Caution:Artist at Play-Artwork by Shana Rowe Jackson

         Crayons aren't just for kids!      I recently had the pleasure of trying the Caran d'Ache Neocolor I wax pastels and reviewed them for my YouTube channel. The Neocolor I wax pastels are just what they sound like, pastels made of wax, IE: crayons. This line is Caran d'Ache's water resistant line of wax pastels but they also offer a water-soluble line called Neocolor II. Their Neocolor II line seems to be a bit more popular amongst enthusiasts because of their versatility and ability to be blended with water. That being said, the Neocolor I line has many attributes of it's own.       My first impression of these pastels was that they are very highly pigmented. I got the largest set, which consists of 40 colors and within that range there seems to be a good selection. I was particularly excited about the amount of colors that could be used for landscape drawings, but there is enough variety to also do a number of other subjects as well.     For my project I d

      I am very blessed as an artist to have such a wonderful support system within my family. Not only do they support my dreams as an artist but they also enjoy gifting me art related things that they know I will surely love. This Christmas was no exception.        I was given a variety of things that are art related, from books about favorite artists, to fun stationary stocking stuffers, as well as studio equipment and gift cards so that I can choose my own art related gifts. I have acquired a bunch of new materials to try and review on my YouTube channel as well as great learning materials so that I can better myself as an artist and a business person. I am starting the new year fully inspired with new supplies in hand!     A few highlights are my new desk chair by Serta, so that I can create comfortably, a book about Vincent Van Gogh, and the Artists that he loved , as well as some fun handmade gifts; a ceramic water pot that my sister bought me from Joyful Clay on Etsy, as well

Wow! Can you believe we are already into 2022? The past couple of years have been crazy for everyone. With a world-wide pandemic and growing political tensions, it can be hard to look forward to the future. However, I find that the only way I can personally combat the negativity that comes along with events that are out of my control, is to focus on the things that I can control. That is where making goals comes in handy.   "Tree Song" Acrylics on Panel, © Shana Rowe Jackson 2021 Times are tough, so I have made a vow to be gentle with myself when it comes to setting and achieving my goals. When it came time to sit down and brainstorm my art goals for 2022, I tried to come up with a variety that will not only help me grow as a businesswoman but are also reasonably obtainable in a years’ time. There are some goals that I like to call bite sized goals. Ones that involve using certain media more often or adding to an already existing series of mine. A key phrase when making m