“A good artist can make you forget the medium, like a magician not showing the wires.”

– Robert Levers

Things I love about March - NCAA March Madness. Every year, Ryan and I make a big family bracket. Even our dogs have their own brackets. Usually, the first day of March Madness coincides with St. Patty’s Day, so we’ll host everyone at our house for corned beef and cabbage. I love how the weather starts to turn this time of year too. The energy of spring is in the air. After spending last month focusing on sketching, I like the idea of transitioning to a discussion around medium this month. Let’s channel the energy of Spring into final works of art.

I believe there is a perfect medium (or combination of mediums) for every artist. If you don’t feel this way, maybe you haven’t found yours yet. For years, I was making my art with colored pencils and markers. I was convinced I didn’t like painting. However, it felt like something was missing in my art. My worked lacked the sophistication I desired. I noticed many artists I admired worked in gouache. I knew nothing about the medium at the time, but I found the courage to give it a try. It was love at first brushstroke. The key for me was working with smaller paintbrushes so it almost felt like drawing. Suddenly, my work took on a life of its own. My art felt easier. Gouache changed the game for me. I’ve since started layering other mediums over gouache to add depth. Because finding the right medium was such a game changer for my work, I want to make sure I do the subject justice this month. Medium is important. Really important. Finding the right medium will best showcase your talents as an artist.

When an artist discovers their ideal medium, it’s hard for other artists to tell what they’re using. The work just looks “good” and “effortless.” Do you already have a medium you love, or are you still looking? A good sign that you may need to try new mediums is if your work feels difficult. Or maybe you can’t seem to achieve the look you’re going for. Maybe you’re halfway there and need to introduce another medium into your existing process to create the perfect combination. The only way to find the right medium(s) for you is experimentation. Look at artists you love and see what they’re using. Then, try to put your own spin on it. I’m a firm believer that artists should try all mediums before landing on ones they like. And you should always be open to trying new mediums in your work. Trying new brands can be fun too. For instance, I recently discovered Neocolor pastels, which I love using. If I hadn’t been open to discovering a new brand of pastels, this never would have happened.

Fortunately, I took a lot of art classes as a child, where I was able to try many mediums out. By the time I got back into art as a young adult, I had a good idea of the mediums I liked and didn’t. It’s worth noting that just because you didn’t like a medium as a child, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t revisit it.

Another trip to the art store might be in order this month so you can try out some new supplies. The best way to get recommendations on brands is to read about what other artists love. Instagram is a great resource for this. When experimenting with new mediums, I always recommend trying a few key colors out at first. I never buy sample packs of preselected colors, because it’s too big of a commitment. I may not even like the medium I’m trying. Also, I don’t typically love the colors in these packs. So this month, let’s pick out of several colors in a few new mediums and give them a try. Try layering them with other mediums you use. Maybe you’ll discover the perfect combination of mediums for you- something you never considered trying in the past.

Journal Prompts:

1. What do I like about the medium(s) I’m currently using? What do I not like?

2. Are there any mediums I’ve always wanted to try? What’s been stopping me?

3. What do I envy about the work of other artists I admire? Are they using the same tools as me?

4. How does the idea of trying new mediums make me feel?

Sketchbook Prompts:

1. Take one of the sketches you made last month and create a final piece in a new medium.

2. Recreate an art piece you’ve already made, but in a different medium this time.

3. Create an art piece on a material or object you’ve never considered before.

4. Illustrate your art supplies, including new mediums you are trying out. This can be fun to put on your art website (if you have one).

Assignment:

Plan a trip to your local art store and pick out three new mediums to try in three different colors. If you don’t have an art store, purchase your supplies online. I like buying from Dick Blick.

Fun Finds:

• My artist friend Emma Block has a fun book on watercolor called The Joy of Watercolor. Even though I don’t use watercolor much, I really enjoyed the book and learning more about the medium. She has a book on gouache as well.

• I thought this was a great video to sum up my favorite medium - gouache. I couldn’t have said it better myself!

• When I think mixed media, I think of artist Laura Carlin. She does a really great job of mixing painting and drawing techniques to create a fresh look. Also check out Claire Caulfield.

• The company Moglea. I love how they use flat scrapers to create unique art. It goes to show that the tools you use can be a way of discovering a new medium.

  *If you haven’t already, you can check out this guide I made on my favorite illustration supplies.