After my delightfully messy fling with my Kuelox Soft Oil Pastels (where I bought box after box in an attempt to collect all the different colour palettes), I thought I’d reached my oil pastel peak, but then I came across the beautifully presented wooden box of 72 Gallery Mungyo Artist Soft Oil Pastels and I just had to try them too.

I absolutely love experimenting with different mediums. Pastels and I have a very complicated relationship though. I adore their softness, their simplicity, and the way they can conjure up such beautiful contrasts between the light and the darkness. On the other hand, I must admit that I really dislike all the dust, the smudges, the chalky mess, and the way they turn my hands into something resembling the aftermath of a poorly investigated crime scene.

Introduction There are some art supplies that feel like old friends: familiar, reliable, and quietly encouraging. The Winsor & Newton Cotman Studio Palette sits firmly in that category for me and its my go to pallete when I just want to have a play around and have fun. It is not flashy or intimidating, but it is the palette that I reach for when I just want to paint something without overthinking the process. I recently used the Cotman Studio Palette for a small illustration

"I ventured into the world of Inktense watercolour pencils because I was curious about their vibrant hues and unique properties"