Journey Art Supplies Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
10 Fun Facts to Know About Cheap Joe’s
Ever wondered what makes Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff such a special place for artists? Let’s take a little trip behind the scenes and get to know our company, its quirky beginnings, and the creative, art-loving people who make it all happen! Where It All Began: Boone Drug A Humble Beginning Among Aspirin BottlesCheap Joe’s Art Stuff started over 35 years ago in Boone, North Carolina, right inside the Boone Drug store. Joe Miller himself recalls stocking art supplies on a shelf between the aspirin and Ex-Lax. Turns out, this “prime” spot gave artists just the relief they needed! Today, the store still reflects that unique, local charm—and you might even spot some legendary artists on our walls, including works from Cheng Khee Chee, Lian Zhen, and Suzanna Winton, all part of our cherished "Art Hall Wallery." The Art Hall WalleryCheap Joe’s Boone location serves as our headquarters, and walking through the office is like stepping into an art gallery! We’re home to one of the finest collections of art, with pieces from top artists in the business. So, if you’re in Boone, NC, pop by and stroll down our hallway gallery! Our Team of Talented Artists An Artistic Team with Diverse TalentsCheap Joe’s team isn’t just knowledgeable about art supplies—they’re artists themselves! From watercolorists to encaustic artists, our employees have real experience creating art. For those who aren’t artists, we offer seminars, workshops, and product demos, making sure everyone has the expertise to help you find exactly what you need to bring your art to life. A Workshop Studio Worth the TripOur state-of-the-art workshop studio has been called the “Cadillac” of art venues! Students here have spacious workstations, ample lighting, and, of course, our fully stocked art store right next door. And thanks to our high-tech upgrades, every seat is the best seat in the house. We have large flat-screen monitors and an overhead camera, so everyone has a front-row view of instructor demos. No more craning your neck to see the magic unfold! Check out our variety of art lessons and workshops today! Our Guarantee & Giving Back Our 365-Day Unconditional GuaranteeAt Cheap Joe’s, we want you to love your art supplies as much as we do, so we give you a full year to decide. If anything doesn’t meet your expectations, just give us a call at 800-227-2788, and our friendly team will make it right. It’s a promise backed by the best guarantee in the business! Brushes for Vincent: Our Art CharityCheap Joe’s Art Stuff is the proud founder of Brushes for Vincent, a charity that helps bring art supplies to young artists in need. We believe in the power of art to change lives, so every penny you donate goes to orphanages, hospitals, and nonprofits, supporting budding artists who might be the next Van Gogh. A little goes a long way, and you can help us inspire creativity in children everywhere! Behind the Scenes with Cheap Joe Cheap Joe’s Past Life as a PharmacistBefore becoming the art guru we know and love, Joe Miller worked as a pharmacist at Boone Drug. But a gift of watercolor lessons changed everything. Joe was so inspired by that class that he stocked up on quality art supplies and began selling them at affordable prices. And that’s how Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff was born—bringing savings and quality to artists ever since! YouTube University: Cheap Joe’s StyleWant to learn the ins and outs of art techniques without spending a dime? Head over to Cheap Joe’s on YouTube! Our channel is packed with free tutorials and product demos. Whether it’s a quick tip on how to use a “paint pusher” or a full tutorial on stretching watercolor paper, we’ve got you covered. Art Supplies with a Personal TouchCheap Joe’s is renowned for its customer-centered approach, but did you know that some of our exclusive products, like American Journey paints, were developed based on feedback from local artists? Joe himself often collaborated with suppliers and customers to refine products, ensuring his art stuff met the practical needs of creators. It's a personal touch that sets Cheap Joe's apart as more than just a retailer—we’re proud partners and participants of the art community. A Fresh New Website for Easy ShoppingWe recently redesigned our website to make finding your favorite supplies and learning resources easier than ever. From improved navigation to more informative product pages, our goal is to make your online experience as smooth as possible. After all, finding the right art supplies should be a creative journey, not a frustrating scavenger hunt! Whether you’re a brand-new artist or a seasoned pro, Cheap Joe’s is here to support your creativity with the tools, advice, and inspiration you need. We can’t wait to see what you create! And if you’re looking for more information about our company, check out our About Us page.
10 Fun Facts to Know About Cheap Joe’s
Ever wondered what makes Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff such a special place for artists? Let’s take a little trip behind the scenes and get to know our company, its quirky...
Unleash Your Creativity with Sketchbook Journaling
In a world full of digital distractions, there's something inherently captivating about putting pen to paper to capture thoughts and emotions through the art of sketchbook journaling. This creative outlet not only serves as a visual diary but also fosters self-expression and artistic growth – which is why we wanted to cover the topic in today’s installment of a virtual art workshop! In this post, we'll delve into the captivating world of sketchbook journaling, exploring its benefits and providing step-by-step instructions to kick-start your artistic journey, all with the aid of high-quality art supplies from Cheap Joe's. Understanding the Essence of Sketchbook Journaling Sketchbook journaling is more than just doodles and scribbles on paper. It's a blend of words and visuals, a means to narrate your personal story through art. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner taking your first steps into the world of creativity, sketchbook journaling offers a unique platform to capture the essence of your life, thoughts, dreams, and surroundings. It's a window into your emotions, a tactile reflection of your experiences, and a sanctuary of self-discovery. That’s the beauty of journaling: when you look back, you wonder how you ever had the time to do it all. Journaling is inch by inch and not mile by mile – each entry or drawing collects a moment in time, and over the years, that kind of dedication certainly adds up. The Benefits of Sketchbook Journaling The act of keeping a sketchbook journal boasts a multitude of benefits, transcending the artistic realm. Engaging in sketchbook journaling encourages you to see the world with an artist's eye, noticing intricate details that might otherwise go unobserved. Immersing yourself in the process of sketching and journaling can also be incredibly therapeutic, helping relieve stress and anxiety. Over time, your sketchbook becomes a visual record of your artistic evolution, showcasing your progress and growth as an artist. At the same time, a sketchbook journal is a treasure trove of memories, capturing moments in time. Finally, the act of putting pen to paper in sketchbook journaling can unlock the floodgates of creativity, inspiring new ideas and artistic experiments. Step-by-Step Guide to Embracing Your Inner Creativity Embarking on your sketchbook journaling journey is an exciting endeavor that requires no special expertise, only a willingness to explore your inner creativity. You can participate in this installment of our virtual art workshops by following these simple instructions: Step 1: Choose the Right SketchbookSelecting the right sketchbook is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be anything expensive. We recommend starting small, something like a 7” by 7” or 5 ½ x 8 ½ because it takes less time to fill a page. Choose one with good-quality paper that can handle various mediums, such as watercolors, pens, pencils, and markers. At Cheap Joe’s, we offer a wide variety of sketchbooks and journal books tailored to different artistic needs. Step 2: Gather Your Art SuppliesAssemble an assortment of art supplies that resonate with you. There is nothing wrong with just using #2 pencils, although we have found that a mechanical pencil is much easier to use. We recommend a beginner paint set; something portable and simple. Our instructor Leslie Fehling does most of her sketches with an ink line and likes the Pigma Micron 01 size pen because it is waterproof and can be water-colored over. Some basic synthetic watercolor brushes are also a good way to start. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff boasts an array of affordable yet high-quality art supplies to fuel your creative fire. Step 3: Craft a Creative RitualTransform your sketchbook journaling into a cherished ritual by designating a dedicated space and time to create. Choose an inspiring environment, whether it's a cozy corner at home or a serene outdoor spot. This space becomes a sanctuary where creativity flourishes. Set a regular schedule, fostering consistency that deepens your artistic connection. As you settle into your creative space, take mindful breaths to center your focus and release distractions to get yourself in a creative headspace. Step 4: Embrace ImperfectionRemember, sketchbook journaling is not about creating perfect masterpieces. Embracing imperfection is a celebration of authenticity and a catalyst for artistic growth. Every smudge, stray line, or unplanned element adds a personal touch to your work. Recognize that imperfections tell a story of your artistic journey, infusing your sketches with character and depth. By embracing imperfection, you not only liberate your creativity but also nurture a unique and authentic artistic voice. Step 5: Observe and DocumentIn sketchbook journaling, observation becomes an art form as you train your senses to perceive the world with heightened awareness. Embrace the play of light and shadow, textures, and emotions in your surroundings. Capture not only visual elements but also context—jotting down notes and thoughts that create a dialogue between your art and insights. Blend words with images, jotting down thoughts, quotes, or anecdotes alongside your artwork. This fusion adds depth and context to your journal. Step 6: Reflect and RevisitThe act of reflecting on and revisiting your past sketches becomes a profound source of inspiration and self-discovery. By flipping through the pages, you witness your artistic growth, from improved techniques to evolving use of color. Embrace the emotions tied to each piece, recognizing how they breathe life into your artwork. Your sketchbook becomes more than a collection of art; it transforms into a living testament to your dedication, creativity, and the ever-unfolding story of your artistic evolution. Improve Your Craft With These Additional Resources Sketchbook journaling is a captivating avenue for self-expression, personal growth, and artistic exploration. If you’re looking for some extra guidance for your journaling, you can find more tutorials on the website for Leslie Fehling. She also recommends a wonderful book on sketchbook journaling by Cathy Johnson called “Artist Journal Workshop”. Some online resources can be used as well. But don’t spend too much time reading books or watching videos; it is better to just begin sketching, and the techniques you need to create will come along.
Unleash Your Creativity with Sketchbook Journaling
In a world full of digital distractions, there's something inherently captivating about putting pen to paper to capture thoughts and emotions through the art of sketchbook journaling. This creative outlet...
Leap of Faith - Ward Jene Stroud's American Jou...
Inspired and inspiring, artist Ward Jean Stroud shares his personal journey 2200 miles from his home in Portland, Oregon to Cheap Joe’s in Boone, North Carolina to teach his Brusho watercolor workshop.
Leap of Faith - Ward Jene Stroud's American Jou...
Inspired and inspiring, artist Ward Jean Stroud shares his personal journey 2200 miles from his home in Portland, Oregon to Cheap Joe’s in Boone, North Carolina to teach his Brusho...
15 Minutes of Painting
“I want to get back into painting, but I just don’t have the time.” I hear it every day. “Maybe that’s because you’re in the art world,” you might say. Well, I’m here to tell you, I’m not the only messenger of the Society of Degenerate Painters, but I’m also its president. Correction – it’s former president!
15 Minutes of Painting
“I want to get back into painting, but I just don’t have the time.” I hear it every day. “Maybe that’s because you’re in the art world,” you might say....
Sue Archer Art Workshop Photo and Interview
Cheap Joe's Terry Henry sits down with artist Sue Archer and covers a wide range of topics. Watch a multitude of free art lessons, art tutorials and other artist interviews at the Cheap Joe's
Sue Archer Art Workshop Photo and Interview
Cheap Joe's Terry Henry sits down with artist Sue Archer and covers a wide range of topics. Watch a multitude of free art lessons, art tutorials and other artist interviews...
Mary Ann Beckwith Mixed Media Workshop Photo
Check out the class photo from Mary Ann Beckwith's Mixed Media Workshop!
Mary Ann Beckwith Mixed Media Workshop Photo
Check out the class photo from Mary Ann Beckwith's Mixed Media Workshop!
Artist Chat With Gerald Brommer
Gerald Brommer Interview August 28th, 2015 Interviewer: Terry Henry Gerald Brommer was born in 1927 in Berkeley, CA. Gerald grew up in Northern California then studied to be an educator in Nebraska where he earned a Master’s degree. After moving to Southern California, he received instruction in watercolor painting from Watson Cross, Noel Quinn, and Robert E. Wood and since the 1950s, he has produced watercolors on a regular basis. The subjects he has chosen to paint vary widely from California coast views to desert landscapes and European city scenes. Throughout his life, he has been interested in geology and rock formations that are often included in his work. He finds their varied textures and unique shapes particularly interesting as subject matter. Gerald has also become an internationally recognized teacher of watercolor painting and is the author of eighteen art instruction books and numerous articles in art magazines. He served as president of both the California Water Color Society and West Coast Watercolor Society. Through the years he has actively exhibited watercolors, holding 110 one-man shows and having his works displayed in 204 group exhibitions. Since the 1960s, he has been in demand as an instructor of watercolor workshops and has traveled all over the world conducting these classes. https://newmastersgallery.com/artists/painters/gerald-brommer/# Cheap Joe's: Let’s begin our chat today with the question I have asked each artist I have interviewed: When did you first realize you were an “artist”? Gerald: I was an elementary teacher for 5 years and taught high school students for 25 years and in the process of doing that, the art stuff was always there as far as the teaching of it was concerned. After I’d been married about 5 years, my wife gave me a set of oil paints for Christmas and I started to paint. However, I really didn’t enjoy oil painting that much and wasn’t that good at it either. Then I took my first watercolor class from Noel Quinn and began painting in that medium and really enjoyed it. So during my teaching career, I was always doing watercolor at home after work. Noel Quinn was the president of the National Watercolor society at that time and he talked me into joining them and so I submitted a painting and became a member. After that, I started showing my work in a couple of galleries and though it might sound crass, I began making more money selling paintings than I was teaching school. At that point, I think during the seventies, I had to make a decision as to what I wanted to do. During that period of time, I literally couldn’t paint fast enough and remember selling 100 paintings that year. That will never happen again. Now you are fortunate to sell ten paintings a year. What I think happened is that people were building houses and needed things to decorate them with and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. So I quit teaching school with the proposition to the principal that if I couldn’t stand working at home that I would come back and teach the next year. Well, it only took a week for me to decide that I didn’t want to go back to school again, especially since my paintings were selling at that time. So for the next couple of years, I just painted and sold what I made. Workshops were just starting to happen and I kept getting calls to teach and I told them I was too busy. Then one day as I was driving down the freeway and listening to an interview of Steve Garvey, who used to play first base for the Dodgers. The interviewer asked him why he went to school in order to talk with the kids after he quit playing and I will always remember his answer. Steve said, “Baseball has been so good to me I am impelled to put something back into the pot”. It was like he was talking directly to me. I just about drove off the road. So the next time I got a call to teach, I said yes. The class was in San Antonio, Texas and there were about 35 people in attendance and when I started talking, and everybody’s eyes were locked to mine, I realized that this was not like teaching high school. That’s really how I got started teaching workshops. Cheap Joe's: That is a very interesting story and really leads me into my next question. Who has inspired you during your very interesting career? And if you could be any artist in history, who would that be. Gerald: I probably would be Winslow Homer because I really like his work and he was very prolific and he has probably been more of an influence than any other artist. Cheap Joe's: How would you describe your style of painting. Gerald: Most artists don’t do what I do in the sense that I do both abstract and realistic art. When I teach I teach all of it. I might get really excited about doing abstracts and focus on that style when I get home. Over the years I have absorbed techniques from different teachers. As far as influences Robert E. Wood was a friend and incredible painter who I took a class from. I also studied with Millard Sheets and learned a lot from him as well. Whether I work from a realistic point of view of an abstract perspective I mostly paint landscapes. I can look out of the window here at Cheap Joe’s and literally see dozens of paintings. Cheap Joe's: You have briefly described your journey and your style so my next question would be this: what do you want your 25 students this week to leave with at the end of the class. Gerald: Excitement! I have never had any trouble motivating people. You didn’t get to see what we turned out yesterday but it was phenomenal what they did in one day. That’s what I feed off of. I get so excited seeing how the class is responding and what they are doing and learning in the process of taking a workshop. When I begin a workshop I have no idea how it is going to end up because there are twenty-five different people who are all at different skill levels. Some are struggling with their art and I have to work with them a lot more than those who are at the top of their journey. I only have each person for five days and all I can really do is try and motivate them and get them to take what they have learned home and continued with their art. Cheap Joe's: Have you ever had a low period where you struggled with making art. Gerald: After I began painting full-time I can’t remember ever having a low period in that sense. I have always had a goal or a place I wanted to go with my art. The lowest I can remember being was when I broke my wrist last year and couldn’t paint for a couple of months. It hurt to hold a brush and it was really frustrating. Cheap Joe's You have had a long, successful career and are approaching 91. What’s in the future for Gerald Brommer? Gerald: I thought that this (2015) was going to be my last year. I don’t think I even sent anything in for the Cheap Joe’s Workshopper magazine. But I already have six workshops lined up for 2016. Cheap Joe's: In closing could you share with us a favorite story about Cheap Joe’s. Gerald: I think getting together with Joe and his wife Lynda and going out to eat and tell stories is one of my favorite things to do. This place is phenomenal and what Joe has done for art and artists is a story I never get tired of telling. I remember visiting Boone after having done a workshop for North Carolina Watercolor Society in Charlotte. I had not met Joe at that time and one day my wife and I went looking for the store and we drove up and down the main drag looking for this big sign that would be Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff. I was thinking blinking lights and Las Vegas and when we finally saw the little sign at the bottom of the hill I thought that this can’t be Cheap Joe’s. So we found the store and learned the story of how it all began. We met Joe and he asked me to come back to Boone and do a workshop which I thought was really wonderful. It is a great success story and I am proud to be involved. Cheap Joe's: Gerald, it’s been a pleasure talking with you today and we will see you next year. Gerald: Thanks Gerald will be back in Boone teaching September 11-15, 2017. Here are some examples of Gerald's work:
Artist Chat With Gerald Brommer
Gerald Brommer Interview August 28th, 2015 Interviewer: Terry Henry Gerald Brommer was born in 1927 in Berkeley, CA. Gerald grew up in Northern California then studied to be an educator...
Linda Baker's Workshop Photo
Another smiling class at Linda Baker's most recent Art Workshop at Cheap Joe's in Boone, NC
Linda Baker's Workshop Photo
Another smiling class at Linda Baker's most recent Art Workshop at Cheap Joe's in Boone, NC
Speedball Screenprinting Workshop!
Hey, everybody! A few weeks ago, we were lucky to have two representatives from Speedball come and show us how to use all the awesome new screen printing stuff we've just started carrying and how to use them! First, Kim (left) and Melissa (right) gave us a rundown of some of the inks we picked up. The teal jar Melissa is holding is part of the line of Acrylic Screen Printing Ink--works the same as regular old acrylic paint, in that it's permanent when dry and highly pigmented for bold, opaque colors! The dark blue jar is the Fabric Screen Printing Ink--just like it says, this is ink that is made to be used on fabric and will hold up to the most powerful washing machines once it's properly heat-set. Of course you can use these inks interchangeably, but the acrylic goes on smoother and is ideal for putting down single layers on paper, while the fabric ink has a thicker consistency that'll definitely stick to your clothes! Then we talked about the two kinds of screens we'll have: wooden and aluminum. The Wooden Screen Frames are your standard screen printing frames that work perfectly with both fabric and acrylic inks. The Aluminum Screen Frames are the step up from those because they're a bit sturdier and can have finer screens, allowing for more intricate printing details. Next, Melissa explained to us the pros and cons of different screen-filling techniques. First, you've got your simple stencil method (which Kim is holding up), where you can tape either a stencil you've bought or cut out yourself to the back of your frame and then you push the ink through it and onto your surface. Melissa said they've found that the Bienfang Graphics #360 Marker Paper works wonderfully for stencils because it's translucent, waterproof, and very easy to cut through. Speedball also has this great Block Out Tape with an adhesive strong enough to withstand inks without leaving any sticky residue on your screen! Tip: a coworker who has a lot of experience in screen printing prefers to use vinyl stickers for stencils because they stick right to the screen and you don't have to worry about the possibility of them moving! Because of the impermanence of stencils, this technique is recommended for those who are only making a handful of prints. Second, there's the drawing fluid technique. As you can see from the labels, the bottom layer is just Drawing Fluid used on a screen if you printed this as is, you would get ink on everything except for "Speedball Drawing Fluid." The middle layer is drawing fluid with Screen Filler in the remaining empty parts of the screen (ya know, because it fills the holes). This is the next step you would take if you wanted to get to the top layer, where they've rinsed the drawing fluid while the screen filler stays to make it so "Speedball" is now the only thing that gets inked. This method is more permanent and reliable than the stencil method and is recommended for those who are making <100 prints. And then there's the photo emulsion technique--the most advanced method of screen printing. The top layer is your blank screen (obviously. The next layer is filled in with a mixture of Photo Emulsion and Sensitizer--you need BOTH of these for the photo emulsion technique and, thankfully, there's a kit to make sure you have the right ratio! Once that dries in a dark place (Melissa recommended the drawer under your oven if you don't have cookie sheets in there), place or tape a photo positive (meaning the dark parts are what you want to be inked) that's printed onto a clear surface, like polyester film or acetate onto the front of your screen. Rather than using a printed image, you could also paint directly onto your clear surface with some super-dark India Ink--whatever you do, just make sure your image is completely opaque. The final layer is the result of exposing your screen to a light source and then rinsing out the unexposed areas aka your design! This technique is extremely reliable and recommended for those who are making hundreds of prints. If you're worried about not being able to reuse your screens, you shouldn't be! The drawing fluid and screen filler can both be washed out with soap and warm water, and the photo emulsion can be removed with--you guessed it--Photo Emulsion Remover! After dropping all of this knowledge on us, Kim and Melissa thought it was time for the fun part: printing! Since they already had a photo emulsion screen ready, we jumped right in to print some Speedball logos on these awesome bags they brought for us! With a craft stick, I applied what I thought was a reasonable amount of ink to the top of my screen... But Melissa said I needed more, so I added more. With screen printing, you don't need to worry about using too much ink because whatever you don't use can simply be added back into your jar and saved for another print! Then came the moment of truth! Melissa explained how I should hold my Squeegee at about a 45-degree angle and drag the ink down my screen slowly and carefully. If you don't have a friend or Speedball representative to hold your screen down for you, it's necessary to grab a Base Unit to keep it from sliding around. Once I pulled the ink over the screen once, I was done! But Melissa says it's a good idea to pull the ink back over your design (with your screen in the air above your surface) as what is referred to as "flooding." This fills ONLY your design with ink and makes it ready for a second pull across your surface. Woohoo! Look at that! My very own screen printed bag! After that, we had a little fun with cutting out our own stencils and using different inks for different surfaces. Here's Web, our call center supervisor, about to print with a stencil I made for him. This gorgeous blue is actually part of the Night-Glo line, which glows in the dark! Night-Glo comes in fabric ink as well as acrylic ink, giving our outlet store manager, Amanda, the opportunity to brand her apron with this design she made of her initials! In the light, this design made by our search engine optimizer, Megan, is a radiant "Peacock Blue." But with the lights out, it glows an incredible green! I've had some issues getting even coverage with glow-in-the-dark paint before, but screen printing ensures perfectly even coating! You can probably tell I'm pretty excited about this new line of supplies, so go and check them out yourselves!
Speedball Screenprinting Workshop!
Hey, everybody! A few weeks ago, we were lucky to have two representatives from Speedball come and show us how to use all the awesome new screen printing stuff we've...
A Day in the Life of a Workshopper!
Our very own, Joe Miller, has some experience in this area. And he has a very useful tip to avoid making mud in your painting that is very well explained in this wonderful video! Joe mixes the colors on his paper and not on the palette. He scoops up the pigment with his very large flat brush and simply places the colors next to each other without much mixing once they are applied to the painting.
A Day in the Life of a Workshopper!
Our very own, Joe Miller, has some experience in this area. And he has a very useful tip to avoid making mud in your painting that is very well explained...
10 Unique Benefits of Live Art Workshops
Taking the first step can be the hardest thing to do. Most people are curious about taking an art workshop. We ponder it over and over in our heads and before the decision is made, several thoughts enter our minds. "Is it really worth it?"
10 Unique Benefits of Live Art Workshops
Taking the first step can be the hardest thing to do. Most people are curious about taking an art workshop. We ponder it over and over in our heads and...
A Spring Art Fling! Kanuga Watermedia Workshops
Spring is in the air, but a visit to the NC mountains this time of year can be a bit unpredictable. However, there are those who travel from afar to gather for their yearly pilgrimage to Kanuga.
A Spring Art Fling! Kanuga Watermedia Workshops
Spring is in the air, but a visit to the NC mountains this time of year can be a bit unpredictable. However, there are those who travel from afar to...
