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
--------
1:42:45
Episode 7: Creative Peers
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
--------
37:59
Episode 6: Julie Heffernan
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/
--------
1:18:01
Episode 5: The Pomodoro Technique
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
--------
24:40
Episode 4: Leah Gardner
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)
How do artists develop their style, stay inspired, and make a living? The Open Sketchbook Podcast brings you real conversations with artists, educators, and industry professionals to uncover the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career. Whether you're a student, and emerging artist, instructor, painter, illustrator, draftsman, or designer you'll get insights on technique, mindset, and the challenges of being an artist so that you can refine your skills, build confidence, and stay motivated. Hosted by Evan Kitson, an experienced artist and educator, this podcast explores the how and why behind making art. Hear from authors, artists, curators, and other creatives so that you can learn from their successes, struggles, and unique perspectives. Expect deep dives into traditional and contemporary techniques, candid artist interviews, and thought-provoking discussions so that you gain the knowledge and inspiration to grow in your own creative practice. If you're looking for art podcasts about creativity, materials and technique, and professional growth, The Open Sketchbook Podcast is for you. Join a growing community of artists and creatives- subscribe now and start listening today!
Sverige