We're creating a community where artists can connect and grow.

Why You Should Join

The biggest reason to join is because of the CONNECTION!  

Connect with other like-minded artists who are just as excited about the medium of colored pencil as you are!

Most artists work in isolation most of the time.  If you're like the rest of us, you NEED to connect with others.

Joining the Members Circle within the Monthly Sharpener Community will open doors to an inspiring world of artistic growth and connection.

Here's a more detailed look at what awaits you:

1. The Friday Follow-Along Series: A real-time video series released each Friday, offering guided practices and insights from John. Follow along to enhance your techniques and see your progress week by week.

2. Video Podcasts - Exclusive Early Release Videos and Interviews with Renowned Artists: Gain access to behind-the-scenes and rough-cut videos featuring famous and award-winning artists like Peggy Magovern, Jesse Lane, and many others. This is a golden opportunity to learn from the masters of the craft, offering a perspective usually reserved for those within an inner circle.

3. Members Circle Office Hours: This unique feature allows you to connect with experts and fellow community members during specific hours. You can ask questions, seek advice, share your work, and learn from others' experiences. 

Some of the recent guest instructors include: 

Lisa Ann Watkins

Peggy Magovern

Sarah Becktel

Barb Sotiropoulos

John Middick

Gemma Gyling

Mindy Lighthipe

Megan Seiter

Giddy Richt

Jesse Lane

And the list goes on and on...

4. Video Lessons with Clickable Chapters: A library of structured video lessons you can navigate easily with clickable chapters. Whether a beginner or an experienced artist, these lessons offer something for everyone.

5. Exclusive Royalty-Free Images: These images, not found anywhere else online, are yours to download and use freely in your artwork. They are carefully curated to provide constant inspiration for your creative projects.

6. Sharpen-Up! Skills: Specialized video lessons and exercises designed to refine your skills in specific areas. Whether shading, texturing, or mastering a particular tool, these lessons focus on turning weaknesses into strengths.

7. New Art Challenges: Regularly updated art challenges keep you learning and motivated. 

8. Community Engagement: More than just lessons and resources, the Members Circle is a community of like-minded individuals who support, encourage, and inspire one another. It's a vibrant network where friendships are formed, ideas are exchanged, and creativity thrives.

9. Weekly Livestreams: These private drawing livestreams on YouTube provide a collaborative space where members work on a drawing together, guided by John's instruction. Sometimes the community tackles a Masters copy of an oil painting, interpreting it in colored pencil, providing both a homage to classical works and a unique twist. Other times, the focus might be on a small crop of a larger piece, to challenge and overcome artistic roadblocks. These livestreams not only offer hands-on practice but also foster a sense of camaraderie and shared growth within the community. 

10. Constant Updates and Additions: The Members Circle is ever-evolving, with new content, features, and opportunities. Your membership will never become stale; it continues to grow and adapt to the needs and interests of its members.

With these core features, the Members Circle offers an unparalleled experience for artists seeking to challenge themselves continuously. 

3 BONUSES for Annual Subscription only

The Bonuses are available with the upgrade to the latest version of Members Circle - Just $200 per year!!

Bonus 1: Individual Mentoring!*

👉6-Month Art Mentoring Bonus (individual art coaching)

Bonus 2: Group Coaching!*

👉4-Month Group Coaching Bonus

Bonus 3: Half-Off Our Best Workshop Series!*

👉50% OFF your choice of a No Stroke Left Behind Workshop (redeem within 12 months).

*Get ongoing support and real help with your colored pencil artwork!  

*Get exclusive access to monthly content not shared anywhere else.  

*Get 1 to 3-hour long demonstration videos, video versions of the Sharpened Artist podcast episodes.  

*You also get the Sharpen Up Skill, Live Office Hours with direct access to John Middick and other members.  

*The ability to purchase discounted 1-on-1 Art Mentoring packages with John!