The Open Sketchbook Podcast

Evan Kitson
  • 5.0 (6)
  • VISUAL ARTS

How do artists develop their style, stay inspired, and make a living? The Open Sketchbook Podcast brings you real conversations with artists, educators, and industry professionals to uncover the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career. Whether you're a student, and emerging artist, instructor, painter, illustrator, draftsman, or designer you'll get insights on technique, mindset, and the challenges of being an artist so that you can refine your skills, build confidence, and stay motivated. Hosted by Evan Kitson, an experienced artist and educator, this podcast explores the how and why behind making art. Hear from authors, artists, curators, and other creatives so that you can learn from their successes, struggles, and unique perspectives. Expect deep dives into traditional and contemporary techniques, candid artist interviews, and thought-provoking discussions so that you gain the knowledge and inspiration to grow in your own creative practice. If you're looking for art podcasts about creativity, materials and technique, and professional growth, The Open Sketchbook Podcast is for you. Join a growing community of artists and creatives- subscribe now and start listening today!

Episodes

  1. Episode 8: Sarah Annesley

    APR 25

    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 Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts GUEST: Sarah Annesley https://www.instagram.com/yelsennas/ Sarah's Recommendations: Studio Ghibli Films: Princess Mononoke Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ The New York Academy of Art https://nyaa.edu/ https://www.academyeverywhere.com/collections?q=kitson

    1h 43m
  2. Episode 7: Creative Peers

    APR 18

    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 Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ Curio. https://curiolancaster.square.site/ Demuth Museum Invitational: 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

    38 min
  3. Episode 6: Julie Heffernan

    MAR 28

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

    1h 18m
  4. Episode 5: The Pomodoro Technique

    MAR 21

    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 Our YouTube Channel: 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://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board: https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com 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 Evan Kitson's Graphite Drawing Materials Kit 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 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

    25 min
  5. Episode 4: Leah Gardner

    MAR 14

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

    1h 13m
  6. Episode 3: The Book That Put Me On My Path

    MAR 7

    Episode 3: The Book That Put Me On My Path

    In our first host-led episode of the Open Sketchbook Podcast, episode three, Evan Kitson reflects on his artistic journey, highlighting the significant influence of Juliette Aristides' book, Classical Drawing Atelier, and the impact of the highly influential graphic novel Arkham Asylum. He discusses the challenges of learning proportion in art, the importance of community in artistic growth, and the lessons learned from both traditional and contemporary artists. Evan emphasizes the need for flexibility in artistic processes and encourages listeners to engage with their own creative practices in a decisively non-procedural manner. Check out the links below! Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube! Watch Episode 3 here: https://youtu.be/nOGBvpURStI Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ BOOKS MENTIONED: Juliette's Books: The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Pre-Order) https://amzn.to/3FmI53K Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice https://amzn.to/4kuC315 Lessons in Classical Painting: Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier https://amzn.to/3QOzfhL Batman: Arkham Asylum, by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean https://amzn.to/3F4uA8Q Language of the Body: Drawings by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, by John Elderfield (out of print) ARTISTS MENTIONED Juliette Aristides https://www.aristidesarts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/juliettearistides/ Nicolás Uribe https://www.ourpaintedlives.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicolasuribeb https://www.patreon.com/c/OPLTogether/posts Dave McKean https://www.davemckean.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davemckeanhourglass/ Grant Morrison https://www.grantmorrison.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grant.morrison/ Steven Assael https://www.stevenassael.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevenassael/ Michael Grimaldi https://www.michael-grimaldi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michaelgrimaldi/ Dan Thompson https://danthompsonart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/danthompsonart/ Jeff Geib OTHER RESOURCES Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, Standing Female Nude, a black chalk drawing © The Trustees of the British Museum. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence. Rebecca Alzofon Prud'hon Technique Theory http://www.art.net/Studios/visual/rebecca/OnPrudon7.html Note- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

    28 min
  7. Episode 2: Nicolas Uribe

    MAR 7

    Episode 2: Nicolas Uribe

    In this episode of The Open Sketchbook podcast, Nicolás Uribe shares his journey as a painter, reflecting on the personal connections in his work, the challenges of the art world, and the influence of family and social media on his artistic expression. He emphasizes process over product, the power of vulnerability in art, and his transition from a gallery-focused painter to taking control over his market and creating a new Patreon to support it. The conversation delves into finding an authentic artistic path amid commercial pressures, the complexities of simplicity in painting, and the realities of navigating gallery relationships. Uribe also explores the impact of technology on image-making, the value of slowing down, and the process of unlearning traditional teachings to develop a unique voice. Throughout, he highlights the importance of community, the human experience in art, and rediscovering past influences to shape contemporary creativity. Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube! Watch Episode 2 here: Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ GUEST: Nicolás Uribe https://www.ourpaintedlives.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicolasuribeb OPL Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/OPLTogether/posts RECOMMENDATIONS David Mazzucchelli's Batman Year One Artist's Edition https://amzn.to/41xffFm Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four Artisan Edition https://amzn.to/3FncBKQ The Famous Artist School (Course) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_Artists_School ARTISTS SHOWN: Steven Assael https://www.stevenassael.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevenassael/ Max Ginsburg https://www.maxginsburg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ginsburg.max/ Nude Boy on the Beach at Portici Fortuny, Mariano Copyright ©Museo Nacional del Prado Note- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

    1h 57m
  8. Episode 1: Juliette Aristides

    MAR 7

    Episode 1: Juliette Aristides

    In the first episode of the Open Sketchbook Podcast, host and artist Evan Kitson discusses the profound impact of Juliette Aristides' work on his artistic journey. They delve into the creation of her influential book, Classical Drawing Atelier, and explore the Atelier movement's significance in contemporary art. The conversation highlights the challenges of writing about art, the interplay between writing and visual composition, and the evolving relationship artists have with content creation in today's digital age. Juliette shares her insights on artistic growth, mentorship, and the philosophical underpinnings of her work, culminating in a reflection on the role of art in modern culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving role of the artist in a world saturated with images and information. They discuss the importance of understanding the 'why' behind art, the personal connections to artistic works, and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a fast-paced, digital age. The dialogue also touches on the necessity of unlearning ingrained patterns and the significance of community and historical context in the artistic journey. Recommendations for further exploration in art and literature are shared, emphasizing the need for reflection and personal growth. Check out the links below! Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube! Watch Episode 1 here:  https://youtu.be/68E-xl_1YnI Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio GUEST: Juliette Aristides https://www.aristidesarts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/juliettearistides/ Aristides Atelier Online https://terracotta.art/aristides/juliette-aristides-classical-atelier HOST: Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ BOOKS MENTIONED: Juliette's Books: The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Pre-Order) https://amzn.to/3FmI53K Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice https://amzn.to/4kuC315 Other Books Mentioned: Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, by Yotam Ottolenghi https://amzn.to/4hccAqr Rendez-vous with Art, by Philippe de Montebello https://amzn.to/4ivfAzc A Mathematician's Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form, by Paul Lockhart https://amzn.to/3QPR9Re JULIETTE'S RECOMMENDATIONS: Art as Therapy, by Alain Botton https://amzn.to/3DkSZqh Art and Technics, by Lewis Mumford https://amzn.to/43xFP3I The Journal of Eugène Delacroix https://amzn.to/4kvHexV Note- some of these are affiliate links- should you choose to make a purchase, we'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you

    56 min

  9. MAR 3

    The Open Sketchbook Podcast: Trailer

    In this introduction for the Open Sketchbook Podcast, Evan Kitson shares his excitement about launching a new platform for exploring creativity through interviews with authors, artists, educators, and other creatives. Through preview sound bites, painter and graphic novelist Julie Heffernan emphasizes the importance of curiosity in fostering empathy and imagination, and artist Adrian Brandon shares insight on the emotional significance of color in art. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Virtual Studio, the Open Sketchbook's online community and explore the deeper connections between creativity and personal growth. The Open Sketchbook Podcast launches March 6th, 2025. Subscribe so you don't miss the awesome episodes coming out later this week! Note: Artists Julie Heffernan and Adrian Brandon are featured briefly in this trailer. They both have their own full interview episodes- be on the lookout for those soon! Want to see our conversation with video? We're on YouTube! Watch the trailer with video here: https://youtu.be/nv8mI9f6k8w Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook TAKEAWAYS Evan Kitson introduces his podcast focused on the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career.The Open Sketchbook Podcast will feature interviews with various creatives.Julie Heffernan makes a wonderful case for curiosity being essential for empathy and imagination.Adrian Brandon shares insights on the color Green, and how colors can carry various qualities and associations.We're reminded that Art can help individuals connect with their communities.The Open Sketchbook Podcast aims to challenge perspectives on art and creativity.Listeners are invited to join a creative online community, the Virtual Studio.The first episodes will launch on March 6th. Subscribe and be one of the first to listen this Thursday! BOOKS Babe in the Woods: or, The Art of Getting Lost, a graphic novel by Julie Heffernan https://amzn.to/41pAR6I (this is an affiliate link) WEBSITES The Open Sketchbook https://theopensketchbook.com https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/ The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More! https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio Julie Heffernan https://www.julieheffernan.net/ https://www.instagram.com/julie_heffernan_/ Adrian Brandon https://www.adrianbrandon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ayy.bee/ Evan Kitson https://evankitson.com https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/ QUOTES "Curiosity is the fundament of empathy." - Julie Heffernan"Curiosity leads to imagination, which leads to empathy, because you can imagine what it's like. They're all cross-connecting and integral to each other." - Julie Heffernan"I worry if they're not curious, can they be imaginative?" - Julie Heffernan"The deep qualities of forest green have a maturity to them, which got me thinking more about how a color can be mature." - Adrian Brandon

    6 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

How do artists develop their style, stay inspired, and make a living? The Open Sketchbook Podcast brings you real conversations with artists, educators, and industry professionals to uncover the creative process, strategies for artistic growth, and the realities of an art career. Whether you're a student, and emerging artist, instructor, painter, illustrator, draftsman, or designer you'll get insights on technique, mindset, and the challenges of being an artist so that you can refine your skills, build confidence, and stay motivated. Hosted by Evan Kitson, an experienced artist and educator, this podcast explores the how and why behind making art. Hear from authors, artists, curators, and other creatives so that you can learn from their successes, struggles, and unique perspectives. Expect deep dives into traditional and contemporary techniques, candid artist interviews, and thought-provoking discussions so that you gain the knowledge and inspiration to grow in your own creative practice. If you're looking for art podcasts about creativity, materials and technique, and professional growth, The Open Sketchbook Podcast is for you. Join a growing community of artists and creatives- subscribe now and start listening today!

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Kitson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Open Sketchbook Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Open Sketchbook Podcast