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 ot...

      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 t...

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...