This is true. She’s also a very lovely person, thanks for such a good recommendation, Chris.

Ann Swan is an amazing illustrator, you’re right. I remember seeing her at work and being amazed by the scale of her work – it’s enormous! She is certainly the creme de la creme when it comes to coloured pencil work. I agree entirely. Thanks for the comment.

Hi Robin
That’s a great suggestion, and I can entirely understand why holding a paintbrush with arthritic hands would be a challenge. Unfortunately, Im rubbish at coloured pencils – Ive never worked with them. So Id not be the right person to ask, alas. But it’s a good point, and Im sorry not to be able to help
Yours, Lizzie

I’m off to have a look right now. A tiny diameter like that would be extremely useful…

Hi Mary Lou
That’s good to know that Dick Blick is still a good place to go. And I know exactly what you mean about wanting to go and see the physical product, although art supply stores can be dangerously expensive places to pop into! There’s something very useful aboot being able to hold a pen or a pencil before buyiong it. Couldnt agree more.

Hi Max, what a fabulous comment! That’s fascinating that you use three different pencils, although to be fair it makes perfect sense. You’re not the first person I know who loves kneadable erasers, I just don’t get on with them, but I know various amazing botanical artists swear by them. Which is exactly what I mean about equipment being a personal choice, and why I totally love how much information you’ve shared. It means the blog becomes a useful resource for people researching materials, as well as just me wittering on! Thanks so much for taking the time. And yes, I know exactly what you mean about losing sheets of paper! Thanks again. x