Hey there, fellow Creative Wanderers!

Today I’d like to share with you the art supplies that are going to be my trusty companions for the creative journey ahead. While the list isn’t comprehensive to avoid delving into all my bins and drawers, I’ll focus on showcasing the core of it – the pens and tools that will be my go-to companions in 2024. I’ve got a mix of old favorites and some exciting newcomers to spice up my artistic endeavors. Let’s dive into it!

First up, my beloved Razertip SK woodburning station – the cornerstone of my creative space. This little guy has been by my side for a few good years now, giving life to the best part of my woodburning projects. The delightful scent of scorched wood filling my Art Studio is one of my favorite things in this world. It creates such a cozy and warm ambiance, almost like having a campfire going on in the middle of the day!

Speaking of Razertip, for those curious about the tips I use in my pyrography work, let me quickly highlight my current favorites: the 7S and 7L from the Round Skew series (they’re the ones on the foreground here). They made their way into my heart in 2023, and it’s been a love affair ever since. The ease of use and the level of precision they afford me have swiftly won me over. Perfect for bringing intricate details to life, they elevate each design I burn onto a piece of wood, making them truly unique and special.

Moving on to my collection of Faber Castell Pitt Artist pens and brushes. I use the term “collection” because I’ve expanded it to include nearly four times the original number of pens I had, adding many new colors. Yes, colors! For those familiar with my work, you know that I intentionally limited myself to primarily walnut ink and the Sepia series from Faber Castell for a significant period. The main reason for this choice was that I wanted to put my focus on shapes, movement, and symbolism. However, as seasons changed, so did my artistic experimentations, and I recently found myself gradually reintroducing colors into my palette.

This shift prompted the acquisition of many, many new pens. First I was drawn to earthy tones, of course – the kind that make my Forest Witch heart sing. But to my own surprise, I also embraced a couple shades of blue! Let me share a few names from this rich, colorful spectrum: Terracotta, Green Gold, Cinnamon, India Red, Raw Umber, Olive, May Green & Leaf Green… Don’t you think the names themselves are inspiring? I’ve already taken the first steps, but I can’t wait to explore this new colorful path further and witness the evolution of my art style along the way.

For those fine details and bright stars that will continue to illuminate most of my drawings, I’ll stick with my trusty duo of gel pens: the UniBall Signo UM-153 & the Gelly Roll 08. Right now I’ve got about two dozens white pens simply because I go through them faster than anything else. While I don’t use the black ones as frequently, I have an idea for a collection that would put them to excellent use. The metallics, bronze, gold, and silver, are a new addition to my arsenal, and I can’t wait to see how they’ll make my art shine!

Now, let’s talk brushes, particularly this set of random watercolor brushes I found and bought a few years back. They may not have a fancy label, but they’re like old friends who’ve seen me through countless creative endeavors. Sometimes, it’s not about the brand; it’s about the connection forged between the Artist and their tools. These brushes have been with me for a while, but they’re still going strong. They’ve witnessed countless hours of creativity, with each stroke collecting stories and preserving the memories of past creations.

Last but certainly not least, there’s Walnut Ink. I couldn’t conclude this post without giving it the spotlight it deserves. I call it Nature’s Ink, as it makes me feel like I’m painting with the very elements of the Earth. For years, I’ve employed Walnut Ink to capture the essence of the world around me, and I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future! As always, I channeled my inner alchemist (and my inner child who’s all about making potions and playing with glass jars) and prepared various dilutions in advance. No surprise here, Walnut Ink is going to be a crucial part of my art journey in 2024.

Whether it’s the comforting warmth of a woodburning tip or the graceful caress of a brush pen, these art supplies are my bridge to the wilderness, allowing me to translate the whispers of the natural world into tangible art. As the year unfolds, I invite you to join me on this artistic journey, one brushstroke at a time. Embrace your Inner Artist, let Nature guide your hand, and see where the flow of creativity takes you!

Share your thoughts in the comments about the art supplies you intend to explore this year – I’m eager to hear all about it! Happy creating! 🎨🌿✨