BIG thanks to Katrin at ArtToolsPrinted4U for sending me this awesome watercolor package!  I love art tools and it's an honor to try them out!
  I love the design of the watercolor sketch board with the little, collapsible water cup (yellow is my favorite color btw); and I like that it fits in my lap with a watercolor sketchbook.  The clip-on magnet is there to hold a small metal watercolor palette and the holes are for brushes.
   And I can't wait to try the swatch templates when I test out my new, old-stock,  Winsor & Newton watercolors (made in England).  I'll be testing those colors out in the next few days and I'm eager to see how they compare!

  With only a few spots left, our Northern Ireland painting workshop is now officially confirmed!
​  When I was young art student at the Pennsylvania Academy, I had a teacher who had traveled all over the globe; I asked him what his favorite country was and he said, "Ireland".  Ever since then, I've dreamed of going to see it for myself.  And to instruct a painting workshop there while staying at a beautiful Georgian manor is really something special.
  For anyone unaware: there is now a travel visa requirement for the UK (which includes Northern Ireland).  As an American, you will need this visa, which lasts for 2 years and costs about $13.  Here is a good article which guides you through the process and has official links: https://thepointsguy.com/news/travel-authorization-step-by-step/
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​If you're interested in this workshop there's still time!  Check out the website info and sign up before it sells out:
https://www.travelfevertours.com/painting-green-artist-workshop-in-northern-ireland

  I'm honored to be giving a portrait painting demonstration on March 11th at the Community Arts Association in Allendale, NJ​.  Using oil paints, I will be sharing my process, materials and methods for creating a strong painting.  I encourage a Q + A format in order to share as much as I can.  Can't wait - See you then!

• Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
https://www.caafinearts.org/events-2/eric-santoli

Community Arts Association
Allendale, NJ 07401

  Many years ago, I wrote a blog post about a Holbein watercolor palette that I had purchased.  I had seen photos and video of the legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki using a Holbein palette and I was excited to try it.  To my disappointment, I found out that my "Holbein" palette is actually a cheaper version made by some mystery company.  I've used that knock-off palette for years but it led me to wonder: "what are the real Holbein palettes like?"
  Well, after many years, I finally got my hands on a genuine Holbein watercolor folding palette.  It's hard to put a date on it, but it seems these palettes are extremely rare and no longer made in Japan.  I can't help but feel a touch of sadness when I can't find good quality art supplies, clothes, furniture, cooking pots or whatever it might be.  And it's not even like our materials nowadays are at least "good"--the materials nowadays are flat-out bad in comparison.
  Photos of this palette don't do it justice so I'll just describe it: Firstly, it's solid and maybe twice as heavy as the cheaper palette.  The metal is sturdy and I'm guessing that it's steel instead of flimsy aluminum.  There are no sharp edges and it closes beautifully (the cheaper palette has sharp corners and edges).  The other huge difference is that it's actually enameled on the inside; the cheaper palette is just spray painted white, but the genuine Holbein has a beautiful enamel coating inside.  I haven't used it yet, but it makes my other palette feel like a toy.
  Do better materials produce better paintings?  Will my genuine Holbein palette make me as skilled as the great Miyazaki?  Haha, well, of course not, but I'll say that this genuine palette makes me feel like I should paint better.  It's like when I wear a nice suit and I stand a little taller.  Painting is hard enough and any bit of  confidence from the materials is always helpful!