Testing My Handmade Paints
In 2015 I made my own watercolour paints. I do these sort of things out of sheer curiosity. I wanted to know how they were made in order to learn first hand, what makes watercolour work. Then I had to start the process of testing…
Why artists create
There are two ways to think about the question of why artists create: What leads someone to pick up a brush and get started? What drives someone to keep creating artwork? There are different reasons for everyone. Here’s what it is for me: Why artists…
Painting Elements of Nature
In preparation for my workshop, Painting Elements of Nature, I’ve been going through my photographs to find some reference images. And I’ve got some fantastic pictures I want to share with you. What do I mean when I talk about painting elements of nature? There’s…
When a painting goes wrong
When a painting goes wrong, decisions have to be made. If we expect that every time we put brush to paper we will produce a masterpiece, we are going to be disappointed. The ratio of good paintings to sheets of paper used is surprisingly low. Between…
Sketchbook Love
Sketchbook love never dies. Years ago, on a different blog, I wrote a short celebration of the humble sketchbook. There is something truly compelling about looking through an artist’s sketchbooks because they reveal so much about the artist’s approach. I know I am not alone…
Watercolour Christmas Card designs
I love making handmade watercolour Christmas card designs in December. It is now many years since I bought a pack of printed cards. The ones I make are so much more personal. The first few years I created them, I felt a bit self-conscious about…
A watercolour wishlist
Do you have a watercolour wishlist? This is the time of year in our family when we are all putting together Christmas wishlists. Surprise gifts can be a real delight. They can be a disaster too. At some point, we’ve all had an unexpected gift…
What my art taught me about myself
What my art taught me during this pandemic were some vital lessons. Hands up who struggled to paint in the first lock down? Did you hear that whooshing noise? That was my hand shooting past my ear. Once we reached the point of lockdown, I really…
How to layer in watercolours
Many artists want to know how to layer in watercolours without creating mud. Layering in watercolour is often considered very difficult. The main problem occurs when the initial layers of colour are disturbed and mix with subsequent layers. This can be hugely frustrating. You might…
Painting trees. Planting trees
I start out painting a landscape and end up painting trees. There isn’t a time when I don’t remember feeling a real affinity for trees. As soon as I could, I learned to climb a tree. My strongest childhood memories were of being as high…