The End of the World as We Know It?
Vanilla Beans Newsletter. Saturday, March 14, 2026
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This was a double livestream week.
I did one stream on Tuesday for Color Wonk. I’m doing another today for Color Coach; I’m probably streaming now as you’re reading this.
Videos and really any kind of verbal presentation are hard for me because I write far more effectively than I speak. And I’m a major introvert so after the stream is over, I need to not-talk for about a month.
A double header this week? Ugh.
Anyway, I thought I’d do something a little different in today’s edition of Vanilla Beans— making the most from the pain.
I’ve got a little bonus for you.
Remember to use the link above when shopping at Blick. Vanilla Beans runs on affiliate earnings.
THE END OF THE WORLD?
As I explained back in February, X-Press It Blending Card is probably gone for good.
I don’t know for sure but without a distribution network, XPI is toast. And they wouldn’t be floundering without a distributer if the product was profitable.
So yeah, the economics ain’t great.
Over the last month, I’ve tested about $300 worth of new and new-to-me paper. I also went back and re-tested most of my gigantic stash. I’m looking for a paper to replace XPI in my beginner level course and easy workshops.
I think as I color and folks, I’ve had a lot of thinking time.
About paper… About markers… About what I’m seeing and not seeing in the art supply world…
And what it all says about the state of Marker Art in 2026.
On Tuesday, I used my monthly Color Wonkstream (normally an Ask-Me-Anything +demo format) to discuss the future of illustration markers and how to prepare ourselves for the rocky road ahead.
The more I think about it, the more I think I need to share this info with you too.
So here is that normally private Wonkstream, in it’s entirety. Open access to this Color Wonk video will disappear on Tuesday, March 17th.
(Grab a cup of coffee and click below to watch at YouTube. Stream is 97 minutes long.)
If you found value in this livestream, you’re perfect for Color Wonk.
Color Wonk is more than just a library of my classic and current coloring projects. We’ve created a supportive community of fledgling artists who love learning and sharing information as we try new supplies, test new techniques, and expand our skills.
We also may be the last bastion of depth & dimension as the coloring world goes cozy.
IF YOU LIKED TODAY’S ARTICLE, SUPPORT FUTURE FREE LESSONS
IS GREEN GREEN?
Today’s Color Coachstream examines the most misunderstood color on the color wheel.
You use green markers and pencils all the time but you’ll never master green until you stop thinking of green as green.
You can’t practice your way into better greens.
Color Coach students are learning the artistic approach to amazing color. Every month we study a new color to unlock it’s color theory secrets. Green is deeper than you ever imagined.
Let’s color hot fresh bread…
Oh, I’ve tried that Amy. Whenever I color food, it always looks cartoonish.
That’s because you simplify food to the point where it looks like a cartoon. You simplify because the idea of coloring all the nooks, crannies and crumbs is scary.
Bread & Butter is an alternative approach to realistic food textures. Sometimes, it’s not what we add but what we don’t add that makes all the difference.
Let’s end your fear of food.
Bread & Butter is only available through Color Wonk
A library full of new and classic courses is waiting for you. Instant access. No deadlines.
Real art lessons, not nifty novelty techniques
CURRENT PASSWORD: RubberDuckie
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