They say art imitates life, and for me, that couldn’t be more true. Art is often inspired by real-life experiences and emotions, even if we don't intentionally mean it at the time. When I look back at the beginning of my art journey, it’s impossible not to see the story of my life mirrored in the pieces I created. My early work was bold, chaotic, and layered with intensity. At the time, I didn’t think about it consciously - I was simply creating. But in hindsight, it was a reflection of exactly where I was: at the messy, exhilarating, and uncertain beginning of starting an art business, while also trying to find myself personally. The background of my earlier pieces often felt loud and scattered, much like my mind. I was juggling the unknowns of building something from scratch. I didn’t fully know what my style was yet, what I wanted to say through my work, or even what kind of artist I wanted to be. And the art, well, it said it all for me. Now, as I step into this current chapter, I can feel - and see - the shift. My latest piece feels quieter. Calmer. More intentional. The brush strokes breathe. The composition feels more like a conversation than a shout. It’s a visual reflection of the internal changes I’ve gone through: more clarity, more peace, and more confidence in who I am as an artist and a person. The image below shows these two pieces side by side — the first from 2024, the second, most recent. It’s more than just a comparison of artistic growth. It’s a before-and-after of a personal transformation. Gaze Through Chaos - Amethyst Art has a powerful way of capturing more than we intend. It doesn’t just reflect what we see - it reveals how we feel. And for those who collect or fall in love with art, that’s often what draws them in. Not just the colours or the technique, but the meaning behind it. The soul of the piece. So if you’ve ever felt drawn to a work of art without knowing why, chances are it was speaking to something in you - a memory, a mood, a stage of life. Just like my own work speaks for me. As I continue creating, I hope to make pieces that not only reflect my own journey but also offer a mirror for others. For anyone navigating their own chaos or coming into their calm, thank you for being here, and for seeing more in the art than just what’s on the surface. Because sometimes, when art imitates life, it reminds us that we’re not alone in what we feel.

Creating digital art can be an exciting journey, and choosing the right drawing tablet is crucial. The right tablet can enhance your creativity and improve your workflow. Imagine creating your next masterpiece with a tool that feels just as natural as traditional art supplies. In this post, we present five popular drawing tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you identify the perfect fit for your artistic needs. 1. Wacom Intuos Pro The Wacom Intuos Pro stands out as a leading option among professionals and hobbyists. Renowned for its superior quality, this tablet offers features that elevate the drawing experience. Pros: Pressure Sensitivity: With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, artists can create intricate details, allowing for both bold strokes and fine lines. Touch Capability: The tablet supports multi-touch gestures, enabling intuitive navigation—think pinching to zoom and swiping to scroll. Customization: You can program up to eight express keys for quick shortcuts, which can greatly speed up your workflow. Cons: Price: Selling for around $349 , it can be a significant investment for many artists. No Screen: You’ll need to keep your eyes on your computer monitor while drawing, which may feel different for those used to traditional media. 2. Huion Kamvas 13 If you’re on a tighter budget, the Huion Kamvas 13 offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for those just getting started in digital art. Pros: Built-in Display: It has a full HD display that lets you draw directly on the screen, providing a more immersive experience. Lightweight: Weighing just 3.3 lbs , it's easy to carry, making it perfect for artists on the move. Color Coverage: With coverage of 120% of the sRGB color gamut , expect your colors to pop with vibrancy. Cons: Setup Complexity: Some users find the initial installation of drivers to be more challenging than expected. Limited Advanced Features: Lacks additional customizable buttons that higher-end models offer. 3. XP-PEN Artist 15.6 For artists seeking a larger display without the hefty price tag, the XP-PEN Artist 15.6 presents a solid choice. It combines functionality with affordability. Pros: Large Working Area: Featuring a 15.6-inch screen, this tablet provides ample space to work on your creations. High Resolution: The full HD resolution enhances image clarity, allowing for detailed artwork. Responsive Pen Technology: Featuring 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, it closely mimics the feel of traditional pen and paper. Cons: Calibration Issues: Some users report needing frequent recalibration, which can disrupt the creative process. Heavier Design: Weighing around 4.7 lbs , its bulkiness could make it less portable. 4. Apple iPad Pro with Apple Pencil For unmatched versatility, the Apple iPad Pro paired with the Apple Pencil delivers an exceptional digital drawing experience. This powerhouse can do more than just draw. Pros: Versatility: Not only can it be used for drawing, but it also serves as a powerful tablet for note-taking, gaming, and browsing. Outstanding Performance: Equipped with the M1 chip , it processes tasks swiftly, ensuring a lag-free experience. Retina Display: The Liquid Retina display provides sharp, lifelike images, enhancing your artwork’s detail and color accuracy. Cons: Cost of Accessories: The Apple Pencil must be purchased separately, making the total investment approximately $1,100 when bundled. Software Limitations: Some advanced drawing applications available on traditional tablets may not be optimized for the iPad. 5. Gaomon PD1161 The Gaomon PD1161 caters specifically to beginners, providing impressive features at a wallet-friendly price. Pros: Affordable: Priced around $249 , it's one of the most budget-conscious options without sacrificing essential features. Software Compatibility: Supports a wide range of design software, including popular applications like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. Compact Size: Its 11.6-inch screen is perfect for small workspaces, and it's easy to transport for creative sessions anywhere. Cons: Build Quality: The construction materials feel less robust than what you would find in higher-end models. Limited Customization: Fewer programmable options might not satisfy more experienced artists. Finding Your Best Fit Selecting the right drawing tablet depends largely on your individual needs, budget, and artistic style. Whether you prefer the premium feel of the Wacom Intuos Pro or the flexibility of an iPad Pro, each option delivers unique features to enhance your creative process. Before making your choice, think about what screen size fits your work habits. Consider portability for on-the-go creativity and whether specific software meets your artistic demands. Investing in a drawing tablet that aligns with your goals will ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition into the world of digital art. Happy drawing!

Procreate has taken the digital art world by storm, offering artists of all levels a powerful platform to bring their creative visions to life. If you’re just starting out with Procreate, you might feel overwhelmed by its numerous features and tools. Fear not! This guide is tailored specifically for beginners, providing actionable tips to help you navigate your journey through this amazing app. Getting Started with the Procreate App Before jumping into the artistic aspects, let’s discuss how to get started with Procreate. First, you’ll need a compatible device, which primarily means an iPad. Procreate is optimized for iOS, and while it can run on various iterations of the iPad, the iPad Pro is often recommended for its advanced capabilities. Once you have your device, you can purchase Procreate from the App Store. The installation process is straightforward, and once you’ve downloaded it, open the app. You’ll be greeted by the gallery view, where you can create new canvases or view your existing artwork. A close-up of an iPad displaying the Procreate app interface. Understanding Basic Tools and Features Procreate offers a wide assortment of brushes, layers, and features. Here are a few basic tools you should familiarize yourself with: Brushes The brush tool is perhaps the most important feature in Procreate. You can choose from the extensive library of brushes or create your own. When starting, focus on a few basic brushes: Fine Tip Pen : Great for outlines or detailed work. Round Brush : Useful for general painting and filling areas. Texture Brush : Adds unique textures to your artwork. To modify any brush, simply tap on it and adjust settings like size, opacity, or flow. Experimenting is key! Layers Layers allow you to separate elements of your artwork. Think of it as a stack of transparent sheets; you can draw on each sheet independently. To add a new layer, tap the "+" icon in the Layers panel. You can organize your layers by grouping them, which can significantly streamline your workflow. Colour Selection Selecting the right colours can make or break your creation. Procreate offers several methods for choosing colors: Colour Disk : This allows for quick colour selection. Value Slider : Adjust the brightness and saturation of your current color. Palettes : Create color palettes for each project, making it easier to maintain consistency. By mastering colour selection, you will enhance your artwork's mood and impact. Exploring Essential Features As you grow more comfortable with Procreate, you’ll want to explore its advanced features. These can save you time and enhance your creations immensely. QuickShape QuickShape is a feature that automatically corrects shapes you draw, transforming freehand sketching into perfect geometric shapes. Simply hold your stroke after drawing a shape, and Procreate will create a smooth version of it. Alpha Lock Alpha Lock allows you to work with existing colors without affecting the underlying layer. It’s perfect for adding shading or texture. To activate it, swipe right on a layer in the Layers panel, locking that layer’s transparency. Time-lapse Recording One fascinating feature Procreate offers is time-lapse recording. It automatically records your drawing process, enabling you to review your work or share it with others. To find your time-lapse video, go to the Actions menu, under "Video." Joining the Procreate Community One of the best aspects of using Procreate is the thriving community that comes with it. Numerous platforms host talented artists who share tips, tutorials, and inspiration. Instagram : Follow hashtags like #ProcreateArt and #ProcreateTutorials to discover new artists and techniques. YouTube : Many artists share in-depth tutorials and tips for using Procreate efficiently. Forums and Social Media Groups : Online communities such as Reddit or Facebook groups often host discussions and workshops, allowing you to connect with other beginners and seasoned artists alike. Engaging with the community is a fantastic way to learn and improve your skills. Practice and Experiment To truly get the most out of Procreate, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help hone your skills: Daily Sketches : Set aside time every day for quick sketches. These can be anything from objects around you to imaginative concepts. Tutorial Projects : Follow step-by-step tutorials online that focus on different techniques or effects. This can help you grasp advanced tools over time. Recreate Art : Choose works you admire and attempt to recreate them. This will challenge your abilities and deepen your understanding of styles and techniques. Through these practice methods, you’ll gradually build a strong foundation in digital painting. Keep Learning As you progress in your Procreate journey, don't shy away from continuous learning. The app frequently receives updates and new features, so staying informed can enhance your experience. Consider subscribing to newsletters, following Procreate’s official social media accounts, or joining online courses focused on Procreate. By actively seeking knowledge and skills, you'll not only improve your artistry but also discover new ways to express yourself creatively. Dive into Your Creativity! Procreate is a powerful tool that opens up endless possibilities for your creativity. By getting started with the basics, exploring essential tools and features, and actively engaging with the artistic community, you'll rapidly improve your skills. Remember to practice regularly and embrace the learning journey. As you experiment and refine your techniques, you'll find your voice and style as an artist. Get started today, unleash your imagination, and enjoy every moment of the creative process!