I have never had particularly good studio habits. When I was attending a summer art program one professor actually gave me his old paint brushes since mine were so worn. I made it a point to take better care of my brushes since then, but I still have quite a few bad tendencies.

When I purchased these palette cups this summer, I vowed that I would keep them clean. I diligently wiped them with each use initially. At some point they started to collect paint and varnish, and yesterday I noticed that the foil I covered it with came undone, leaving me with a cup full of dried varnish.

There are two problems with this picture. First, I am using low-quality paint. Second, the paint has ruptured through the tube in two places. The cap is missing and blocked, so I just use the paint that comes out of the sides.

Perhaps the problem with missing caps is more pervasive than one would imagine.

This is probably the worst habit of all. I use the end of an old paint brush to clear the dried paint from the blocked opening. Does anyone else do this or is it just me?

The ferrule fell off a brush handle yesterday. I probably should just throw out that brush.

In a future blog post I will illustrate good studio practices. Stay tuned.