December 2016

Caran d'Ache Discovery Set

The Caran d’Ache Discovery Set is not sold on its own - but this month, ArtSnackers get special access to this exclusive set! It includes five colored pencils and one Full Blender Bright, an oil-wax medium used for blending and burnishing. Use it right out of the box, or sharpen it and try blending with a point. The bright, soft colored pencils are also water soluble; just use a wet brush to create a watercolor wash effect. 

Magnesium Long Point Sharpener by KUM

It’s important to get a sharp point on your pencil to get maximum control and performance. The Magnesium Long Point Sharpener by KUM (pronounced “KOOM”) shaves off wood while also shaping the graphite core, all in one motion. This small, lightweight sharpener is a great addition to your art studio or travel art kit. 

Higgins Black Magic Ink Pump Marker

The Higgins Black Magic Ink Pump Marker lays down artist ink with ease and control. Black Magic, this brand’s darkest ink, dries to a matte finish. The 1mm nib delivers a bold, thick line. Give this marker a good shake before using. 

Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Marker Pen

The Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Marker Pen is made to last. The pen tip is encased in metal to extend pen life, and this pen won’t quickly dry out if the cap is left off, thanks to specially formulated ink. Stabilo produces this pen in 20 vibrant colors. 

November 2016

via awwdehh

via awwdehh

Plumchester 1.5 Fine Brush Pen

For the last few months, we've been working on our very own brand of art supplies! Introducing Plumchester: Creative tools for the modern artist. Our first product is the Plumchester 1.5 Fine Brush Pen. The diameter of the firm nib is 1.5 millimeters, and it will spring back to its original shape after use. The ink in this pen is pigmented, fade-proof, and water-proof when dry.
A soft touch will give you a finer mark, but use a heavy touch for thicker lines. Plumchester will officially launch in 2017 – to stay updated, go to www.Plumchester.com and submit your email address. 

MOLOTOWTM GRAFX Aqua Ink Pump Softliner 

The MOLOTOWTM GRAFX Aqua Ink Pump Softliner features water-based ink and a soft brush tip. This tool will stay with you for the long term – you can refill the ink, and you can even swap out the tip. To begin using your MOLOTOW, shake it well; pump the brush softly using the tip of the marker cap until you see ink seeping into the brush tip; scribble until the tip is fully colored – and then you’re ready to draw! 

Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray

Ready to try something totally different in your next art project? Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray is a water- based acrylic that can blend with other colors. It’s ideal for use with stencils or as a surface primer for colorful creations. You’ll get different effects depending on how close you spray and the angle of the sprayer over the paper. 

Pentel Arts Sign Pen Brush

Depending on how you hold it, the Pentel Arts Sign Pen Brush can give you the most delicate of fine lines, or it can lay down a bold line. Adjust the pen tip angle and pressure just a little, and see how versatile this tool is – it’s great for lettering! This pen brush also features water-based ink. 

Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress Mini Pad

We can see why Stonehenge’s new Aqua Coldpress water- color paper has been getting incredible reviews! This paper can handle an amazing amount of water without warping or buckling, and it’s also great for blending and lifting color. 

October 2016

image via artbytinadh

image via artbytinadh

Special Release Muted Collection: Liquitex Professional INK!

Liquitex is only releasing a limited supply of its Special Release Muted Collection: Liquitex Professional INK!, and as an ArtSnacks subscriber, you’re one of the first to get it. This water-resistant ink is extremely fluid, so it’s easy to use with both brushes and dip pens. It’s also fast-drying, so it won’t slow you down when you want to try layering techniques. There are five colors in this exclusive collection. Which one did you get? 

Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen

The Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen provides a silky flow of highly opaque ink. This pen will perform especially well on tinted or black paper. Try layering it over other inks, once they have dried. You’ll find that this ink does not fade as it dries, so you won’t be drawing over and over on the same lines to get a strong white highlight. 

Copic Gasenfude Brush Pen

The Copic Gasenfude Brush Pen was created with Sumi-e (East Asian brush painting) artists in mind. It’s also great for calligraphy and cartooning. Filled with water-based pigment ink, this pen features a super-fine point that makes this tool even more flexible. If you have Copic markers in your collection, you can use this brush pen with them – the ink is compatible, so the colors will not bleed. 

Lauren Series 4350 Watercolor Brush by Princeton Brush

Princeton Brush is known for its quality and affordability. Their experts have developed a variety of high-performing synthetic fibers for use with specific types of paint. Your new Lauren Series 4350 Watercolor Brush was handmade from synthetic materials and is designed for use with watercolor paints. We think you’ll like the way this brush handles your new Liquitex Professional INK! 

September 2016

Alvin + ArtSnacks .5mm Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil

The Alvin .5mm Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil was engineered for comfort, with a stainless steel finger grip, and comes stocked with HB graphite. Hidden under the steel cap you’ll find a cute little eraser. We collaborated with Alvin to produce this limited edition version in ArtSnacks teal, a color that is exclusive to our customers, and will never be available anywhere else! 

Alumicolor Hollow Triangular Drafting Scale

The Alumicolor Hollow Triangular Drafting Scale is a precision instrument great for artists because it stays in place better than a standard flat ruler. If you don’t want to measure in inches, flip it over and try the five other units of measure! Your shiny new drafting scale is about the length of a pen, so it’s easy to pack up and carry with your other art supplies. 

Kuretake Clean Color Real Brush

The Kuretake Clean Color Real Brush pen features water-based ink, so it’s perfect for blending. Try laying down a layer of ink and then using another brush to add water, creating a wash effect. You can also blend with another marker if it’s not alcohol-based – just touch the tips together. The flexible bristle tip makes it possible to blend a variety of water-based ink colors without staining the tip. 

Kurecolor Twin S Marker

Durable, vibrant, and professional. All strong words to describe the Kurecolor Twin S Marker. For aspiring designers everywhere, these markers will bring your artwork to life, whether you are drawing on glass, acetate, metal, or photo paper. 

August 2016

Robert Simmons Acrylic Short Handle Paintbrush

Daler-Rowney is giving all ArtSnackers a first look at their Robert Simmons Acrylic Short Handle Paintbrush line. Different types of paint require different types of paintbrushes, and a good acrylics brush should hold the paint without losing its shape. The synthetic fibers used in this brush were chosen to provide both the softness and the control that you need in order to get the most out of acrylic painting. 

Daler-Rowney System 3 Medium Body Acrylic Paint

Use your new acrylic paintbrush with the paint that it was made for – Daler-Rowney System 3 Medium Body Acrylic. This water-based paint uses high quality pigments. Acrylic paint can be laid down thick or can be thinned with water to create a watercolor wash effect. The quick drying time of this medium body paint makes it easy to experiment with layering and other effects. 

Copic Classic Marker

We love the versatility of a good double-ended marker. This Copic Classic Marker features a fine point nib and a broad chisel nib. Use it to sketch in delicate details, then flip it around to color in large areas. This refillable tool is compatible with the Copic Color system and is offered in a total of 214 colors. 

Small 3D Zip by Baggu

Pack up this month’s Artsnacks and take them with you anywhere in this 3D Zip by Baggu. This unique bag can expand to pack in even more of your favorite art supplies. Made of ripstop nylon (a special reinforced fabric that resists tearing), your 3D Zip is machine washable, to keep that sailor stripe design looking bright and clean. 

July 2016

 

QoR Watercolor by GOLDEN

If you’ve never tried GOLDEN paint, you are in for a treat! This prestigious brand is the leader in high-quality paints. The QoR Watercolor (pronounced 'core') line is made with a special binding agent that carries more pigment in each brushstroke. Notice how bright the color is as you apply it to the page? It’s going to stay exceptionally bright even after it dries. 

Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brush by Princeton Brush

The Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brush looks and performs like a traditional sable mink brush, but the strands on this one are synthetic. This soft-bristled brush was designed for use with watercolors and works perfectly with your QoR watercolor paint. 

The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver by General Pencil

When you’re done with a painting session, how do you clean your brush? You can get more life out of your brushes by using The Masters Brush Cleaner. Run your brush under water and then rub it gently into this soap cake until the soap lather is clear. You’ll be impressed by the way this cleaner restores even your old brushes. 

Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica Roller Ball Pen

The Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica Roller Ball Pen is special. It boasts a tungsten carbide (a metallic compound) roller tip that keeps your line consistent, and the pigmented archival ink is water-resistant and light-fast. You don’t have to recap the pen every time you put it down during a drawing session; it’s designed not to dry out if it’s left uncapped during use. 

YUPO Watercolor Paper by Legion Paper

We have never tried anything like YUPO Watercolor Paper. Watercolor artists everywhere are excited about the new possibilities of working on this non-porous, water-resistant polypropylene blend, which can be wiped clean after you’ve laid down paint. Be careful not to smudge your work as you go; your new paint will take several minutes to dry, and the ink from your new pen will take longer. Alcohol-based markers also work very well on this surface. 

June 2016

 

We are proud to introduce the newest member of the ADTM Marker family: the Spectra. This alcohol-based marker was carefully designed to create a powerful, permanent mark and carry less odor. There are 4 different marks you can create using this 1 tool – thin, medium, and thick lines with the chisel tip, and a smooth line with the brush tip. You’re one of the first to get this product – it’s just hitting the stores now. 

Denik Custom Mini Sketchbook

Denik’s mission statement is, “Art can change the world.” This rad notebook company lives out their mission by putting artists’ work onto journal covers. A portion from every notebook purchase goes to help build schools in developing countries. This month, we collaborated with Denik’s team and San Francisco-based artist Ryan Putnam to create a Denik Custom Mini Sketchbook, just for our subscribers. 

Caran d’Ache Fibralo Brush Marker

Swiss art company Caran d’Ache just introduced its new Fibralo Brush Marker this spring. The resilient fiber tip offers the control of a marker and the flexibility of a brush. Try adding a little water to the ink to develop a watercolor wash effect, or work dry to create a traditional marker line. The specially formulated ink is designed not to bleed through paper. 

Kuretake No. 7 Brush Pen

It just takes a few steps to get your Kuretake No. 7 Brush Pen up and running. Unscrew the pen barrel and insert the wide end of one ink cartridge until you feel it click into place. Store the other cartridge in the barrel of the pen. Once the ink has flowed down into the tip, you’ll be impressed with the range of options that this tool gives you, from sketching to coloring to calligraphy. 

General’s® Layout® Pencil

Since the 1930’s, animators have been using General’s® Layout® Pencil to create quick sketches of cartoons and storyboards. The graphite core is soft enough to deliver super dark marks. You’ll achieve a beautiful dark-to-light gradation on any bright surface. 

May 2016

 

KRINK has done it again. Headquartered in New York City, KRINK has developed a unique new paint marker with a “pump-action” end and a steel roller-ball tip. The KRINK K-90 Paint Marker is the first of its kind, so get creative! To use, gently pump the rubber end of the marker once to propel the paint into the tip of the marker. Press down lightly and start to draw. The roller-ball tip will release paint onto your surface. DO NOT OVER-PUMP MARKER. 

General’s® Cedar PointeTM Graphite Pencil – No.1 Extra Soft

Looking for an excellent, soft graphite pencil with a reliable eraser? We found it for you! General’s® Cedar PointeTM Graphite Pencil is made with genuine cedar and a buttery graphite core. It delivers an incredibly smooth drawing experience, and has a cedar wood casing for a comfortable grip. Manufacturing pencils since 1889, General Pencil is the only pencil factory still operating in the United States – so every detail was considered when making this pencil. 

Kuretake Brush2o Long

Designed for easy transport and storage when you’re painting-on-the-go, the Kuretake Brush2o Long is one handy brush. Kuretake redesigned it to hold 25% more water. The nylon tip is very durable, and will never lose its shape. Fill up the barrel with water or ink and give it a light squeeze to get the liquid flowing. 

FW Neon Acrylic Ink by Daler-Rowney

FW Neon Acrylic Ink by Daler-Rowney is a special acrylic-based ink that’s highly pigmented for creating multiple color layers on top of your art. Dilute the ink with water to get a high-intensity watercolor effect, or use a dry brush to create a textured stroke. Let your imagination run wild when you fill your Kuretake Brush2o Long with this acrylic ink. 

April 2016

via echo.ism

via echo.ism

Your Ironlak Strikers Twin Marker comes to you all the way from Australia. This refillable marker offers smooth ink application from its broad and fine points. Its uniquely designed air-tight caps help keep this marker from drying out. The triangular barrel will keep this one from rolling away – but we doubt you’ll be putting it down anytime soon!

Kuretake Metallic Brush Pen

Staff Favorite We fell for the Kuretake Metallic Brush Pen at first stroke. This Japanese import handles like a paintbrush and delivers a metallic mark with a subtle shimmer. Use it to add highlights, or rely on it for rich color throughout your piece.

Faber-Castell 9000 Jumbo Pencil

This oversized Faber-Castell 9000 Jumbo Pencil is comfortable to handle, thanks to its thick barrel. Notice how smoothly it lays down graphite; it’s designed to be extra break-resistant. The water-based varnish makes this a good environmental choice, too. 

Le Plume Permanent Brush Pen

“Plume” is French for “feather,” and the name suits this soft, delicate Le Plume Permanent Brush Pen. Use a soft touch for a finer application; a firm touch will lay down more color. The brand, Marvy Uchida, produces this pen in a staggering 144 colors!

Koi Coloring Brush Pen by Sakura

The first thing you’ll notice as you try out the Koi Coloring Brush Pen by Sakura is the unique handling of the tip. It offers the softness of a brush pen combined with the firmness of a marker tip. Use your new pen for outlining, coloring, or both. This versatile tool will quickly become a go-to for your ink projects! 

March 2016

 

How many miles of pencil have you ground away over the years, trying to create a sharp point? All the way from Germany, the KUM Automatic Long Point Sharpener (pronounced “KOOM”) is here to fix that problem! Use the first sharpener to trim away the wood as needed, then use the second to hone the graphite to a fine point. Make your pencils last longer while still creating the sharp points that you need for detail work. 

Tombow Irojiten Colored Pencil

The Tombow Irojiten Colored Pencil features a firm point that gives you exceptional control. These professional- grade colored pencils are also great for layering. “Irojiten” is a Japanese expression that means “color dictionary”; full sets of these pencils are available from Tombow in elegant volumes. 

KOH-i-Noor Woodless Colored Pencil

Pick up your new KOH-i-Noor Woodless Colored Pencil and feel the weight in your hand. You’re holding a stick of pure color! Try experimenting with this one, coloring from the point or laying the edge against the page for a softer, wider application. 

Posca Paint Marker

Give the Posca Paint Marker a shake, press gently against the paper to start paint flow, and start laying down water-based paint with precision. We love the bold colors in this line and the level of control that the extra fine point provides. This marker can color over other paints, once they are dry. 

Liquitex Professional Paint Marker

It's time for an alternative kind of painting experience. The Liquitex Professional Paint Marker has a brilliant water-based color that dries permanently. This chubby marker is great for covering large-scale artwork, out- lining murals, and other mix media purposes. 

RENDR® Paper

Don’t hold back with that paint marker when trying out your RENDR® paper.It’s specially designed to handle wet media without bleeding through. But it’s also the perfect surface for your dry media – it loves your colored pencils as much as your markers! Now that you can draw and paint on both sides of the page, it’s like doubling the life of your sketchbook! 

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