Sketching the world in the dark days of Covid-19
Near the end of 2019 I joined a few 'meet-ups' of the Bristol Urban Sketchers. The format consisted of meeting at a pre-arranged place, then splitting up to find a subject you want to sketch for around an hour and three quarters - then meeting again in a coffee shop...
Twelve things I wish I had known when I first started watercolor painting.
Over the last four or five years I have had the time to take my watercolour painting seriously, after a life time of occasional “frustrated dabbling”. I must say, it has been more of a challenge than I anticipated, but also a time of excitement, development and sense...
Our essential guide to paper sizes, and why they are important for artists and other creatives.
OK, this may not be the most exciting topic in the world, but it could save you a ton of hassle and money in many creative situations. Why? Well, think about this. Your decision on the size of paper to use will have an impact on cost and usability in all the...
Olive trees near Lake Garda
Do you think this picture works? I like it for the memories it evokes for me, and different elements in the picture, but I have never been sure if I like the picture as a whole. You see, I used three different painting styles in it, and I am not sure they really go...
Painting Alex’s Lurcher, Isla
Painting Alex's Lurcher, Isla, became an instant priority for me when I was shown a photo of the dog. Alex is an excellent professional photographer (see his web site here), and he seems to have set up his lighting as if he was photographing a human sitter. Somehow...
What a Canada Goose taught me.
Around 1985 I spent a short period trying to improve my skill in watercolor painting (before life got in the way again!). It was during this time that I painted this Canada Goose defending her eggs. I remember being very pleased with this painting for two reason. It...
Drawing with a ball point pen.
I am rather a fan of drawing with a ball point pen (biro). I tend to use a black pen, but as this picture shows, it can also be effective to use different colours. For me, biro's produce a fairly harsh, but well defined line, and are great for sketching. As you can...