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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
April 29, 2026
Q: Charlene wants to know: "I'm wanting to invest in watercolor paints but I'm not sure what to purchase: pan, tube or pencils. What do you recommend?"
A: The main things to consider are how much you're wanting to invest, and how and where you'll be using the paints. They're all great options. Pans are vibrant, ready to use, and practically sized. Tubes are recommended for more intense paintings, custom mixes, or washes over a large area. Pencils are less expensive, and they're compact and portable; they're great for smaller paintings and for adding fine details. All three forms can be used together, and can be purchased in open stock - you might consider buying one or two of each form to see which is the best fit for you!
April 22, 2026
Q: Karen asks: "The scoring tool that came with my scoring board often jumps out of the groove when I use it on heavy cardstock. Do you have a bone folder or tool that works better?"
A: I use a 3mm ball stylus with my scoring board. I bought a set of inexpensive ones on Amazon in different sizes - they're often marketed as dotting tools for painting or nail art.
April 15, 2026
Q: Jeanne asks: "Are there color combinations you are especially drawn to and/or some that you shy away from?"
A: I think in general I lean toward warm and vintage tones. I love a pop of red or turquoise. I scrolled through a bit of my gallery, and there's a surprising amount of yellow in there as well.
As far as colors I shy away from... I very rarely use true blues or purples. I can never use pink and blue together - I always have to throw in brown.
As far as colors I shy away from... I very rarely use true blues or purples. I can never use pink and blue together - I always have to throw in brown.
April 8, 2026
Q: Staci writes: "I'm trying to think of the technique where you stamp 2 of the same image, then color a part of one and layer it over the other?"
A: That sounds like the Spotlight technique - here are a few variations:
Spotlighting Technique
Double Spotlight Stamping
Die Cut Spotlight
Spotlighting Technique
Double Spotlight Stamping
Die Cut Spotlight
April 1, 2026
Q: Leslie writes: "I am looking for a liquid mask that peels off paper."
A: I use Winsor Newton Art Masking Fluid. Make sure it says 'removable' on the label - some masking fluids are permanent. The only trouble I have had with masking fluid has been due to user error, so my tips are to allow the masking fluid to dry completely before painting and to allow the paint to dry completely before removing the mask. I use silicone-tipped tools to apply the masking fluid to my watercolor paper. They are much easier to clean than brushes! Let the fluid dry on the tool, then peel it away.
