “This is MY art journey,” is another great quote from this video. I am blown away with the magnitude of growth in your work in these sketchbooks!!! These drawings are so gorgeous, one after another! Some of them made me think, “Oh, wow! I would totally love to see this one or that one as a big DRAWING!” Others (any, really) will make great paintings. But I mention the drawing part because there is something in your mark-making with drawing materials that is so fresh and direct that would make me smile so much to see large, on a wall. Anyway, I also want to ask if when you are making paintings from these sketchbooks you are working directly from a drawing or just riffing off of them, or working from memory, etc. I don’t think I’ve ever made a painting from a drawing which now seems weird. I NEVER used to work in a sketchbook at all. All of my paintings were made without first making drawings. I don’t remember now if I joined Emma’s and Sarah’s Patreons because I heard you talk about them or if somehow I found all three of you at about the same time. But somewhere along the way I have started using a sketchbook more regularly and it has helped me a lot. (So, thank you to you and them!) I was feeling lost for a long time and also couldn’t get to my studio for various reasons so in the last year or two my sketchbook has become one of my main outlets. (I used to mostly take notes in sketchbooks.) Anyway, this is a long comment, I’m sorry, I just wanted to thank you. I’m seeing a lot of growth in my own work since following you and Emma and Sarah. I haven’t had a lot of time to do the actual Patreon work as much as I want to. But it’s coming. Thank you again for this awesome sketchbook tour. I hope you’ll get into that show!!! xo

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear this! Thank you for sharing - it’s very encouraging!

[@kr2112]

@@sandihester You’re welcome. xoxo

[@LaylaPayton]

Thank you for sharing your sketchbook journey with us. Your pages are always beautiful and inspiring. I love your sense of humor and the way that you make art feel like a possibility for anyone who wants to try it. You are truly a breath of fresh air on this platform.

[@JJsketchbook]

Each time I've watched one of your videos I want to rush out and get my hands in my art supplies! Your enthusiasm is infectious. I'm currently working slowly through your Notes In The Landscape course and loving it. Thank you as always.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that!!! Thanks for taking the class!!!

[@caroldrummond1389]

Your youth and energy as an artist is so refreshing and brings me back to my youth. And yes, always go by the beat of your drum and dont let others influence you. Thanks for sharing your art Sandi. xx

[@geraldinerodriguez6290]

I always get such inspiration from your comments and sketches and techniques. Every thing you do seems to have Soul, that tiny spark of passion. I always come back to you. Please continue to do what you do. Besides inspirations , it give me hope and courage. The art seems to bring me peace.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that - so encouraging!

[@RoxannePonds]

Ahhhh…. I LOVE THIS VIDEO! What you say, the words of encouragement, are absolute gold to me! There is no timeline for growth. It really never ends. I have saved this to watch again and again. I love seeing all of it. Thank you for sharing!! ♥️

[@hazeleyedrebel]

I started painting 3 years ago. Thought i had to be perfect. Would get frustrated if it did not look great. I decided this year, i am just going to play and take classes. You Sandi, have been a hige inspiration for me. And i thank you for making these videos🤗

[@denisevance1045]

I LOVE your sketchbook sharing!! It is incredibly encouraging because we all are in STAGES and seasons of our own journeys. Mine is not yours and yours isn’t mine. That’s the whole walk of life right? Well, I never tire of what you have to share whether it is the coffee shop, the ducks or your lady in red!!! Thank you for taking up your precious time to include US in your art journey, how can we possibly complain?

[@willemijnkamerling4011]

Thank you for sharing your sketchbooks! I love the shorter favourites and then the chatty all of them format. I think my favourites at the moment are the duck landscapes. Your ducks are the best. You make me want to draw ducks and owls and all birds. 🥰

[@sandihester]

Thank you! For some reason I’ve really gotten into ducks - I use to not be able to draw them at all 😂

[@celegleeson1767]

Thank you so much for sharing these amazing sketch books. I can't get enough of them. Yr talent is amazing. Yr videos are like a girls day out. Just fun and joyful. I am certainly inspired and having a go here in Australia.

[@MSKCCooke]

Thank you, Sandi. I agree that your advice at the end is great! I still hope someday you will work with a sketchbook manufacturer to create a cover that says "all of the bad goes into the good"! It is so true! I would paraphrase, adding, "enjoy the season, whatever it brings."

[@sandihester]

That would be fun!

[@criticalthinkingisimportan9172]

So fun to see your flow as you explore landscapes, landscapes with birds, formal landscapes, wild landscapes, and the cafes are so amazing! Thanks for another great video.

[@monicabiashi4866]

Thank you Sandi, I enjoyed this so much.Many words of wisdom were spoken in this video.❤

[@RitaCiuffini]

I love you sharing your journey ! You are very much an inspiration to me. Thank you.

[@MartineFeltonArt]

I love seeing your sketchbooks! Don’t ever stop sharing them! Thank you for your work! You inspire me 😊

[@rebeccabee6615]

I loved your wise words of encouragement regarding practice and growth. Beautifully said. You are always so kind to share what you’ve learned. Thank you. ❤

[@lesliecallaway6544]

Thank you, Sandi, for talking about patience on our art journeys. I needed to hear that! I don’t want to sell my art, but I always want to be further along than I am. But I KNOW it takes time and I still feel that way! Ugh! So thank you for your encouraging words! Blessings - Leslie

[@chels2145]

Always look forward to your videos, Sandi🎉❤ God bless, sis.

[@sandihester]

❤️❤️❤️

[@MichelleHumphreys-fv1bq]

So wonderful…thank you so much for sharing your work! ☺️🎨

[@lisabarnes6919]

Ibsen painting with my left hand and your right it is so fun and my paintings have been turning out so cool!

[@melissapaints]

I find your sketchbooks so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your amazing work! ❤

[@judithfarr]

Hi Sandi, I’ve been watching and learning from your videos for a couple of months and it’s really really inspired me to draw everything and anything. This is amazing and wonderful to me because I had a lot silly rules in my head before and it made my life smaller. This video today talking about patience and having your own art journey was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing your beautiful beautiful work and self. I feel grateful for you and the inspiration you bring me. ❤ now, back to my drawing ✍️ 😊

[@sandihester]

Soooo glad it was helpful!

[@teressasliger]

I LOVE YOUR SKETCHBOOKS! I love listening to and seeing your process. The excitement of creating whatever it is or wherever it is - place, things, sketchbooks, etc. With my mom’s encouragement. She was a hobby artist and never wanted to sell even though she could have. I eventually opened an art gallery. I loved everything about art and encouraging other artists. When I closed my gallery after 8 years, I went into deep depression. I didn’t want to create any more. That was 2019. Since then, I found you. Your bubbly personality was a joy to watch. That’s all I did was watch - for 1 1/2 years, I just watched, laughed, and started getting a little inspired. But it was your sketchbooks that have encouraged me the most. I started going through my supplies and thought maybe I could just start with a sketchbook and pencils. Your encouragement to just play and enjoy the process - just turn the page and do another one has sparked something. You also led me to Emma and Sarah. What you said in this video about the timed drawings is true. It empowers me to let it go and turn the page. I’m still rusty but I feel like I have found “my people” that are a great group of encouragers and it is so much fun. I so much want to do your class, but I’m trying to take it slow. To not rush the process like I have in the pass (produce to sell.) To keep filling a sketchbook and then I will know when it is time. I still have a long way to go, but you have inspired me to follow a path that is just the beginning. Thank you, Sandi.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you for sharing and I do think a sketchbook is the perfect place to start getting back into art!

[@teressasliger]

@@sandihester My comment should say, “With my Mom’s encouragement, I started creating late in life.” BTW, it was a book on drawing and sketching that I saw at her house which fascinated me. She said, “you can do that and I said no…yes you can.” 😊

[@discohandgliding]

I am so happy to see your sketchbooks again. I do hope you will be accepted in the NY juried show. Thank you so much for continuing to share your art🌟

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@deborahmeyers551]

I loved some of tge landscapes were stunning already loved wour sketchbooks artworks all of them. I couldn't live wothout one nowadays I light a candle in the mornongs and start sketching I love that i can see improvements and I'm not afraid anymore ❤

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear that Deborah!

[@rachellemcconnell6647]

I so enjoyed the flip through and encouragement/reminder to keep going, be patient, and enjoy the process. I loved seeing your sketches! They are fun, interesting eye candy!

[@ChantelleArts]

I find your work so inspirational and am currently watching whilst drawing 😊

[@sandihester]

🙌

[@bella619]

Amazing, valuable lesson in persistence and faith in yourself and the process❤ The blue drawing of Cooper❤💓 really got me. Thank you, Sandy🫶

[@christinefisher5716]

Thank you for sharing so freely, Sandi. You always encourage and inspire me!!!

[@eglair_gla]

Gorgeous video. Your sketches looks like very free and fun and you color palette is amazing. ;D

[@SashaFitzgerald]

I enjoyed your sketchbook flips and talk so much! Thank you for sharing. I’m excited to see your new collection of paintings, and best of luck getting into that show!

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@thecrabbies3]

This video/your sketchbooks are SO SO fun! When you opened to the sketch from the gardens on October 27, I just sighed with delight. :) I'd love to see a walkthrough type video of you doing a scene like that garden one and just see how you work and what you're reaching for as you build the scene. Thank you for sharing. I love all your videos! You are inspiring me on my own art journey so much.

[@sandihester]

Oh thank you!

[@fuzzydragons]

love the blue goose at 15:10 🥰 and good luck on getting into the show!

[@deborahruth5072]

I am finally in the process of coming out of a long time funk. I kept thinking I was going to turn a corner with it only to find I was stalled out in the middle of the street, so to speak. I appreciate that you have talked about this in your videos and that you have shared so much of yourself and your process. Thank you.

[@svetlanav1107]

Love love love your sketchbooks 😍 Thank you Sandi ❤

[@majesea]

Love your short minutes sketches ❤

[@enamary1]

Thanks Sandi, I really enjoyed your sketchbooks tour, being able to glimpse some of the evolution of your work; and your commentary, in which I so appreciate your honest sharing. Thanks again, and all best wishes.

[@joannrabideau1657]

Sandi I love seeing your sketchbooks. They give me so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing 🎨

[@cherihermans9118]

I really enjoy your sketchbook tours. The colours are so vibrant when I look closely at you sketches I start to see more birds and stuff. ❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@sublimeister9630]

Great drawings and color palette. 🙏🏻😊

[@embellishstudiosTM]

I'm always so happy to sit back and really watch your videos, i love seeing and hearing about your process! I am planning and packing my art kits to head into our parks, gardens and beaches.... And i already know i will have a little Sandi voice? bird? reminding me it's all about learning and fun and exploration.... And not about a frame worthy piece of finished art.😅 I learned so much in your taking notes class and an seeing things so differently now🎉❤ thank you!

[@sandihester]

Sooo glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for taking my class 🙌🥰❤️❤️

[@corinnapetry65]

Hi Sandi, I really appreciated the encouragement about taking your time to work and learn. Especially as someone who has a full-time (non-art) job, it's hard to get to work on your art in the first place. I spend a lot of time just thinking about what I want to do. Thanks.

[@sandihester]

I’m glad to hear it was helpful!

[@patriciacrea1186]

Hi Sandi, thank you so much for sharing your process and advices for progressing at our own pace 🥰🙏

[@rosaliemaguire]

Love, love, love your sketchbooks. Inspiration overload. Was also bonus to see two sketches you did of me from an Emma session.😍

[@sandihester]

Ohhh that’s neat!

[@victoriamckenna364]

Thank you so much for sharing your work and sketchbooks. You are such an inspiration. I often find your words and wisdom are exactly what I need to hear. I really appreciate and love your videos. Thank you 💜

[@sandihester]

Ohhh I’m so glad to hear that!

[@ruthstettmer-sultana6478]

How beautiful Sandi! Thank you so much for your encouraging and wise words too. If it is ok for you I will be quoting your statement "That is where I am at moment" in my sketchbooks. A good reminder to go with the what feels right in your art practice and that ideas need to be nourished to grow 🥰

[@sewpositivestitches2175]

Thank you so much... You inspire me so much I can barely watch to the end (but I always do!) before running to grab my sketchbook and start creating. I love your art and you! Sending grateful blessings 😊

[@sandihester]

Always feel free to pause and go create and then come back! So glad the videos inspire you!

[@cmcl5543]

It always dismays me when people with no imagination, or artist talent, disparage wonderful artists like Sandi Hester. I enjoy watching her KZbin videos, and I applaud her willingness to share her artwork and art journey with us.

[@jlm517rocks]

Loving being part of yr travels...ty.

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Thank you Sandi!💜💜💜

[@nikkolewith2ks]

Hey Sandi! Just wanted to say I love your style so much! Your sketchbooks are so much fun... this really reminded me of the importance of experimentation and playing with different mediums... love it!

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear that!

[@designsdoovers]

Your continued sketchbook working has allowed me to grow in my art so much so thank you. I do look forward to seeing how you use the sketchbook work to make finished art when you’re ready. I started skipping pages ala you. I use the black pages to put the location, supplies I use and thoughts about it that day and when I go back through I can add my thought about it with fresh eyes.

[@sandihester]

I sometimes use the blank parts to put info too. Nice way to use the blank part

[@marianneelvan5127]

Thank you for sharing your process❤ I love watching your videos, you work so much its very inspiring😊❤

[@stephkerney6923]

Thank you Sandi. I really appreciate all the effort you put into sharing your process, you are so inspirational and I love how are you are still very motivated to create even when poorly. X x

[@sandihester]

🥰 thank you!

[@mie...]

Excited to find out where you're going on vacation, and seeing the artwork you produce there!

[@jude1515]

I like your art style and the vivid colors.

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@ciellacielle]

love your art style. your understanding of your materials is so inspiring!

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@pamelajohansen882]

You r still tge best Sandy Thank you

[@Alyona_Judina_ART]

So very inspiring! Makes me want to buy 10s of sketchbooks and spend all my money on art supplies😅 and paint non stop too! ❤

[@sandihester]

😂

[@shellypayne8402]

Thanks so very much for sharing your story

[@zhangyanxin7156]

love your sketchbook works!!! they are very pleasing and fun to look at, thanks for sharing your work and thought process so generously ~~~~

[@KLeonardM]

Sandi, I just love seeing what and how you use your sketch books. I'm realizing how important they are as well. Great video

[@sandihester]

Very important!!!

[@RebaYoung-e5d]

Thank you so much for sharing what I think is a very personal view of your art journey. I totally share your mindset on the sketchbook. After being away from art making for a very long time I have started with sketchbooks to get me on the art making road again. You are an inspiration and a reminder to me that I am on the right path.

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks!

[@JacquelineWolven]

Just the message I needed. Thank you Sandi.

[@michelleh9685]

I loved the way you recorded your composition references, what an easy way to remember & reflect. That is something I am definitely going to recreate in my own book. As always it was a beautiful & inspiring video Sandy, thank you.

[@sandihester]

It’s really helpful

[@lulabelle33]

What a wonderful and wise commentary along with an inspiring and just plain mesmerizing view of your sketchbooks. Wow!!! Looking at those collections of sketches all at once I am just dumbstruck at your talent and your interpretation of subject matters. Yay!!! 🤞 for NY. If you get it I'm hoping to make that trip!!

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad you found it inspiring!!

[@Butterfly.Creations]

New subbie. Love your channel so much and your art 😍 thank you for sharing. I love how simple your sketches are and also beautiful. They give me hope that I can begin sketching. Thank you for sharing.

[@sandihester]

Welcome! So glad you’re enjoying it here!

[@maggieinsc1967]

wonderful sketchbook tours. Your birds were gobsmacking gorgeous esp the orange chested duck, the eagle and was it a sparrow right before it?! Just amazing marks and color!

[@sandihester]

Thank you!!

[@mychellemaharsartyadventur3075]

Hi Sandi, I’ve just discovered you! You are an inspiration 💖💖💖 I have felt creatively blocked for some time and your beautiful sketchbooks and the insights you share have me itching and sooooo inspired to explore new ways to create!! Thank you so very much 💐💐💐💐💐

[@sandihester]

Welcome and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbiethompson5669]

Love your process!! Thank you for being an inspiration for me to get out just play❤

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Oh Sandi! Thank you so much…this was wonderful. Thank you thank you thank you. Okay, I’m wore out now😂

[@sandihester]

😂😂😂😂

[@cuquitacollage]

always so inspiring with your words Sandie!, so... thx for that, greetings from argentina 🇦🇷🌹 xoxo

[@tinapanna3613]

I really like the marker study u did via the Emma Carlisle Patreon. I find markers difficult