Artist Life Articles

How to Get Free (or Nearly Free) Art Supplies

One of the sad truths of being an artist is this: Art Supplies Are Expensive. I know, I know. I can hear you saying, “Bran, they don’t have to be!” This is 100% true. I’ve seen amazing art made with #2 pencils and ballpoint pens on envelopes. But if you like paint,...

It’s 2018! What’s the Plan?

Well, 2017 was AWESOME, and most of that was because of you, so thank you! I added two books to my collection here, and I have been inundated with ideas and requests for more from you. So - How can I say No? But because I am also an independent art jeweler and I...

Injuries, Pennsic and More!

Wow, it's been a crazy spring and summer for me! Here's the short version, and I won't bore/disgust you with the long version. I got Poison Ivy in my system. Normally I'm immune, but while clearing it out of our lawn on Memorial Day Weekend, I got some in a cut on my...

Merchant Tales – Blackstone Raid 2017

This past weekend we were at Blackstone Raid, an SCA event. There was swordfighting, thunderstorms, music, rain, two derecho hits, lots of mead, oppressive heat, and art. We had a WONDERFUL time! Now, for those who don't know, I'm also a jeweler and I specialize in...

It’s 2018! What’s the Plan?

Jan 4, 2018 | Artist Life, Next Project, Patreon

Well, 2017 was AWESOME, and most of that was because of you, so thank you! I added two books to my collection here,...

Injuries, Pennsic and More!

Aug 30, 2017 | Artist Life, Jewelry Work

Wow, it's been a crazy spring and summer for me! Here's the short version, and I won't bore/disgust you with the long...

Merchant Tales – Blackstone Raid 2017

May 1, 2017 | Artist Life

This past weekend we were at Blackstone Raid, an SCA event. There was swordfighting, thunderstorms, music, rain, two...

Injuries Suck

Apr 25, 2017 | Artist Life

Yep, injuries plural. Let me whine a bit. At some point in the past month, I tripped and turned my right ankle. No big deal, except when you have vertigo and falling/tripping is part of everyday life, it takes a while for things like that to heal. It's not enough to...

Strange Gifts

Apr 17, 2017 | Artist Life

Well, not that strange. It's just an airbrush and a little compressor, that my father-in-law used once long ago. But I have a strange, tingling sensation at the base of my skull that says this is Important. I've had this feeling before, and I've learned to listen to...

Normal is Relative

Apr 3, 2017 | Artist Life

On April Fools' Day, I was asked by my mom's boyfriend if I would be willing to airbrush a taxidermied pheasant. I never once thought he was joking. While he was setting up his airbrush in the basement, he told me about the large-scale, commercial work he's painted....