The Open Sketchbook Podcast

Episode 8: Sarah Annesley

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 budget The logistics of mounting, protecting, and transporting artwork Sarah’s process-driven approach to drawing, color pencil work, and reverse-engineering outcomes The emotional and professional transition from student to teaching assistant to instructor Career paths in art-adjacent roles like art handling, framing, and production How teaching transforms your own practice, mindset, and clarity When and how to invest in your presentation and framing The importance of building a resilient creative process and recognizing growth- even when it doesn’t feel like it Practical Tips Include: Why you should never let your artwork touch the glass in a frame How to prep for group shows without breaking the bank Budgeting for your first exhibition and how to future-proof your framing choices Join 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/ZfOPiR74I10 [https://youtu.be/ZfOPiR74I10] Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook [http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook] The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com [https://theopensketchbook.com] https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/] The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio] Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts] GUEST: Sarah Annesley https://www.instagram.com/yelsennas/ [https://www.instagram.com/yelsennas/] Sarah's Recommendations: Studio Ghibli Films: 1. Princess Mononoke  2. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com [https://evankitson.com] https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ [https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/] The New York Academy of Art https://nyaa.edu/ [https://nyaa.edu/] https://www.academyeverywhere.com/collections?q=kitson [https://www.academyeverywhere.com/collections?q=kitson]

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/N1rTGQfxKE0 [https://youtu.be/N1rTGQfxKE0] Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook [http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook] The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com [https://theopensketchbook.com] https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/] The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio] Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts] HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com [https://evankitson.com] https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ [https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/] Curio. https://curiolancaster.square.site/ [https://curiolancaster.square.site/] Demuth Museum Invitational: In Good Company https://www.demuth.org/exhibitions/in-good-company [https://www.demuth.org/exhibitions/in-good-company] Willem de Kooning's "Bowl, Pitcher and Jug" https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482728 [https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482728]

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 book * The difference between critique and personal exploration in visual storytelling * Trees, mark-making, and the visual vocabulary of digital drawing * What it means to truly respond to your own work- and how to let go of what no longer serves you * The role of beauty, mystery, and formal relationships in building meaningful art * The powerful influence of image streaming on her creative process * Julie’s upcoming second graphic novel, plus her thoughts on artists, films, and books that shaped her journey Want to watch our conversation? We're on YouTube! Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ihkU4rUDJs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ihkU4rUDJs] Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook [http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook] The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com [https://theopensketchbook.com] https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/] The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio] Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts] GUEST: Julie Heffernan https://www.julieheffernan.net/ [https://www.julieheffernan.net/] https://www.instagram.com/julie_heffernan_/ Heffernan's Amazing Graphic Novel: Babe in the Woods: or, The Art of Getting Lost https://amzn.to/41pAR6I [https://amzn.to/41pAR6I] (this is an affiliate link) Julie's Book Recommendations: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese https://amzn.to/3DU9oCq [https://amzn.to/3DU9oCq] When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut https://amzn.to/4ciUMJC [https://amzn.to/4ciUMJC] In the Distance by Hernan Diaz https://amzn.to/4j1aX0e [https://amzn.to/4j1aX0e] HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com [https://evankitson.com] https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ [https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/]

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 year How the Pomodoro Technique works (and why it’s tomato-shaped 🍅) Parallels between studio practices and figure drawing sessions The role of planning and rest in creative momentum How to build intuitive time awareness Why group work and community help us keep going A drawing demo using the Pomodoro Technique (YouTube exclusive!) Want to watch the drawing demonstration? We're on YouTube! Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/gb97lMVaXBU [https://youtu.be/gb97lMVaXBU] Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook [http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook] Featured 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 Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com [https://theopensketchbook.com] https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/] The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio] Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts] HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com [https://evankitson.com] https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ [https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/] BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT: Creative Productivity: Pomodoro Technique https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=productivity-pomodoro-technique [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=productivity-pomodoro-technique] Evan Kitson's Graphite Drawing Materials Kit https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=graphite-drawing-materials [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=graphite-drawing-materials] NEWSLETTER 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-prompt [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/writing-lists-finding-priorities-a-new-weekly-sketching-prompt] Productivity: 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-more [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-commitment-to-our-creative-habits-blog-post-roundup-and-more] Productivity: Removing Friction + A New Course Starting Soon! https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-removing-friction-a-new-course-starting-soon [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-removing-friction-a-new-course-starting-soon]

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/@theopensketchbook [https://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook] Watch Episode 4: Leah Gardner https://youtu.be/s2oNIqAQ8jk [https://youtu.be/s2oNIqAQ8jk] The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com [https://theopensketchbook.com] https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/] The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio [https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio] Stay Connected, Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts [https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts] HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com [https://evankitson.com] https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ [https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/] GUEST: Leah Gardner https://leahgardner.art/ [https://leahgardner.art/] https://www.instagram.com/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 Marine https://amzn.to/3DDD5HN [https://amzn.to/3DDD5HN] *affiliate link Zoey Frank https://zoeyfrank.com/ [https://zoeyfrank.com/] Jeremy Miranda https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_miranda_/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_miranda_/] Christina Weaver https://www.christinaweaver.com/ [https://www.christinaweaver.com/] And Libby (free library app for audiobooks & ebooks)