u/Evening-Cow1122

In case any botanical watercolorists are interested - A new archive from the USDA of high resolution scans of botanical art commissioned by the US government's Department of Agriculture from 29 different countries. I'll put a link in the comments in case anyone else finds it interesting. I think you could also find it by searching for, "USDA Pomological Watercolors."

From the website:

USDA Pomological Watercolors

In 1887 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Division of Pomology began hiring artists to render illustrations of fruit varieties for lithographic reproduction in USDA articles, reports, and bulletins. Use of color lithography was critically important to enable the farmer to visualize and comprehend the subjects and principles covered in a particular publication. As a historic botanical resource, this collection documents new fruit and nut varieties, and specimens introduced by USDA plant explorers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection spans the years 1886 to 1942. The majority of the paintings were created between 1894 and 1916. The plant specimens represented by these artworks originated in 29 countries and 51 states and territories in the U.S. There are 7,497 watercolor paintings, 87 line drawings, and 79 wax models created by approximately 21 artists.

First I want to thank everyone who takes time to answer questions and contributes their experience and knowledge here. I found all the info that I was looking for in just a few searches! And now I know exactly which Loops I want to try, and why. It's priceless to my peace of mind and perhaps it might be life changing, too. :)

I just ordered my first Loops last night, Dream, Engage 2, and a package of mutes to use if needed with the Engage. I'll update with my experience once they arrive. But while I wait anxiously for their arrival, I'd love to hear if anyone has similar experiences or advice that relates!

I wanted Dream because I've had an insane level of insomnia since a traumatic event 10 years ago, and noise is a big trigger. Disposable earplugs help, but wake me up with pain after about 5 hours. Of course the Quiets are cheaper, but sleep is so vital for daily functioning, and most people say the Dreams are the most comfortable and effective. Seems like a smart investment to try them first since I can.

My reason for choosing the Engage 2 plus mutes might seem weird at first - I have a bit of permanent hearing damage. But my biggest problem isn't the hearing loss, its that sounds are no longer as deep and rich as they used to be. Everything hits just a bit more sharp and metallic. It's not an extreme change, but I still notice it after 15 years, and the clang-y edge to some sounds is just not pleasant or comfortable.

Since the Engage line is designed to filter out higher frequencies (e.g., things like silverware, plates, and glasses clinking together at a restaurant) more than lower ones (e.g. conversation), I'm hoping they will bring me some peace. And if they don't filter out enough, I can put the mutes in and use them in the day when I don't need to converse, while keeping my Dreams in a safe, secure spot by the bed where I won't lose them.

In contrast to the Engage, I've read that Experience is designed to reduce a more consistent range of sounds with slight emphasis on reducing the lower frequencies. So music is less distorted, but it can be harder to hear conversations with the Experience 2. That doesn't sound as helpful since it's the clangy-sharp range of noises that bother me.

I'm still very curious to know if I'd sometimes find Experience 2 useful, or if Switch 2 might be comfortable enough to give me the 3-in-1 benefits. But first things first - I'll try my tailored choices.

I have hope that I might actually hear conversations better with the Engage, if they filter out enough of the metallic background noises and retain enough of the voice range. If they don't, they should be very useful for shopping and daily life around the house, with mutes if needed.

Last thing - I adore the sound of birds singing and I'm lucky to hear an orchestra of birds every morning from the adjacent wooded lot. I wonder if I'll notice a difference in how they sound with the Loops.

It will take at least a week for shipping, but I'll update after a chance to try them, for anyone curious to know how Loops are working for my particular issues.

Thanks again everyone, hope you enjoy the day!

So I truly love mixing my own neutrals since I started painting, and I've carefully saved my art budget for more extraordinary paints than basic browns! But then it dawned on me that I'm often wasting my more expensive and more toxic paints when I could get the job done faster with some earthy pigments.🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 Oops.

So what are your favorites? I'm looking for recommendations in the sienna and umber spectrum, dark in masstone so I can get a good range of values. I'm definitely interested in PBr7s, but I also crave novelty and I know there are a few companies with some unusual and interesting brown pigments. Any info or advice on your favorites and how you use them is greatly appreciated! 😁

(BTW, personally I avoid Daniel Smith and White Nights for ethical reasons.)