2023 Gift Guide for Artists
It’s been a tradition for several years now that I share a gift guide for artists. This is so fun for me because it’s often an opportunity for me to introduce you to small businesses that put heart and intention into creating their products. Most art-related businesses are small businesses, often family-run, and when I have the opportunity to meet the people behind the scenes our conversations are always a delight. These are people who care about the same things artists care about; connection, beauty, presence and generosity of spirit.
Let’s start with the products I want to share because I’ve been a part of their release in some way:
Please note that some of these products provide affiliate revenue to me on qualifying purchases.
Rockwell/Angela Fehr co-branded sketchbook. This A4 size sketchbook features 36 pages of 180 gsm cotton Baohong paper, and while it isn’t watercolour paper, it’s designed to be your place for working out ideas, journaling and creative exploration. I’ve tested it and if you can’t resist putting a little watercolour onto the pages, it will hold up for you. Retails for $22.99 USD and you can save 10% on orders over $65 using code Angela01
Here’s a link to a video review of the Rockwell/Angela Fehr sketchbook: YOUTUBE LINKWhile you’re on Rockwell’s site, you might have been hearing about Baohong watercolour paper. Seems like everyone has been trying it this year. I’m just getting to know it myself but so far am really enjoying the performance of this watercolour paper. Price it out and try some yourself! LINK
Rockwell Paint: This year my top three Rockwell go-to’s were Amethyst, Magic Wizard and Lapis Brown. Which ones are you falling for? Code Angela01 helps you save on all Rockwell product orders over $65.
4. The 2024 Angela Fehr Watercolour Calendar is now available for order! Shipping internationally, the calendar measures 8.5 x 11 inches for North American orders, or A4 for international orders. Place your order here: LINK Order by December 12 for delivery before Christmas.
5. Heart-Led Artist Pathway Course: This four week course in artistic identity and self-guided artist development starts January 3rd. Enroll now and get building your artistic mindset and independent skill development in 2024! ENROLL HERE
For Artist Experimentation:
6. Glass dip pen: This fall I’ve been falling hard for line work. A glass dip pen is something I can use to create fine lines in my paintings using watercolour paint as ink and I love it. I usually load the pen tip by saturating a paint brush with the paint I like and coating the tip of the pen, rather than trying to dip it into a pool of paint. The artist I bought my glass pen from is no longer making them but this one from Ashmore Art Glass looks similar: PEN
7. Brush pen tip: This was a crazy discovery; that I could use a brush style felt-tip pen to dip into and pull paint, much like a paintbrush. I started with a black felt tip marker that had dried out, but you can buy markers with transparent ink, or refillable markers that you can use to make marks on your painting by dipping or pulling paint around. If you’re craving interesting shapes for your paintings and your brush handling style is feeling a little stale, this and the dip pen above might just pull you out of your slump and into inspiration! And I just found a set of ten empty markers with different shape tips on Amazon so you get a whole bunch of paint dragging options! LINK
Books I loved in 2023
I’m 140 books into 2023 and so I might just have a few to recommend. (Truthfully it starts to get a bit blurry when you read that avidly; only the really great books stand out.) Here are a few that I couldn’t keep from telling people about this year:
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb
I’ve been doing a lot of learning about mental health, mindset and retraining the brain. This book was a fascinating story of a therapist’s experiences on both sides of the mental health sofa, told with compassion and insight into what it takes to shift perspective when your mind gets stuck in an unhealthy pattern.
Surprised by Oxford, Carolyn Weber
This is a coming to faith story set in the 90’s and it was a memoir rich with literary analogies, diverse perspectives and personal revelation.
Uprooted, Naomi Novik
This is a novel and I would have happily stayed up all night to finish this tale that reminded me of obscure fairy tales I read in childhood, with unique and complex characters that I could root for and identify with. There are several in the series but Uprooted was by far my favourite.
Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory, Sarah Polley: I watched Sarah Polley star in the Canadian TV series Road to Avonlea, and when she began writing and advocating as an adult, I didn’t think we’d have much to say to each other as our politics and approach seemed to be poles apart. Reading this book (and also growing up and maturing) changed my mind; she is thoughtful, articulate and strong in a way that I deeply value and respect. I read her collection of essays, one per night over a week or so and found them though-provoking and moving.
Want more links to art products I have recommended and loved?
The 2022 Christmas gift guide for artists: LINK
The 2021 Christmas gift guide for artists: LINK
Tracy Lebenzon’s magic wand brushes: My personal favourites are the bigger and longer the bristles, the better! Goat & synthetic blend, 1.25” brush: LINK and another one: LINK
Use code ANGELA when order and save 20%.
Please note that these brushes are made to order and some waiting time might be required during busy seasons.
And if you love to travel and want to paint with me in 2024, my workshops are filling up! Bar Harbor, Maine is taking enrollments for September 2024, and there might be a space left open in my Santa Fe workshop in April. Information here: LINK
Wishing you a very festive and colourful season!
Angela