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
So 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…
Why use layering in your paintings
One of the most satisfying aspects of painting is colour, but why use layering in your paintings if you can use flat colour? Even neutral and subtle colours can be exciting. Most artists have a particular way of using colour that is their preference. For…
How to re-use failed paintings
Have you ever wondered how to re-use failed paintings? (I’m talking specifically about work on paper in this post). See that photograph of 62 failed paintings at the top of this post? That’s not a stock picture. That huge pile of paper had been sitting…
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…
Seven ways to make time for art
Do you struggle to make time for art? I hear this frustration so often. And I hear myself saying it more often than I would like to. This week I stepped off the treadmill of work, life and busy-ness for the first time this year….
How Painting Outdoors can improve your life
It took me a long time to get comfortable with painting outdoors. The whole idea seemed just far too challenging. First, there was the hassle of working out what I needed to take with me. Then there was the fear of people watching me –…
Best painting kit for travel
I always take a painting kit with me when I travel. Even on a short trip, I try to paint at least a couple of times a week. The challenge is always what to take? Here’s the problem. When I pack my painting kit I…
The colour blue – what every artist should know about it
We all have an affinity for particular colours – I have one for the colour blue. I always lean towards the blues – and in particular the green end of the blue scale. This glorious colour has always dominated my wardrobe and my surroundings –…
Painting Autumn
Some years, the joy of painting autumn, like the season itself seems to creep in unnoticed. We all wait for spring and summer for their vibrant, fresh colours. Flowers are brilliant sunshine hues. They grow and bloom at increasing pace, giving us changes in the…