Linda McHenry

Blog

  • What are Your Favorite Watercolor Supplies?

    What are Your Favorite Watercolor Supplies?

    I began dabbling in watercolor painting last January, having no idea what my favorite watercolor supplies were. I received some student supplies as a Christmas gift because I was so enthralled with reels on Facebook and Instagram of the various artwork watercolorists could produce. I began painting and fell in love. The student supplies were great. Until they weren’t…

    Favorite Water Color Supplies: Paint

    Even in the year since I’ve been painting, I can see that professional paints don’t fade the way student paints do. Admittedly, I’ve only used Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith professional paints, so I don’t know how they compare with others. Personally, I usually prefer using tube paints but do use both tube and pan. Here’s what I’ve found to be the most important requirements for paint and colors that I buy/use:

    • Ingredients of the paint (i.e., pigments, fillers, additives, etc.)
    • Lightfastness, or the ability of paint to NOT fade.
    • Using colors with only a single underlying pigment (this makes it much easier when mixing paints)

    Here’s a quick look at some online resources; I urge you to do more research:

    https://mymodernmet.com/best-watercolor-paint-sets/

    https://www.artnews.com/art-news/product-recommendations/best-professional-grade-watercolor-paint-tubes-1234588663/

    https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2024/04/22/fugitive-pigments-why-do-they-fade-and-does-it-matter/

    Favorite Water Color Supplies: Brushes

    There is a HUGE difference in results based on the brush one uses. I’ve tried several brands and, so far, really like Princeton brushes. I received some Winsor & Newton professional Kolinsky Sable brushes as a Christmas gift this year–they’re natural hair brushes–and they’re wonderful. Personally, I buy synthetic sable and am very happy with them.

    Keep in mind that each type of brush produces different results, and each brand/line of brushes holds different amounts of water. If I’m painting loose, I like a brush that holds a lot of water. For this I use Princeton’s Neptune brushes AND/OR quill or mop brushes. If I’m painting small or a lot of details, I prefer a stiffer brush with more snap that doesn’t hold as much water. I’ve found that I personally achieve finer details better when using small liner/rigger brushes than I do with smaller round brushes.

    Each artist has his/her own preferences, though, so figure out what you like better–not just what other people like better. I found that buying a variety of cheap brushes first helped me identify what made me happiest.

    Here are a few resources:

    https://artignition.com/best-watercolor-brushes/

    https://jennarainey.com/ultimate-guide-best-watercolor-brushes/

    https://www.artchive.com/buying-guides/best-watercolor-brushes/

    Favorite Watercolor Supplies: Paper

    Paper is a game-changer. Until recently, I wasn’t aware that paper made all the difference in the world with respect to how the paint and water flow on the page.

    Now, having said that, I want to share that I’m HAPPY I started down this road using student grade paper. It showed me, as nothing else could ever do, how poorly inexpensive paper performs in most conditions. True, when I used watercolor pencils and watercolor markers, some student paper did a great job. But when I wanted to use a lot of water and/or layer paint, it didn’t. Professional, 100% cotton paper is the way to go if you want to gift a piece of artwork; it’s essential if you’re going to sell art.

    Here are some things to consider when buying/using paper:

    • The thicker the paper (i.e., it’s weight), the more water it will hold.
    • Do you prefer using smooth paper, or paper with texture? Again, whether paper is smooth, rough, or somewhere in between will have an effect on your results.
    • Is the paper 100% cotton, cellulose (wood pulp), or a combination of both?

    Here are some resources to help you understand and/or choose the best paper for you and your project of the day:

    https://jennarainey.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-watercolor-paper/

    https://www.watercolor-101.com/understanding-watercolor-paper-how-to-choose-the-right-type-for-your-art/

    https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-mediums/watercolor/understanding-the-different-grades-of-watercolor-paper/

    Painting by Celenie McHenry

    A Final Word

    I’m in the process of experimenting with four different types of 100% cotton paper, and have already played around with some paper that is 25% cotton and 75% cellulose. I’ll be using one of these types when I gift one of my masterpieces, including homemade cards, gift tags, bookmarks, etc.

    The mixed paper, or the higher grades of Strathmore (400 and 500 series), are now my go-to when practing for finished artwork. I’ll be using the better quality student watercolor paper (140lb, 300 gsm) for watercolor pencil and watercolor brush pen pieces.

    What are your favorite watercolor supplies – paints, brushes, and paper?

  • Are You a Pantser, a Plotter, or BOTH?

    Are You a Pantser, a Plotter, or BOTH?

    What do I mean when I ask:

    Are you a pantser, a plotter, or both? When you write, do you fly by the seat of your pants, outline all the plot details before hand, or use a combination of both techniques?

    I’ve always been a plotter, which was extremely helpful when I wrote my nonfiction book. Also, it helped immeasurably when I developed and wrote hundreds of insurance continuing texts and courses (online, classroom, and webinar). As a novelist, being a plotter has also been helpful. Now, however, I’m writing my first novel on a pure pantsing basis.

    Of course, that statement is made tongue-in-cheek because, let’s face it, while the fuel of my fabrications is imagination, if I come up with a great idea for a future line of dialogue or scene I’m definitely writing it down. In a literal sense, even the most devout of pantsers has to engage in SOME plotting!

    So, here’s what I’m doing now…

    At this moment, I’m thinking it’s absolutely essential for me to know how my book is going to end. Specifically, whether my lead character achieves her goal and how she’s grown and/or become a better person. So, I guess that’s plotting. I also think that if flashes of insight strike me as I’m writing (and they’re doing so), I’ll plan for them by sketching them into a loose outline. That’s also plotting.

    But as far as everything else goes, I’m winging it! Definitely pantsing.

    I attended a terrific plotting workshop presented by Gayle Lynds at a writer’s conference a couple of years ago and my big takeaway was that plot derives from character. So far, my pantsing/winging is going well.

    Yes, I know all the advantages of plotting—I’ve experienced them firsthand. On the other hand, I agree with many others that plotting too much, or too tightly, can sensor creativity and disallow deviations from the path already outlined.

    So, are you a pantser, a plotter, or both?

    What are your personal experiences? Do you have any tips? Successes? Less than desirable consequences we should know about? Let us know!

    As always, here are some resources:

    Well-Storied: https://www.well-storied.com/blog/a-pantsers-guide-to-story-structure

    Jane Friedman (one of the few people I love without having known/met her): https://janefriedman.com/panster-or-plotter/

    Writer’s Digest: https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/jan-29

  • Are You, or Someone You Know, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?

    Are You, or Someone You Know, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?

    Are you a HSP? Does any of this sound like you, or someone you know?

    • Do any of the following regularly bother or overwhelm you: loud noises, bright lights, clothing with rough textures, crowds?
    • Do you notice details other people seem to miss?
    • Do you respond emotionally to music, art, and/or nature?
    • Can other people’s moods make you happy, sad, angry, etc.?
    • Are you a deep thinker?
    • Do you prefer small, or one-on-one, gatherings to large social events?
    • Do you have a low tolerance for pain, caffeine, and/or medication?
    • Can movies and books make you cry?
    • Would you prefer to have a deep, intimate conversation instead of engaging in small talk?
    • Has a family member or loved one referred to you as “too sensitive?”
    Are you a HSP?

    I first heard the term highly sensitive person in the late 1990s when my ex-husband presented me with the book written by Elaine Aron, The Highly Sensitive Person. At the time, her research was viewed as controversial and, in the intervening years, is accepted as scientifically accurate. She’s also written several follow up books (https://hsperson.com/books/).

    Here are a few details.

    (At the end of the post, I’ll provide more links if you want to investigate more thoroughly.)

    • HSPs represent about 15-20% of the population.
    • This trait is present in more than 100 different animals. Scientists believe it may be associated with the ability to adapt and survive.
    • HSPs process their thoughts and emotions more deeply than others do. During clinical research, parts of their brain actually respond differently.
    • Because of this deep processing, HSPs tend to become easily overwhelmed by external stimulus (i.e., sounds, smells, bright light, other people’s emotions).

    Are you a HSP? Here’s Elaine Aron’s self-test, if you’re interested: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/.

    FYI, of a possible 126, I scored 112, which represents 6.2 on a scale of 7. Anything over a 5 indicates a person is probably highly sensitive. Of course, there are different kinds of sensitivity; I scored higher in some areas than others. These areas are:

    • Overstimulation
    • Sensitivity to positive experiences
    • Social sensitivity
    • Depth of processing
    • Emotional reactivity
    • Sensitivity to details

    What I found interesting about the different scores in the preceding 6 areas, is that I was spot on when it came to recognizing in what areas I’m most sensitive.

    So, what do you think? Are YOU an HSP? Care to share your thoughts?

    Here are a few resources:

    Sensitive Refuge: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/

    Elaine Aron’s website: https://hsperson.com/

    NeuroLaunch: https://neurolaunch.com/hsp-properties/ and https://neurolaunch.com/category/hsp-insights-and-sensory-solutions/

    Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/highly-sensitive-person

    Are you a HSP?

     

  • What’s Your Favorite Crystal/Gemstone?

    What’s Your Favorite Crystal/Gemstone?

    What’s your favorite crystal or type of gemstone?

    Have you ever pocketed stones when beachcombing? What color or type of rocks do you prefer? For example, I know a woman who only gathers pure white stones. How about jewelry–what’s your favorite crystal or gemstone?

    My interest in crystals started a few years ago when I bought a bracelet with pretty stones in it. The packaging included a card that said the stone had certain properties encouraging serenity and stress relief. And sure enough, I felt calmer when I wore it. That’s probably why I chose it in the first place.

    We all have favorite colors, textures, and moods. As I studied more about the healing properties of crystals, I realized that I’d had an affinity for them for about 20 years—without even realizing it!

    When I lived in Montana, a client of mine made handcrafted jewelry. She allowed me to choose the beads I liked and made several (like a dozen) necklaces and pairs of earrings. It wasn’t until recently that I realized ALL the beads I’d chosen then, except for one, were actually crystals (i.e., semi-precious stones) and crystals I have an affinity for now.

    To get this conversation started, let me know which group of stones YOU prefer from the image at the right:

    1: Three dark green stones (all different stones)

    2: Three different colored stones with designs (different categories of same stone)

    3: Two orangey-red stones (same stone)

    4: Five different colored stones with designs (different categories of same stone)

    5: Three blue stones (two different stones)

    6: Two swirly-patterned stones (same stone)

    7: Three stones—pink, clear, purple/white (three different categories of same type of stone)

    Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll share what knowledge and insights I have. FYI, if I receive a lot of similar questions, I’ll be happy to create a blog post addressing specific topics.

    P.S. Extra points if you can guess which of these stones actually makes the back of my head tingle when I hold it in my hand.

    Here are some websites where you can learn more:

     

  • What Do Writing Fiction, Watercolor Painting, and Crystals Have in Common?

    What Do Writing Fiction, Watercolor Painting, and Crystals Have in Common?

    To answer the question, what do writing fiction, watercolor painting, and crystals have in common? the answer is: ME!

    I’m finding myself seeking something different from Social Media these days, something more in line with what matters to me. I know that sounds selfish (because it is) but maybe you feel the same way.

    Now that I’m semi-retired and able to spend more time doing what I love (writing fiction, watercolor painting, and crystals), I find that I prefer to “chat” with people who share the same interests. A flash of inspiration struck, so I’m now prompting conversations on these (and other interesting to me) topics on my blog over at https://lindamchenry.com/blog.

    Feel free to head over and join in the exchange! Some of the conversations appearing soon include:

    • What’s Your Favorite Type of Crystal/Gemstone? (posting at noon on Monday, 2/3)
    • Are You, or Someone You Know, a Highly Sensitive Person? (posting on Friday, 2/7)
    • Are You a Pantser, Plotter, or BOTH? (posting on Monday, 2/10)
    • Sometimes, Do You Just KNOW? (posting on Friday, 2/13)