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What ever happened to free samples?

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Nerys B

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Posted
Before the internet really took off, we used too get a little tick box tear out slip in Art Magazines to send off for further info, and in some cases free samples. None of this happens now, which is a shame, because it meant we got to try arty things before we bought them.  One free sample i remember is a 10ml of Van Gogh watercolour, which i still use and bought subsequent tubes along with my other watercolours.  It would be great to have samples of paint, paper, pencils or pastels to try again, or even brushes, but maybe that's asking too much!   What do other's think? 

Denise Cat

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Posted
I must say Nerys B, I've been watching all the free tutorials on the site all evening. Very enjoyable. Free samples of other things to try would be great. I've been shopping for supplies today. If I had taken a flask of tea with me, I would probably still be wandering around the art shops now.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Posted
I have received free samples through entering competitions on this site.  So far I have received a free easel lamp, a set of coloured pencils, coloured pencil demo video, acrylic paints, brushes, a palette and pads of painting surfaces.  But that has been over a 10 year period.  You can also get free gifts if you write a published letter to the editor of either The Artist or Leisure Painter.

Denise Cat

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Hi Linda, I often start painting in the day and paint into late evening and the light is very dim and it gets difficult to see even with the light on. It’s not like natural daylight. I never thought of an easel lamp. Are they any good. I could do with some decent light in the evening when I’m painting.

Alan Bickley

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Posted
Lighting is an issue for artists, artificial light is never adequate or indeed accurate. There are plenty of options for daylight bulbs on the market, they can help a little. One of the reasons why I always paint in the morning if I’m doing studio work - never when the light starts to fade, I’ve been there and seen the results in natural light next day, they aren’t generally good! Fit them to an easel or free standing, the results won’t change, I’ve got an Ottlite which is free standing and has a daylight strip light, a replacement bulb is £15 so not cheap. I rarely if ever use it these days.

Denise Cat

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Posted
Thanks Alan, I will have a look at this. Especially with the nights drawing in, I will want a decent lamp. I got some layout pads and charcoal sticks yesterday, I also got some sable brushes for fine detail as I didn’t have any small brushes like this and I did some birch trees and couldn’t get the detail I wanted. I’ve got them at hand now. I also got a T- Square.

Alan Bickley

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That’s great Denise, you’re slowly building up your supplies! A synthetic rigger size 0 is a useful brush to have. I use it for tree branches etc. ProArte or similar brand, you don’t need expensive sable, I actually prefer synthetic as they seem to have more spring in them.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Posted
Hi Denise I have a Daylight lamp, which was great while it lasted, but seems to have failed  a couple of days ago so it didn't last long. - also the housing cracked so I'm not recommending it.  I also have a reading lamp which has a daylight setting, so I might convert to this one for painting. I found Daler Rowney acrylic brushes very good.

Denise Cat

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Posted
Thanks Linda and now I have had a quick look at the 49 pages of community videos, there are lots of exercises to keep me busy and get plenty of practice in.

Tessa Gwynne

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Denise, I also have an Ottlite which I find useful. My daughter bought it for me a few years ago (at my request!) and I feel it gives a constant light and shadow when needed.  It cost around £30. I used to get free samples from one of the big art suppliers if ordering a certain amount of other stuff, but I haven’t needed anything lately so not sure if they still do. Good luck with the 49 pages of videos! I’m sure some of it will be useful.

Denise Cat

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Thanks Tessa, I will have a look at the ottlite this week. Yes, I have already found a few videos I am just dying to get stuck in to.