Rethinking The Supplies I Use

[@Blick_Art]

We know the feeling- it can be tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink on every excursion, but sometimes working with a limited assortment of materials can stimulate creative solutions! We still say nobody packs for a sketching mission quite like Sandi!

[@sandihester]

Thanks Blick! I was cracking myself up today because I laid everything out that I was going to take out sketching and was VERY pleased with myself. And then when I picked the backpack up I could barely carry it 😂🤷‍♀️

[@sandfly60]

🤣

[@teressasliger]

@@sandihester 😂❤

[@annam.myburgh9515]

😂😂😂

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Limited supplies...said no artist ever😅😅😅

[@sunmoon1084]

Your art channel is one of the best ones out there! You got great style!!

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!!!

[@GoldenAstroCat]

Sandi, whenever I need a dose of inspiration I just watch your videos and I am revitalized! I LOVE how you are so hands on with your materials. I've been using gouache a lot lately sketching outdoors, and you inspired me to get a portable pallette with empty paint pans and fill them with my tube gouache - it works so well and I'm loving it! 💖😊🎨🖌️

[@sandihester]

I’m sooooo glad it’s working well Gwyn!!!

[@loiseilers5058]

I also think that is a great idea Gwyn. 😊

[@GoldenAstroCat]

@@loiseilers5058 Thanks Lois! 💕

[@monicahiatt]

Sandi you would kill it as a comedian. I appreciate your expressive style so much. You always inspire me. The amount of work you create is amazing.

[@sandihester]

Well thank you - that made me laugh!

[@sallysims5090]

Hi Sandi and orange Kitty. :) I really enjoy these videos of yours that focus on your process: new ideas, thinking them through, bashing around with luscious materials, losing a bit of hope, refocusing, gaining back steam, making progress, and sharing the results. Thank you for sharing this art point of view.

[@pamelagilmour8060]

Do you have a problem mixing water color and gouache since in same palette I keep hearing no to contaminate with your brush. Your thoughts pls Love all your videos thank you

[@shannonessig5959]

Approaching an artist painting/drawing in the park, asking questions, interrupting their process, getting in their space... is like approaching someone eating their lunch in the park, getting into their space, asking what they're eating, leaning over their shoulder to get a better look at that sandwich, and asking if they can take a bite.

[@sandihester]

I agree!!!! I had an old man stand there and talk to me for forever the other day - I wasn’t sure if he was going to ever leave 😬

[@loiseilers5058]

Unbelievable that someone actually asked you for a bite of your sandwich. Jesus!! How rude. You should politely tell them to leave and if that doesn’t work, insist they leave with intention. 😡

[@shannonessig5959]

@@loiseilers5058 I was making a metaphor or simile. I was saying that invading the space and interrupting the process of an artist quietly working in the park, is like bothering someone who is eating their lunch at the park. I don't think anyone asked Sandi for a bite of her sandwich. I apologize for the confusion.😊

[@loiseilers5058]

@@shannonessig5959 I got that wrong. My bad. You clearly said, “like.”

[@bigbear8645]

❤

[@katarinaholik]

Yes, plain air can be mentally exhausting. I am usually with company, my husband and friends, so people are not stopping by, but when alone I did get few visitors. You have a specific style, not the usual realistic and not everybody can appreciate it. But people who know, know.

[@sandihester]

Totally agree with you and I constantly have to remind myself of that when tons of people are stopping

[@LaylaPayton]

Yes, WE get it! We love Sandi's style!

[@dianefrandsen2697]

Thanks for sharing. ❤ Still new in sketchbooks. Being an introvert I think it's hard to sit out because of the people that might come by. So maybe I will try to take some big headphones 🎧 so they might not talk to me😄

[@sandihester]

Big headphones for sure!!!!

[@katarinaholik]

Watercolors are my main medium, I love to see more playful work in watercolor, it is very inspiring. I hope to see more of watercolors on your channel

[@stephanie.kilgast]

Always enjoy playing with color mixes while you chit chat about your path and process :)

[@sandihester]

Thank you Stephanie!

[@boterkaaseneieren]

Its very tempting to buy a lot of art materials, can be addictive. For the longterm it does not make you happy because soon you want to buy more other things. Im always asking myself do I really really need this? Its the same when going out in fact you don't need bring the whole artstore when you want to draw in the park, because you want to draw or and paint, and there for you only need a pencil and paper. When you want to paint you can bring a small watercolor palet. We all make things so complicated. The main thing is having fun in drawing.

[@LaylaPayton]

I am really excited to watch your upcoming watercolor process. I have been creating a small "muddy" watercolor palette from an Altoid tin to take on small hikes, so I don't have to do a lot of mixing. It's tempting to bring the kitchen sink on a hike, but I am determined to pare it down to the minimum. I agree with Sun Moon's comment: you really do have one of THE BEST art channels around. Thank you for sharing with all of us. You are a delight.

[@sandihester]

Bringing the kitchen sink would be hard on a hike 😂

[@LaylaPayton]

@@sandihester A tad. LOL

[@wezugo34]

Why do I rather enjoy watching Sandi play and learn,,,,,why don't I just do it myself??? 😂

[@yaimamess1111]

I just found you and love you messy studio, i get a creative block when my studio is too neat, lol. Subbed for sure.

[@sandihester]

Thanks for subbing!

[@asecondinmylife]

I am so in love with your art and your videos. Thank you so so much for all the effort and love you put in and thanks for making me smile every time i watched your stuff

[@sandihester]

thank you so much! that makes me happy to hear!

[@loveandlife4222]

I love love the first watercolor picture you painted! I also love the Charles Reid book. His paintings are gorgeous! If I could paint like that I would be very happy. That is what I aspire to. Thank you for sharing. I will order the book!

[@cydengel]

Hi hi…quick suggestion-instead of paper towels, pick up a roll of blue shop towels at Home Depot. They tear like paper towels, but after wet, they dry and are usable for a long time! No lint either! We love the, for studio but especially for travel! Love your videos, packing art supplies is a huge part of the travel fun!

[@iamsimplyblue]

You’re so dedicated to learning. I admire that. I couldn’t keep going back to paint the same scene, but I do see you are learning from each sketch. So many supplies I find a bit overwhelming. Love to watch!

[@sandihester]

I use to not be able to do the same thing over and over but I find new things each time and I find it builds confidence

[@hadleyfierlinger9197]

Thank you for being so generous sharing the details of your process. Really appreciated to me hearing how you felt about trying new things and not being sure you liked your painting and that is ok. I really relate to that! Also need to hear cat purring now in all videos! Love it!

[@jeanettegillings7202]

Hello Irit…. Thank you for the review. I like the palette set up, but disappointed in the low volume of paint in the pans. Lucy is super cute (I hope I got her name right 😺

[@eaupoetique]

Seeing you gather your art supplies is always so exciting! I wonder if adding like a more Spring green {like Daniel Smith green gold or Holbein leaf green} might help you feel like you can lighten things up abit,{I know you can mix it but with such a limited palette & limited mixing space & time constraints sometimes it’s easier to have a go to, & I feel like that kind of fresh green does appear in your work a lot.. . Also maybe a magenta like your new liquitex quinacridone crimson.. . Will definitely brighten things up! Love your video as always!

[@sandihester]

I’ll check those colors out - especially the greens!

[@lorrainelizhou536]

I discovered your channel recently, and I have been enjoying watching you paint and chat since then. You inspired me to get my watercolor paints out, even to get more crayons and sketch books, art materials are never too much. I was such a big fan of Charles Reid who had a big influence on my watercolor painting, he is missed.

[@maggiemae6867]

You make me want to get my watercolors out. It's been awhile. Have a great weekend

[@sandihester]

Get them out and play! 🙌

[@madelynsmith8281]

Love my watercolors. Mixing colored pencils, crayons, pen, etc. It really has made my work pop! You will love getting back into watercolors. To me, so relaxing. When I am at a park my watercolors go with me. Enjoyed the video. 😊

[@sandihester]

I’m really enjoying using them for sure!

[@lulabelle33]

Rewatching for probably 20th time lol-- What I love most about this is the lesson that you only get proficient with different subject matter, materials, locations by continuing to try when you're not happy with outcomes and feel lost. It's the keeping on -- doing again and again that conquers all. A great Sandi and life lesson

[@sandihester]

That’s totally how it works!! It builds confidence too

[@deborahmeyers551]

Love the pencil wrap which is sooooo much more Sandi your sketches and cat 🐈 thanks Sandi loved this vid alot alot ❤

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it Deborah!!!

[@staciemartinez]

What a great video Sandi, thank you! I totally nerd out on how to maximize a minimal kit when traveling. I still haven’t mastered it, but each trip brings its own fun challenges!

[@sandihester]

I’ve DEFINITELY not mastered it 😂

[@andeemay5954]

I really love the sketch…and i mean really! Love the ducks and the fountains, the people and the Parthenon ….i wonder if that inner critic, while, difficult at times, also forces us to push on!! Kudos to you to continue to create with so many people stopping! I think i would have packed up and left. I am new to sketching outdoors with people around and find it so intimating still..guess i need to keep doing it….thanks for sharing.

[@sandihester]

It is very intimidating but it does get easier with time

[@ashleyruth_artadventures]

Your videos are my happy place. :) I love watching your art journeys - and a watercolour one is very exciting.

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad to hear that Ashley!

[@kesterkitgrant]

Sandi! I also am obsessed with texture, granulation and brushmarks in my watercolour and I tested a TON of papers and found that the only one better than S&B Epsilon is Moleskine 165gsm sketchbook. NOT their watercolour specific book. it is cream paper, but it shows much more granulation than any of the others also shows the most texture when using Sennelier Inks. But Epsilon comes a close second. S&B are well noted for leaving a lot of brushstrokes which i also love a lot. also my four year old asked if we could give you a hug and tell you that your paintings are beautiful. he loves watching your videos with me

[@brendawhaley7094]

Sandy, I just want you to know what a blessing you are and how you use your talents that God gave you,, rt before I went to tx with my sister and a friend,I had to also put my sweet dog down,I never done that before🐶

[@lightwavz]

What a great video this week! I have been doing a similar build-up and pare down of travel kit. Your process always helps me figure out my own. I overpacked for my last walking expedition and it did me in and sent me back to the drawing board. Haven't left my yard in weeks. 😂

[@sandihester]

Oh that’s funny Terri!

[@steylawitt]

I’m so glad you are going back to watercolors because this what I have been doing as well as sketching last past year ! I’m excited to see what you are going to make in the next months.

[@sandihester]

More in the next video for sure!

[@steylawitt]

Please do ! I need ideas , I love what you did, the ducks and the water fountain are my favorite, the composition is so pleasing to me as well as the colors.

[@priestessbrenda]

I know this is an older video but I am so blessed to have found your channel. You have helped me to become creative in my art again and that means everything to me so thank you so much!

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear that!

[@janeandclementine]

I’m excited for this, I love watercolour

[@taketimetoseait396]

7 paints to go... 2 of each primary colors in warm/ cool tones + white for making various colors. A combo of the darkest values will make ur own darkest colors. Along with 1p piece of charcoal, several graphite pencils of different values. Ur H2O brushes...plein air on a quick trip, makes sketches easy.

[@alicemlovegrove]

I found a book at the library called Colour and Line in Watercolour, by Glen Scouller (a British artist). His style kind of reminds me of yours. He uses mostly watercolour but it's not a purist, and often uses wax crayon (non-water soluble) or oil pastels before starting with his watercolour paints. I wrote down a quote, 'If it works, anything goes'!

[@sandihester]

I love that quote!

[@shelleoshelle7252]

Thank you Sandi for bringing us along. Hello Flynn! Thank you for the reminder to keep trying and keep practicing. I give up too easily when things don’t come right. You are an inspiration for me.

[@sandihester]

It’s really the only way to grow - keep at it

[@shelleoshelle7252]

@@sandihester thank you!

[@maggieinsc1967]

Feiend of mine and I were looking for a replacement for our big Charles Reid fav journal- big spiral bound 10x14” that We got from Artexpress in Columbia SC which was Charles Reids recommended art supply. You cant get the big book anymore. Lovely paper that wc loves of course. The sketchbook used in the Charles Reid WC Secrets. Anyway we finally figured out it had to be handprint. They still make it in a smaller size but their wc books also have the same paper.

[@elvirabackstrom1366]

Hey! been watching your videos for a good while and they are such a joy for me, i save them for my saturday morning-coffee, and sketch along :) best moment of the week. sending love and thanks to you here from Stockholm

[@sandihester]

Awe - thanks!!!! So glad you’re enjoying the channel!!!

[@brendawhaley7094]

Sandy, I just want you to know what a blessing you are and how you use your talents that God gave you,, rt before I went to tx with my sister and a friend,I had to also put my sweet dog down,I never done that before🐶 , I really mourn and got so down, I lost my husband ,than my dog but I know God is so good,some other things happen but by his grace I have pulled through, I lost interest in my art ,till now I always go back to you because from the beginning when I first saw you on KZbin , you bless me and I said to my self I can do this, . I have been home for a week and here I am watching you and with your kindness,you crack me up because I do and feel the same way, I’m back lolllll Never change you are so blessed having a husband that understands about your art and let’s you be yourself, and you do things with him , well I know talked enough loll see you again bless you oo by the way I’m 74 who saids I’m to old to begin ha ha

[@sandihester]

Ohhh Brenda I’m so glad you’ve found some laughter and inspiration here!!! Thank you for sharing and I’m just so sorry to hear about your losses! Sooooo hard!

[@rebeccamartin3744]

I just recently got a Rickshaw bagworks Diplomat. Put in a Field Notes sketchbook, Viviva Colorsheets for watercolors, a waterbrush, a white Gelly Roll and a Pigma Micron. I'm new to traveling with art supplies and didn't want to overwhelm myself, so its just enough to start.

[@sandihester]

That sounds so nice!

[@onnaaddis7983]

Real neat Sandi. I love to take it all as well. I'd love to see it packed. Sometimes I take my sketchbooks and do 4-5 pages with a semi background with crazy texture wc and neos. Let them dry out and then they are sketch and draw and bright front colors in on the subject that's new. Many are ready to draw in quick whilst driving. I can't wait to see how you do. One great thing is pockets and overalls and a carribeener hook w gromet to hook on a water bottle hands free.❤ have funzies.

[@cherihermans9118]

Love your videos and watching the process. Your little orange helper is so cute ❤

[@sandihester]

He’s the best!

[@jbc23]

I just love your work and style!

[@sandihester]

Thank you so much!!

[@mariac4602]

Re-watching this and many of your videos. They are SO inspirational! I love your energy, curiosity, fearlessness and joy. Thank you!!! I would so love to see you do a Patreon where you offered an additional video and podcast every month. I know another woman doing this and she has a huge following and her tier for 2 videos (far less edited than youTube which is actually fun) plus a podchat and few photos (instagram style) of what she's working on is $20. Basically her loyal KZbin fans gladly followed her to Patreon and paid for more of her content. I am sure you would find the same, especially if you don't underestimate the value of your work :) However, I know you are also dealing with multiple medical issues, so my 'wish' may not be possible, or even in your best interest. Oh, and I purchased 2 of your amazing courses-SO good! God bless you and your family and thank you for all your content.

[@hannatrue150]

Love getting to come along on your journey revisiting watercolors! Thanks for sharing!

[@sandihester]

I’m so glad!!

[@KVan-fl9sk]

It's great to walk with you through your thought processes, Sandi. Thank you!

[@sandihester]

I’m glad to hear that! More to come on all of this in 2 weeks

[@scoanime]

Beautiful video Sandi. Thanks for bringing us along on the journey

[@sandihester]

You’re oh so welcome Sandra!

[@firdyk]

I'm excited to see where you are going with your watercolour exploration. I've been saving to watch this and joy of joys you have uploaded another watercolour one. You are such an inspiring artist. I love your ginger interruption too.

[@heidikarpa2278]

Such an exciting video! I’m also knee deep in identifying my preferences for ALL the choices. 😆 So. Much. Fun! Seeing how you navigate through this learning curve’s very inspiring. A big help with staying focused and persisting. Thank you!! Such a generous share with your thought process 😊

[@sandihester]

Thank you Heidi! More to come on all of this in 2 weeks

[@becmoss8486]

I love that you think about your supplies as you go to sleep- thats exactly what I do as well!! i really love your videos - they're always such an inspiration and challenge me to explore materials in different ways, and I've really learnt so much from you. Ps - im sitting here watching this with my Ginger boy on my lap :)

[@sandihester]

It’s just a nice way to NOT think about stressful things and a nice way to fall asleep

[@Julie-vy3oz]

This makes me laugh. I went for a trip just after you did and when I was packing my art supplies I thought of you. I ended up taking more than I usually do and honestly not using them enough to make it worth it. I like my watercolors and pencils most! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@sandihester]

That’s funny Julie!

[@michellejohnson6346]

Hi Sandi! I am really enjoying watching your video, I love hearing you talk through your process of pairing down your supplies. Early on in the video you said that you like thinking about your supplies and how to use them in new and different ways and that you like thinking about these things even when you go to bed at night. I said "ME TOO!" I also love thinking about the functionality of my supplies and how I can try things differently. Another "ME TOO!" moment was when you were talking about experimenting on different papers to see how your newly curated supplies will react with them. I also love playing with my supplies and swatching them out on different papers and inside new journals. Your videos are so lovely to watch, they are informative, and cozy. I feel like I am hanging out with a friend. Thank you for sharing your light and for being here. Happy arting!❤🎨❤

[@sandihester]

Thank you Michelle!!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them ❤️

[@tinapanna3613]

I have the mini & large- these have made my portable game so much easier

[@TrampinGypsy]

Thank you for this… I was in my head today. Wanted to give up. Seems like they’re times I hit the jackpot and create something amazing but most of the time I’m not really happy with the work. Anyway I love the painting. The pond was my favorite. The looseness was lovely. Oh and the white duck has to be a fan favorite for sure. I love watercolor. I can’t wait to see you work more with it.

[@sandihester]

More to come for sure with watercolor! I’m glad you liked the duck!

[@susanwildt6535]

Thanks for bringing us along on your journey. I love your excitement to learn and discover. ❤

[@sandihester]

More to come on all of this in 2 weeks Susan 😂🙌

[@junemaguire5053]

Love the look of your new purchase looks pretty perfect to me.such a delight to turn on my phone and find a video from you.thank you.

[@sandihester]

So glad to hear that!!!

[@wilmamccoul]

Watercolor!!! My favorite medium. I'm so excited to see your journey! Is your mom happy about this? lol I just purchased the Zeta paper and tried the watercolor and gouache. I didn't like it too much. I look forward to seeing what you work on. I do really like the Hannemuhle (sp) toned paper. It has been really sweet to work with. I have also worked with the 1264 mixed media paper from blick and it handles layering with the pastel pencils really well. I like the outcome a lot. I'm so excited and how funny your comments on the people talking to you at the park. lol too funny. When I am in the process of a piece, my husband will give me a 'look' and I can get cranky with, "I'm still working on it! Come ooonnnnn!" hahaha He likes it, usually, when I'm done, but holy cow, it takes work and time. lol Love your videos!!

[@sandihester]

I’m still trying to figure out what I like best - more in the next video

[@mekagooden4915]

I’m mainly a watercolor artist although I started and love acrylics more. I’m doing the opposite and stepping away from watercolor and moving back towards acrylic. Although watching this is inspiring me to go ahead and pick up my Watercolor. Maybe I’ll go on a walk today and pack my watercolors for the trip. Thanks Sandi your always so inspiring!❤

[@sandihester]

That’s a great way to use watercolors - much more transportable than acrylics

[@mekagooden4915]

@@sandihester definitely easier to transport around. I always have to pack along my kiddos too so my backpack is packed full of everything you can possibly imagine 😆 have a good day Sandi can’t wait to see your next video!

[@sallyannsims4691]

Nice video going through your thought process as you refine your material selection and application. It's interesting (and instructive) to watch how you evolve your process. Hi Finn!

[@sandihester]

So glad it’s helpful!

[@jlm517rocks]

You answered paper and color questions ii didn't know how to articulate...pretty darn cool!! Ty.

[@sandihester]

Oh good Judy!

[@deroulement]

This was such a lovely video and a timely reminder for me to pack light for my upcoming trip to France.

[@sandihester]

How funnnnnnn!

[@karenvc8005]

I loved this! I really struggle with carrying too much stuff. My hubs got me a leather tote for hauling my stuff 4 years ago and I limit myself to just that. I did get anArt Toolkit for very brief trips. It’s pretty nice if I’m in a restaurant and don’t have a lot of space in my table. I pretty much use watercolor, prismacolors amd neocolors I & II. Occasionally I bring in some gouache but am sort of timid. Since watching videos I did buy some watercolor markers which are fun amd helping me to loosen up. For inspiration, I like to look at books for Urban Sketchers.

[@sandihester]

I think it’s a common problem - carrying too much! I love having all the stuff it’s just the carrying part that’s hard 😂

[@deijverigebij]

Love the video! I also would love to know where you got your containers form in which you store you're markers. The one on 15:55. Love your clips and will watch your watercolor journey with great pleasure. :)

[@sandihester]

Not sure - I’ve had it for forever

[@sunnyart7955]

I like how you took those three painting and combined it into one to create a new version of it.

[@sandihester]

Thank you! I do that a lot.

[@KittehNow]

Lovely video...there's SO MUCH to learn and consider. It's all so fun. Thank you for this very interesting video😊

[@sandihester]

You’re very welcome 🥰

[@hannahcollins5905]

Thank you! This is very inspiring. And my daughter and I agree that you are our favorite artist! :)

[@sandihester]

Ohhhhhh THANK YOU ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hannahcollins5905]

@@sandihester 🥰

[@sandfly60]

I reckon all artists need a cap or T-shirt that says "Comments not required" when Plein Air painting. I love your Parthenon!

[@sandihester]

Yessssssssss 😂

[@lesliehull9005]

Have you tried hot press watercolor paper? it's smooth like drawing paper, but takes wet mediums well. I've also used bristol and been happy.

[@sandihester]

Yes! I love hot press watercolor paper!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I got the Folio palette too and have started using it at coffee shops this week. It is the perfect size! I put 15 colors in it & added the large & regular mixing trays for a little more space. It has been so great! I have all my colors (including some new ones I’m experimenting with) and plenty of space to mix.unfortunately my red paints stained it right off the bat, but for my purposes it doesn’t really bother me.

[@joannatseng1721]

I love my Sendak mini and use it regularly! The canvas also breaks in. It holds everything I need for art on the go - pens, watercolor, waterbrush, etc. :)

[@sandihester]

I’m LOVING mine!

[@joannatseng1721]

@@sandihester The struggle is real with trying to not bring everything and the kitchen sink. I am travelling to Italian Riviera and Switzerland in Sept and last year, I packed TOO much. Plus I was slow to pack-up and go once we wrapped up.

[@andreajlmoore]

Thanks again for taking us through your process. I’ve only recently begun to paint outdoors in public and while I don’t mind people talking to me, the problem I’m having is that it’s hard not to rush the work to get to a good place with it and/or feel like I have to apologize as it goes through the “ugly phase”. I hate having to do either of these things and it makes me want to shy away from painting in public.

[@sandihester]

I’m always saying “I’ve just gotten started…” to people

[@hugbloom2664]

Such a sweet orange cat 🐈 Finn keeping you company in the studio and wanting some attention. I like your approach of not worrying if stuff gets paint on it. I remember from your earlier videos you saying 'an artist lives here' or 'an artist wears this shirt' etc which i thought was fabulous and i drew some sketches of items with those phrases written on them 😂😂(just a personal sketchbook, i would certainly ask you if i wanted to do more with it). My favorite top now has ink on it and a stain from carrying peaches in from the garden, and i don't berate myself anymore, i say this is my life, these stains are like scars that tell my story of who i am.

[@sandihester]

Amen!!!!!!!

[@rosaliemaguire]

Finn is gorgeous. Wonderful video, jam packed with fun and inspiration.

[@sandihester]

He’s such a sweet thing!

[@KLeonardM]

Jeez Sandi, you are so inspiring.....

[@sandihester]

Ohhh ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@labcat647]

Always love to see where you are in your art journey and understand why limiting and honing in on the supplies is so important in the process (I'm still doing a use-what-I-have/no-buy year.) I'm doing watercolor studies at Warner Park... so much easier than carting my soft pastels outdoors.

[@sandihester]

Love the use what you have!!!! Warner park is beautiful! I haven’t gotten out there yet this year

[@labcat647]

@@sandihester Warner Park is one big green tunnel... quite the challenge to figure out how to paint it.

[@sibelxo7228]

Hi Sandi 🙌can Luminance or derwent drawing pencils go over neocolor 2? because sometimes i want to scribble/doodle on the neocolor 2 but it doesn't show (i only have prismacolor) 😁 ... Thanks for your wonderful videos 🎨

[@sandihester]

They don’t

[@sandihester]

Unless you wet the neocolor and let it dry then you can go over it

[@amandaterrio4823]

If you like the paint to sit on top of the paper try arches hot press. It is my favorite paper for that technique

[@sandihester]

Good to know!

[@ChantelleArts]

If this is the light version I wouldn’t wanna see the before haha 😂 I like to go for a walk whilst I’m out and there’s no way I could comfortably carry all that. Maybe I pack too light though, I only bring watercolours a pencil and pens 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️

[@sandihester]

I wish I could just take that!!! I’m definitely a heavy packer in all areas of my life

[@kr2112]

This is a great video, Sandi. Thank you for making it. I wonder if, since you are processing ideas right now, you might consider and possibly speak to the difference in how you worked with wc before and how you do it now. While you spoke highly of the teacher you worked with whose book you showed, and his work truly is amazing, there is a less contemporary feel to it. I never studied much watercolor and wish I could have, but on the other hand I enjoy using wc and gouache like regular paint, rather than in a purist way. I see that in your current work, too, but don’t really know if it was a conscious decision and if it is different that how you worked previously. I’m just curious, but also am asking so that others as well as I can see how many people using wc, gouache, and also mixed media, are using the paint just as a tool/medium rather than in the stricter sense of what it used to mean to be a “watercolorist.” Thanks!

[@sandihester]

You can see how I use to use it in an old video that’s titled something like My Art Journey. But you’re right - I do just use it like paint now and not at all the way I use to use it.

[@traceymuscat4917]

That David Hockney book is such a vibe! 😍 Keep persevering, I really like the lightness of your watercolor sketches and loving that you’re paring things down! I personally love to sketch with watercolors, it’s my go to especially in summer months. 💖

[@sandihester]

Thank you!

[@joannrabideau1657]

Sandi, I think we all go thru the same thing. First I started with a larger bag and had a ton of stuff in it then I tried pairing it down (which was really hard) but I’m getting better. Love your videos. Your so down to earth and I love your kitty cat😊

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it JoAnn!

[@denisevance1045]

I love what you did!! You’re wayyyyy to hard on yourself!!

[@sandihester]

Thank you Denise!

[@kathleenwieting3119]

Just watched this video, a little late but your discussion about what to bring with you and paper towels reminded me of something I thought I learned from you. It’s wearing the top part of an old white sock (the ribbing) on your non-dominant wrist to wipe off your water brush. It’s washable and reusable. Didn’t you teach me that?

[@sandihester]

I don’t think I did. But I could have 😂

[@impish22]

Thanks Sandi, but first, getting the coffee going ; )

[@annam.myburgh9515]

Thank you for another super inspiring video Sandi! Had a good giggle about the cat appearances. Mine are alao fascinated by all pencils/marker pens 😂

[@sandihester]

Finn is REALLY getting into my space and making himself comfortable lately 🤪😂

[@domeniquejohnson7977]

Loving these videos ❤is there a link to the list of each of the colors in the watercolor palette?

[@jessicastrideart]

I loved this video so much Sandi! The books look very inspiring, they’re going on my birthday list.😉 Many years ago when I had no clue about watercolour I wrote to Sarah Wimperis asking her how she got her darks so dark and she simply said “many layers.” Thankyou for everything in this inspiring video Sandi!

[@sandihester]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Hey Sandi, Is it possible to "gesso" your notebooks for watercolor by pre-sizing the pages with starch? This would be something to do in advance, but if you got some common shirt starch and sprayed them, it might be all systems are go for those other sketchbooks you find are making the watercolors dull. What do you think?

[@sandihester]

Possibly but I’m not much of a prep kind of gal 😂. I’ve actually found ways I like to use it in the other sketchbooks. I’ll share in future videos

[@lightbulbnirvana]

@@sandihester Perfect!

[@kr2112]

Hi, Sandi: In this video you say you really love the Stillman and Birn Epsilon book but in your links you have the Zeta. I’m thinking that’s because the Zeta is hardbound. I have previously loved a Stillman and Birn that I had, but also used to be into soft covered books, because I thought they’d be easier to lay flat. Now I find I prefer hard covered, since I appreciate having sketchbooks as keepsakes of my practice. Is the Zeta paper like that in the Epsilon that you’ve mentioned? I was surprised that they don’t actually have a lot of pages in them. But I kind of also love that and that the pages are thick. Any recommendation in sizes that work well? They are slightly oddly sized. Thank you!

[@phillipstroll7385]

Ah, a Nashville girl. Howdy neighbor. I've spent many a day out there drawing. I go light though. A pocketbook and a pencil. Yes, bitty can be equally true simultaneously. You absolutely can do it and equal not enjoy it. You'll never know until you reach the pinnacle. My wife says we enjoy thinking about and collecting supplies more than we enjoy using them. She says the art we create is just a justification for our true joy, thinking about and playing with supplies. Lol

[@sandihester]

As artists we definitely love collecting supplies!

[@caroldrummond1389]

If you liked Hockneys sketchbook you would love the book by him called "Hand Eye Heart". Was so happy I found it. They are more finished landscape watercolors and its a beautiful little book. There are so few artists whose watercolors I love now. I also was a Reid fan way back when as there were so few watercolorists you could identify with. I love Hockneys in their simple flat areas of color and his simplicity of marks. One of the tricks I use now when i do a watercolor and wondering if my values are okay is to take a photo and put on computer and go to "edit" and press the black and white so i can see the values. Love having that option.

[@sandihester]

I’ll check that book out!

[@margaretgeorge3903]

Hi Sandi, looking well. Good for you and your reset! But you still have so much stuff with you. You use colour so well, how about putting a limited palette together but Only with your new bag and your watercolours!🫣😬🥰🥰

[@sandihester]

I think I’m just destined to be a heavy packer 😂

[@victotostudio8047]

Hi Sandi, I recently got the same palette and I'm thinking about setting it up similar to how you did it. I really like the rose dore color in your palette, but I was not able to find it. Do you perhaps remember what brand was that from? Thank you!

[@hollynoscar3534]

awww man, i'm jealous...i've been saving my pennies to get one of these. btw, your editing on your vids are fantastic. you really do an awesome job, better than most out there on you tube.

[@sandihester]

Thank you Holly! I work hard at it!

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

Omg Sandi. I live in Central Canada. We drove from Manitoba Canada to Vape Coral FL in 2017. En route we made a pit stop in Nashville at this very park! Just for a few hours, but what are the chances!❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

That’s so neat!!! That’s a crazy drive - wow!

[@gillyslikejillysart7458]

​@@sandihester33 hours driving time I think it was. But we took our time and did it over several days!

[@cherihermans9118]

I always take more than I need and I love the appearance of your cat. ❤❤❤

[@sandihester]

So glad you loved Finn’s visit!

[@marilynburke7609]

Like all your new tips and recommendations Sandi. I enjoy painting outside also without the friendly comments from passersby. I guess that’s just part of the journey. Part of becoming famous. 😁😉 I just ordered some plastic boxes from Amazon but they seem larger than the ones you have and they close differently. I hope I like them . Do you like the way your plastic boxes close? Some don’t stay shut very well. Where did you get yours? They seem like a good size. Paint on! 😊❤️

[@sandihester]

I do like the way mine close and I can’t remember where I ordered them from - maybe walmart

[@alyssaw.9139]

I LOVED the cameos of your kitty! 😻 I'm curious, did you do anything special when setting up the palette to prevent the gouache from falling out of the pans? I'd love to use gouache dried in a palette but I haven't had good luck with it when I've tried before.

[@sandihester]

I’ve never had it fall out of the pan. That’s interesting