Journey Art Supplies Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
Artist Spotlight: Vlad Yeliseyev
Why I Use American Journey Watercolors By Vladislav Yeliseyev After over 50 years of working in watercolor, I’ve tried just about every paint brand on the market. My journey started with scarce materials in the Soviet Union and continued through years of scraping by in New York City, testing and experimenting with whatever I could afford. When I finally had access to professional-grade materials, I realized just how much of a difference quality paint can make. Watercolor is known as one of the most unforgiving mediums. Many people assume that the difficulty lies in the inability to correct mistakes. While that’s partly true, for me the bigger challenge has always been maintaining vibrancy and transparency after the paint dries. Colors tend to dull, tonal values shift, and multiple washes can kill the freshness of a painting. That’s why discovering American Journey watercolors was a game changer. From the first time I used them, I noticed something different: the colors stayed vibrant—even after drying—and retained a sense of clarity and depth, even in the darkest passages. My paintings looked fresher, bolder, and more transparent. And others noticed the difference too. Another thing I appreciate is their no-nonsense color lineup. Many brands today offer hundreds of trendy shades, but as someone trained in traditional fine art, I prefer to mix my own. American Journey gives me a solid core palette with the quality pigments I need—without overwhelming me with unnecessary options. Consistency matters a lot to a professional painter, and American Journey delivers. In all my years using them, I’ve never had a tube behave differently or change in color properties from batch to batch. That reliability means I can focus on painting—not second-guessing my materials. They also offer one of the largest tube sizes available, which is incredibly convenient in the studio, along with smaller tubes perfect for plein air work. And for professional-grade paint, the price is more than fair—it’s one of the best values out there. For me, American Journey watercolors strike the perfect balance: bold, dependable, and thoughtfully made. After decades of searching, I can finally say I’ve found the paint I plan to stick with. Check out Vlad's Website Here Take a Workshop with Vlad Vlad's American Journey Color Palette consists of: Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Teal, Royal Amethyst, Sepia, Transparent Oxide Brown, Yeliseyev Indigo Dark, Yellow Ochre, and Yellow Ochre Gold. About Vlad: Vladislav Yeliseyev AIS, NWS Painting the Light “Vlad Yeliseyev is no stranger to beautiful scenery. In fact, he’s traveled around the world to paint interesting cityscapes and landscapes. But unlike many artists who are drawn to a postcard-perfect site, Yeliseyev usually can be found around the back of a building, along the street or in an alleyway, capturing commonplace scenes," wrote BJ Foreman in her article "Everyday Poetry" in the Watercolor Artist Magazine (Feb.2016). Vladislav Yeliseyev is a renowned watercolor and plein air artist known for his ability to capture everyday scenes with a unique perspective. Originally from Russia, he brought his Classical Art education and a Master's Degree in Architecture when he immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. For over 30 years, Vladislav has lived and worked in the United States, amassing a dedicated following of art enthusiasts. His paintings can be found in personal and commercial collections worldwide. His artwork is praised for its mastery of light and color, showcased through bold brushstrokes, skillful color schemes, and clear calligraphy. With a limited palette and minimal brushstrokes Vlad creates paintings that evoke a sense of the depicted objects rather than their intricate details. He often employs warm colors to achieve richness while maintaining the transparency of watercolor. Vlad's intention is not to simply depict the object itself but to capture the light, leaving room for interpretation and evoking a poetic response from the viewer. Vladislav's artistic goal is to express as much as possible with minimal brushwork, allowing the viewer to experience the essence of the scene. After a successful career as an architectural illustrator, in addition to his artistic pursuits Vladislav has established himself as a sought-after speaker, demonstrator, and educator in the watercolor and plein air communities. He has been invited to watercolor and plein air conventions across the United States and served as a jury member and judge for national and regional competitions. Vladislav conducts virtual workshops, plein air and studio workshops as well as hosts art holidays in Europe. His participation in highly regarded invitational paint-outs and competitions has earned him numerous prestigious awards and accolades. To share his knowledge and technique with aspiring artists, Vladislav has released educational video master classes on DVD and streaming platforms (Vimeo, YouTube). He is an exhibiting member of many art societies nationwide and holds Signature membership in esteemed organizations such as American Impressionist Society and the National Watercolor Society. His work has been featured in renowned publications, including Watercolor Artist magazine (2016, USA), PleinAir Magazine (2017, USA), and Art of Watercolour (2018, France) and others.
Artist Spotlight: Vlad Yeliseyev
Why I Use American Journey Watercolors By Vladislav Yeliseyev After over 50 years of working in watercolor, I’ve tried just about every paint brand on the market. My journey...
Winter Plein Air Journaling Made Easy
The winter season may seem like the most inconvenient time for plein air journaling, especially in the mountains, where the temperatures have been exceedingly low this year. However, it can be the most exciting time of the year for wonderful, paintable scenes.
Winter Plein Air Journaling Made Easy
The winter season may seem like the most inconvenient time for plein air journaling, especially in the mountains, where the temperatures have been exceedingly low this year. However, it can...
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...
Ways to Reuse Your Watercolor Paper
Ever have a painting that just didn’t meet your expectations of a masterpiece? Well, we all have, yet discarding a full piece of watercolor paper is just out of the question. With the price of watercolor paper rising every year, you should never have to throw it away. So what do you do with it? Here are a few ways to recycle your unsuccessful paintings.
Ways to Reuse Your Watercolor Paper
Ever have a painting that just didn’t meet your expectations of a masterpiece? Well, we all have, yet discarding a full piece of watercolor paper is just out of the...
Capturing the Beauty of Fall Foliage with Trave...
For those eager to capture the ephemeral beauty of this season on canvas or paper, a well-prepared travel art kit and sketchbook are essential companions. In this guide, we hope to inspire you to slow down and capture North Carolina's fall foliage with a sketchbook in addition to your camera.
Capturing the Beauty of Fall Foliage with Trave...
For those eager to capture the ephemeral beauty of this season on canvas or paper, a well-prepared travel art kit and sketchbook are essential companions. In this guide, we hope...
Five Unexpected Health Benefits of Being Creative
I must study politics and war, that our sons (and daughters) may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons (and daughters) ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain.” From the Letters of John Adams, Addressed to His Wife - May 12, 1780
Five Unexpected Health Benefits of Being Creative
I must study politics and war, that our sons (and daughters) may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons (and daughters) ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography,...
Create Captivating Art by Understanding How You...
Understanding how to hold and direct your viewer’s attention is an important part of the design. When you’ve trained your eye to follow the visual forces in your painting, you can begin to design your paintings in a more creative way
Create Captivating Art by Understanding How You...
Understanding how to hold and direct your viewer’s attention is an important part of the design. When you’ve trained your eye to follow the visual forces in your painting, you...
A Portrait Sketch - Stepping outside your comfo...
"There's a lot of sinking feelings in art" - Joe Miller I set out this week to get out of my comfort zone and do something I don't typically. I'm a student of Architecture and I gravitate toward buildings, urban scenes, architectural details, etc. But definitely not towards people. Some may critique my artwork for the absence of life. I'm just scared of doing people. Especially when they're supposed to look like someone. So, this week, I stepped out of my comfort zone to draw a person. Myself. I felt "me" would be a better subject because I wouldn't have anyone see me and say, "You think I look like that?!?" (I'm looking in the direction of my wife). I'd done some drawings of past girlfriends earlier in my artistic career who's reactions instill fear even today. (The initial line drawing) Who in the world is that...?But when I began, I thought, there's no way this will ever look like me. It was terrible. (Adding more shadows to the portrait to create depth) Do I really look like Lurch?But, I kept at it. Then I'd get kinda happy with something, but it wasn't right -- cue the sinking feeling. So, I'd erase hoping that I could at least do that well again because if I did worse... then I'd never get what I had back. Another sinking feeling. (Pushing more shadows. More developed nose and eyes) Hey! I kinda recognize that guy! (I can draw!)Oh, but, the eyes are still off. And, the forehead... (Darkening the shadows. More layering) The forehead is better. Oh jeez, I've messed it up. The darks are too dark...I'm back..! Right? Or am I? In a lot of ways, art is about perseverance. I'm convinced of that. Erasing something for the 4th or 5th time hasn't worn me down. Or the paper. The drawing is getting better. I recognize "Me". There's still some work to be done and in portraits, maybe it's a game of millimeters. But how I've enjoyed the test of my artistic endurance. Maybe I can make something out of myself yet... Maybe... There's miles to go. More to come... -Brian
A Portrait Sketch - Stepping outside your comfo...
"There's a lot of sinking feelings in art" - Joe Miller I set out this week to get out of my comfort zone and do something I don't typically. I'm...
"Guidelines" by Skip Lawrence
Skip Lawrence offers some Guidelines for finding a more personally expressive, creative, and sincere way to paint. From the Palette Magazine.
"Guidelines" by Skip Lawrence
Skip Lawrence offers some Guidelines for finding a more personally expressive, creative, and sincere way to paint. From the Palette Magazine.
Hue And You: Some Thoughts On Color Selection b...
Is this the way you choose colors for a painting? 1. Pull a few tubes of paint at random out of your paint box 2. Start painting 3. Hope for the best. If this is your method of color selection for a painting, you can do better.
Hue And You: Some Thoughts On Color Selection b...
Is this the way you choose colors for a painting? 1. Pull a few tubes of paint at random out of your paint box 2. Start painting 3. Hope for...
Finding Your Space
Your treatment of pictorial space (how much you emphasize the illusion of depth) depends on your expressive intent. Here are your choices, their advantages, and their disadvantages. Reprinted from the Palette Magazine
Finding Your Space
Your treatment of pictorial space (how much you emphasize the illusion of depth) depends on your expressive intent. Here are your choices, their advantages, and their disadvantages. Reprinted from the...
"Painting A Series" by Anne-Marie Harvey
Anne-Marie Harvey demonstrates how you can explore new approaches and develop a style by Painting A Series. Reprinted from Watermedia Focus Magazine now called the New Palette Magazine.
"Painting A Series" by Anne-Marie Harvey
Anne-Marie Harvey demonstrates how you can explore new approaches and develop a style by Painting A Series. Reprinted from Watermedia Focus Magazine now called the New Palette Magazine.
