Lessons from the Chelsea Flower Show
Yesterday, I expected to learn gardening lessons from the Chelsea Flower Show as I embarked on a captivating journey through its flowers and trees. Gardening is one of my passions. Some days I’m torn: turn left to the new greenhouse, or right to my deliciously…
Making watercolour paint
When I started painting, I never would have imagined I would be tempted into making watercolour paint. It all started with a visit to an art shop in Venice where the enticing rainbow display of pigments in the window tempted me inside. Just look…
Inspired by Wild Places
I haven’t always been inspired by wild places. For many years, I was much more interested in the delights that a city can offer. Life was busy, buzzing and noisy. There was no time to think, it was all a whirlwind of people and action….
Choosing greens – a curse or a joy
Choosing greens: for some artists, dealing with the ‘nasty greens’ is a nightmare – and I’m not talking about vegetables. But using green paint in your art doesn’t need to be a nightmare of indecision. With good judgment, it is possible to use green paint…
Not all Granulating Watercolours are Created Equal
Granulating watercolours have become increasingly popular, so watercolour manufacturers have responded to this trend by adding innovative paints to their collections. The range of effects that can be achieved simply by choosing the right tube of paint is staggering because every pigment is slightly different….
Daniel Smith Watercolours 36 dot cards – my views
Have you seen the new Daniel Smith Watercolours 36 dot cards? They come in two variations: Mineral Marvels and Watercolor Confetti. These little gems dropped through my letterbox earlier this week, thanks to Premium Art Brands. How exciting to receive a surprise package in the…
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…
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…
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 –…