These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Alfred spends a great deal of time observing the world and has developed strong opinions regarding paint, books, gardens, tea, and other necessities of civilized life. The following items have been tested, approved, and occasionally supervised from a comfortable chair.

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In the Studio

  • Daniel Smith Phthalo Turquoise - https://amzn.to/4xO8a2D
    The paint that somehow finds its way into almost everything I create. If I could only keep one color on my palette, this would be it.

  • Finetec Gold - https://amzn.to/4f1xAlT
    The signature Clucking Hill sparkle. No substitute has convinced me otherwise.

  • Arches Cold Press Paper - https://amzn.to/3QWABuC
    My go-to for finished pieces and paintings that will receive lots of layering.

  • 10X Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand, 5 Color Modes Stepless Dimmable LED Lighted Desk Lamp, Hands Free Magnifier with Flexible Goose-Neck for Craft Hobby Painting Sewing Close Work - https://amzn.to/4uTl908

  • Daniel Smith Indanthrone Blue

  • Daniel Smith Moonglow

  • Daniel Smith Quinacridone Gold

  • Daniel Smith Undersea Green

  • Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paper

  • Princeton Neptune Brushes

  • Silver Black Velvet Brushes

  • Dr. PH Martin Bleedproof White - White gouache (Or Goulash, as it’s oft referred to in class) - https://amzn.to/4f0nBgC

  • Masking fluid

  • Sumo mechanical pencils

  • Pink Soap - https://amzn.to/3QxLItT

Things Alfred Also Approves Of

Native Pet – The Daily

A simple daily supplement that helps keep our dogs feeling their best.

Alfred's Verdict: Petey gives this recommendation two paws up.

Deer Out

My hostas, lilies, and other garden favorites are thriving for the first time in years. If deer regularly treat your flower beds like a buffet, this has been the most effective deterrent I've found.

Alfred's Verdict: Strongly approved. The roses remain uneaten.

LaLaGreen Self-Watering Window Boxes

These self-watering planters make it much easier to keep flowers looking their best during Virginia's hot summer months. Perfect for porches, patios, and places that occasionally get forgotten during busy painting days.

Alfred's Verdict: Approved for gardeners who become distracted by watercolor projects.

Found On Alfred’s Side Table

How to Be a Good Creature

A beautiful collection of essays about the animals that shaped the author's life and the lessons they taught her. Warm, thoughtful, and full of the kind of wonder Alfred appreciates.

Alfred's Verdict: Strongly approved. Especially for animal lovers.

The Eyes and the Impossible

I highly recommend the audiobook version. It's narrated by Ethan Hawke, who does an incredible job. I laughed out loud more than once, and the story is full of adventure, friendship, and heart.

Alfred's Verdict: One of my favorite recent reads.

Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark

A fascinating exploration of the natural world after sunset. Perfect for anyone who loves fireflies, moonlit gardens, and the quiet mysteries that emerge when the sun goes down.

Alfred's Verdict: Recommended reading for evening porch sitters and amateur naturalists.