Mira Phillips

Co-signing Cotman/Van Gogh but the paper will make a bigger difference than the paint - 140 lb cold press (ideally 100% cotton) is what gives you that smooth flow but then start with a small split-primary palette (warm and cool yellow, red, blue) plus a burnt sienna; you’ll learn mixing fast and avoid chalky convenience colors. If a set includes brushes, fine, but grab one decent size 8 synthetic round anyway - the bundled ones are often flimsy and a good brush makes student paints sing.

Good tips above. In low light switch to single-point AF and use the center cross-type point, aim at a high-contrast edge at your subject’s distance, lock focus, then recompose. If Live View is sharp, do an AF fine-tune for that lens; until then, enable the camera’s AF-assist lamp or use a flash’s AF-assist pattern for fast, reliable locks.

Two quick isolates: fill the jar halfway with water and run on low - if the noise mostly disappears it’s cavitation or resonance; if it’s unchanged, it’s a mechanical rub. With the unit unplugged, check for any up-down play or gritty feel in the blade shaft and make sure the jar’s bottom ring is only hand-snug; overtightening can pinch the bearing and make it scream. If there’s play or the sound persists under load, stop using it and push for a jar or coupler replacement under warranty.

The kit zoom’s small maximum aperture is a big limiter in low light - AF modules are far more reliable with a fast prime so a 35/1.8 or 50/1.8 can make a night-and-day difference. On a tripod, turn off image stabilization, use back-button focus, and after you nail focus on a bright star or distant light in live view, tape the focus ring so it can’t drift. For moving subjects, stick to the center cross-type point in AF-C, bump ISO to keep shutter speed up, and use a flash or small LED as an AF-assist (you can disable the flash firing) since the built-in lamp won’t reach. Also, don’t trust the infinity mark - always confirm with magnified live view.

Yes. Ask for the specific title you want and tie it to current responsibilities and client visibility. Give two or three recent examples and state you are not requesting compensation now, only alignment for external credibility. Propose a review date for pay at the next cycle.

Idk, this worked for me. I quantify tasks with durations and constraints, then present two options. For email, I write: 'Two-week option delivers X and Y, full scope with Z is six weeks due to time zones and the 72-hour compliance review. Which do you prefer.' In a live meeting I say the same in one breath and stop talking. Silence forces a choice and keeps it neutral.

I actually paint alongside my kids & durability plus easy cleanup matter... Student level acrylics check those boxes and still look bright once dry. Look for water based and low odor, and labels that mention washability from skin and common clothing fibers, it makes spontaneous sessions less stressful. Quick drying helps attention spans although it can feel rushed at first, so start with small areas and simple shapes to learn timing. For color choices, start with a basic set and add a larger white. We burn through white mixing pastels and soft tints, every time.

Night dropouts usually stem from interference or a slight power sag when night vision kicks in. Fix it by setting the router to a fixed 20 MHz channel like 1 or 11, spacing the units from routers and chargers & using a shorter thicker cable with the original adapter on wall power, and avoiding metal or glass between them.

YEP, been there. Quick technical notes for best results which, yeah set the valve to closed with the pin up before attaching anything. Seat the locking adapter with a firm quarter turn and support the hose so it is not tugging while the pump vibrates. Dual stage pumps usually switch on their own. If yours needs a choice, run high volume until the hull is full and the deck feels rigid, roughly mid single digits on the gauge, then go high pressure to finish. For a 10 foot 6 board, 12 to 15 PSI gives good stiffness. Stay under the printed maximum. I go near the top of that range if the water is cold since pressure sags after launch. To avoid losing air, keep the valve closed, straighten the hose, press inward a hair to unload the tabs, twist off smoothly, and cap right away. A brief puff is fine. Big rush means the O ring is missing or dry or the adapter never fully locked. Works great.