The Open Sketchbook Podcast

Welcome to a special three-part series where host Evan Kitson sits down with three remarkable teaching assistants from the New York Academy of Art. In this episode, Evan talks with artist, printmaker, and educator Sarah Annesley, who has spent the last seven years transitioning from student to studio leader.Together, they explore:Affordable framing and archival storage strategies for artists on a budgetThe logistics of mounting, protecting, and transporting artworkSarah’s process-driven approach to drawing, color pencil work, and reverse-engineering outcomesThe emotional and professional transition from student to teaching assistant to instructorCareer paths in art-adjacent roles like art handling, framing, and productionHow teaching transforms your own practice, mindset, and clarityWhen and how to invest in your presentation and framingThe importance of building a resilient creative process and recognizing growth- even when it doesn’t feel like itPractical Tips Include:Why you should never let your artwork touch the glass in a frameHow to prep for group shows without breaking the bankBudgeting for your first exhibition and how to future-proof your framing choicesJoin the Conversation:Have you ever had an unforgettable experience with a teaching assistant?What challenges have you faced with presentation and framing?Is drawing your primary visual language too?Subscribe, share, and leave a review- it helps support the show and spread the word.Want to watch our conversation? We're on YouTube!Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/ZfOPiR74I10Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioOur Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsGUEST: Sarah Annesleyhttps://www.instagram.com/yelsennas/Sarah's Recommendations:Studio Ghibli Films:Princess Mononoke Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/The New York Academy of Arthttps://nyaa.edu/https://www.academyeverywhere.com/collections?q=kitson

In this host-led episode, Evan explores the multifaceted concept of creative peers- from trusted studio mates and former instructors to students, teaching assistants, and even art-historical influences. This episode was inspired by two simultaneous exhibitions Evan is participating in: “In Good Company” at the Demuth Museum and “6x10B” at Curio- both of which revolve around collaboration, friendship, and the shared creative impulse. Want to watch our conversation? We're on YouTube!Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/N1rTGQfxKE0Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioOur Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/Curio. https://curiolancaster.square.site/Demuth Museum Invitational: In Good Companyhttps://www.demuth.org/exhibitions/in-good-companyWillem de Kooning's "Bowl, Pitcher and Jug"https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482728

In this episode, Evan Kitson sits down with one of his longtime painting heroes, Julie Heffernan, for a rich and wide-ranging conversation. Julie is renowned for her lush, allegorical paintings, but in recent years, she’s taken a surprising and thrilling turn into the world of graphic novels with her debut book Babe in the Woods: or, The Art of Getting Lost.Together, Evan and Julie dive into:The origins of Babe in the Woods and the unlikely software behind it (spoiler: Microsoft Paint!)How narrative and composition intersect in both her paintings and her bookThe difference between critique and personal exploration in visual storytellingTrees, mark-making, and the visual vocabulary of digital drawingWhat it means to truly respond to your own work- and how to let go of what no longer serves youThe role of beauty, mystery, and formal relationships in building meaningful artThe powerful influence of image streaming on her creative processJulie’s upcoming second graphic novel, plus her thoughts on artists, films, and books that shaped her journeyWant to watch our conversation? We're on YouTube!Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ihkU4rUDJsOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioOur Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsGUEST: Julie Heffernanhttps://www.julieheffernan.net/https://www.instagram.com/julie_heffernan_/Heffernan's Amazing Graphic Novel:Babe in the Woods: or, The Art of Getting Losthttps://amzn.to/41pAR6I (this is an affiliate link)Julie's Book Recommendations:Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghesehttps://amzn.to/3DU9oCqWhen We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatuthttps://amzn.to/4ciUMJCIn the Distance by Hernan Diazhttps://amzn.to/4j1aX0eHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/

Welcome to The Open Sketchbook Podcast! In this host-led episode, Evan Kitson explores how the Pomodoro Technique can help creatives reclaim their time and boost productivity- without burning out. From studio habits to classroom parallels, Evan shares how this simple time-chunking method supports deep focus, rest, and sustainable creativity.In this episode:Why “productivity” became Evan’s word of the yearHow the Pomodoro Technique works (and why it’s tomato-shaped 🍅)Parallels between studio practices and figure drawing sessionsThe role of planning and rest in creative momentumHow to build intuitive time awarenessWhy group work and community help us keep goingA drawing demo using the Pomodoro Technique (YouTube exclusive!)Want to watch the drawing demonstration? We're on YouTube!Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/gb97lMVaXBUOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookFeatured Technique:20 minutes on / 5 minutes off: a rhythm used in both creative work and figure drawing classes to maintain focus and prevent burnout.Weekly Sketch Starter:Draw your creative space- or a tomato, if you’re feeling brave!The Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioOur Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:Creative Productivity: Pomodoro Techniquehttps://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=productivity-pomodoro-techniqueEvan Kitson's Graphite Drawing Materials Kithttps://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=graphite-drawing-materialsNEWSLETTER ISSUES TO READ:Writing Lists & Finding Priorities + A New Weekly Sketching Prompt!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/writing-lists-finding-priorities-a-new-weekly-sketching-promptProductivity: Commitment to our Creative Habits + Blog Post Roundup and more!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-commitment-to-our-creative-habits-blog-post-roundup-and-moreProductivity: Removing Friction + A New Course Starting Soon!https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-removing-friction-a-new-course-starting-soon

In this episode, I sit down with painter Leah Gardner, whose luminous still-life paintings capture the magic of light & form, and focus on composition. Leah shares how she pivoted from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time artist, the role that daily painting played in developing her skills, and how she navigates running an art business as a full time artist.We also discuss the challenges of selling art online, the joys and struggles of social media, and why composition plays a bigger role in her work than the objects themselves. Plus, Leah shares insights into her process, from photographing references to making prints and engaging with her audience.Whether you're an artist looking to refine your practice or someone curious about the life of a working painter, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Want to watch instead of listen?Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookWatch Episode 4: Leah Gardnerhttps://youtu.be/s2oNIqAQ8jkThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioStay Connected, Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter:https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/postsHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/GUEST: Leah Gardnerhttps://leahgardner.art/https://www.instagram.com/leahgardner.art/BOOKS & ARTISTS MENTIONED:Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist by Carol Marinehttps://amzn.to/3DDD5HN *affiliate linkZoey Frankhttps://zoeyfrank.com/Jeremy Mirandahttps://www.instagram.com/jeremy_miranda_/Christina Weaverhttps://www.christinaweaver.com/And Libby (free library app for audiobooks & ebooks)

In our first host-led episode of the Open Sketchbook Podcast, episode three, Evan Kitson reflects on his artistic journey, highlighting the significant influence of Juliette Aristides' book, Classical Drawing Atelier, and the impact of the highly influential graphic novel Arkham Asylum. He discusses the challenges of learning proportion in art, the importance of community in artistic growth, and the lessons learned from both traditional and contemporary artists. Evan emphasizes the need for flexibility in artistic processes and encourages listeners to engage with their own creative practices in a decisively non-procedural manner. Check out the links below!Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube!Watch Episode 3 here: https://youtu.be/nOGBvpURStIOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/BOOKS MENTIONED:Juliette's Books:The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Pre-Order)https://amzn.to/3FmI53KClassical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practicehttps://amzn.to/4kuC315Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelierhttps://amzn.to/3QOzfhLBatman: Arkham Asylum, by Grant Morrison and Dave McKeanhttps://amzn.to/3F4uA8QLanguage of the Body: Drawings by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, by John Elderfield (out of print)ARTISTS MENTIONEDJuliette Aristideshttps://www.aristidesarts.com/https://www.instagram.com/juliettearistides/Nicolás Uribehttps://www.ourpaintedlives.com/https://www.instagram.com/nicolasuribebhttps://www.patreon.com/c/OPLTogether/postsDave McKeanhttps://www.davemckean.com/https://www.instagram.com/davemckeanhourglass/Grant Morrisonhttps://www.grantmorrison.com/https://www.instagram.com/grant.morrison/Steven Assaelhttps://www.stevenassael.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevenassael/Michael Grimaldihttps://www.michael-grimaldi.com/https://www.instagram.com/michaelgrimaldi/Dan Thompsonhttps://danthompsonart.com/https://www.instagram.com/danthompsonart/Jeff GeibOTHER RESOURCESPierre-Paul Prud'hon, Standing Female Nude, a black chalk drawing© The Trustees of the British Museum. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence.Rebecca Alzofon Prud'hon Technique Theoryhttp://www.art.net/Studios/visual/rebecca/OnPrudon7.htmlNote- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

In this episode of The Open Sketchbook podcast, Nicolás Uribe shares his journey as a painter, reflecting on the personal connections in his work, the challenges of the art world, and the influence of family and social media on his artistic expression. He emphasizes process over product, the power of vulnerability in art, and his transition from a gallery-focused painter to taking control over his market and creating a new Patreon to support it.The conversation delves into finding an authentic artistic path amid commercial pressures, the complexities of simplicity in painting, and the realities of navigating gallery relationships. Uribe also explores the impact of technology on image-making, the value of slowing down, and the process of unlearning traditional teachings to develop a unique voice. Throughout, he highlights the importance of community, the human experience in art, and rediscovering past influences to shape contemporary creativity.Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube!Watch Episode 2 here:Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/GUEST: Nicolás Uribehttps://www.ourpaintedlives.com/https://www.instagram.com/nicolasuribebOPL Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/c/OPLTogether/postsRECOMMENDATIONSDavid Mazzucchelli's Batman Year One Artist's Editionhttps://amzn.to/41xffFmJack Kirby's Fantastic Four Artisan Editionhttps://amzn.to/3FncBKQThe Famous Artist School (Course)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_Artists_SchoolARTISTS SHOWN:Steven Assaelhttps://www.stevenassael.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevenassael/Max Ginsburghttps://www.maxginsburg.com/https://www.instagram.com/ginsburg.max/Nude Boy on the Beach at PorticiFortuny, MarianoCopyright ©Museo Nacional del PradoNote- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

In the first episode of the Open Sketchbook Podcast, host and artist Evan Kitson discusses the profound impact of Juliette Aristides' work on his artistic journey. They delve into the creation of her influential book, Classical Drawing Atelier, and explore the Atelier movement's significance in contemporary art. The conversation highlights the challenges of writing about art, the interplay between writing and visual composition, and the evolving relationship artists have with content creation in today's digital age. Juliette shares her insights on artistic growth, mentorship, and the philosophical underpinnings of her work, culminating in a reflection on the role of art in modern culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving role of the artist in a world saturated with images and information. They discuss the importance of understanding the 'why' behind art, the personal connections to artistic works, and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a fast-paced, digital age. The dialogue also touches on the necessity of unlearning ingrained patterns and the significance of community and historical context in the artistic journey. Recommendations for further exploration in art and literature are shared, emphasizing the need for reflection and personal growth. Check out the links below!Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube!Watch Episode 1 here:  https://youtu.be/68E-xl_1YnIOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioGUEST: Juliette Aristideshttps://www.aristidesarts.com/https://www.instagram.com/juliettearistides/Aristides Atelier Onlinehttps://terracotta.art/aristides/juliette-aristides-classical-atelierHOST: Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/BOOKS MENTIONED:Juliette's Books:The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Pre-Order)https://amzn.to/3FmI53KClassical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practicehttps://amzn.to/4kuC315Other Books Mentioned:Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, by Yotam Ottolenghihttps://amzn.to/4hccAqrRendez-vous with Art, by Philippe de Montebellohttps://amzn.to/4ivfAzcA Mathematician's Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form, by Paul Lockharthttps://amzn.to/3QPR9ReJULIETTE'S RECOMMENDATIONS:Art as Therapy, by Alain Bottonhttps://amzn.to/3DkSZqhArt and Technics, by Lewis Mumfordhttps://amzn.to/43xFP3IThe Journal of Eugène Delacroixhttps://amzn.to/4kvHexVNote- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

In this introduction for the Open Sketchbook Podcast, Evan Kitson shares his excitement about launching a new platform for exploring creativity through interviews with authors, artists, educators, and other creatives. Through preview sound bites, painter and graphic novelist Julie Heffernan emphasizes the importance of curiosity in fostering empathy and imagination, and artist Adrian Brandon shares insight on the emotional significance of color in art. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Virtual Studio, the Open Sketchbook's online community and explore the deeper connections between creativity and personal growth. The Open Sketchbook Podcast launches March 6th, 2025. Subscribe so you don't miss the awesome episodes coming out later this week!Note: Artists Julie Heffernan and Adrian Brandon are featured briefly in this trailer. They both have their own full interview episodes- be on the lookout for those soon!Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube!Watch the trailer with video here: https://youtu.be/nv8mI9f6k8wOur YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbookTAKEAWAYSEvan Kitson introduces his podcast focused on the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career.The Open Sketchbook Podcast will feature interviews with various creatives.Julie Heffernan makes a wonderful case for curiosity being essential for empathy and imagination.Adrian Brandon shares insights on the color Green, and how colors can carry various qualities and associations.We're reminded that Art can help individuals connect with their communities.The Open Sketchbook Podcast aims to challenge perspectives on art and creativity.Listeners are invited to join a creative online community, the Virtual Studio.The first episodes will launch on March 6th. Subscribe and be one of the first to listen this Thursday!BOOKSBabe in the Woods: or, The Art of Getting Lost, a graphic novel by Julie Heffernanhttps://amzn.to/41pAR6I (this is an affiliate link)WEBSITESThe Open Sketchbookhttps://theopensketchbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studioJulie Heffernanhttps://www.julieheffernan.net/https://www.instagram.com/julie_heffernan_/Adrian Brandonhttps://www.adrianbrandon.com/https://www.instagram.com/ayy.bee/Evan Kitsonhttps://evankitson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/QUOTES"Curiosity is the fundament of empathy." - Julie Heffernan"Curiosity leads to imagination, which leads to empathy, because you can imagine what it's like. They're all cross-connecting and integral to each other." - Julie Heffernan"I worry if they're not curious, can they be imaginative?" - Julie Heffernan"The deep qualities of forest green have a maturity to them, which got me thinking more about how a color can be mature." - Adrian Brandon