Paintings from Nature with Passion
News from the studio – What a Summer it’s been! Hot dry days and cold rainy days in equal measure! But this isn’t a weather report, so here is some of my recent work, from my visit to Wexford, Ireland and then some ‘Open Studio’ news. My visit to Wexford Ireland was to take part in […]
News from the Studio – Sun and Rain, Wexford Ireland, and Open Studios Read More »
Would you love to meet up and chat with artists in their studios, but are too scared to do it? What will they be like? Will I get halfway down their path and turn around in trepidation? Can I think of anything to say and will we have ‘anything’ in common? Will I be expected
Meet the Artist – Open Studios and Art Trails – What’s it all about? Read More »
What’s on my palette? What colour is that! It never ceases to amaze me what people ask me sometimes while I’m painting out of doors, or with a local art group. People will come up and say “what colour is that?” and what did you mix it with? As an artist, when I am choosing
What’s on my palette? What colour is that? The most frequently asked question. Read More »
Pintar Rapido is a Spanish idea – brought to London by Roger Beckett. Can you imagine coming across over 500 artists on the streets of Kensington and Chelsea. They are all being madly creative and painting on every street corner. It’s an unbelievable sight for an artist like me, but can you imagine the impact
In Pt 1 click here I explained how I go about the planning of a painting and the importance of deciding about the composition and placing of tonal values, ie: where the darkest darks and the lightest lights will be positioned. You wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve seen someone take out a photo from
Suitable subjects are anywhere and everywhere! When they find me, I know what to do! How do I choose a subject? This is an excellent question which I have occasionally been asked! Many years ago, I found myself driving through the country lanes of west Kent – looking for a view to paint! Having spent
How do I choose a subject? I Don’t – The subject chooses me! Read More »
How I compose a Painting Here is an explanation 1) Planning or Preparation – 5 Minutes Max In my sketchbook, I draw a rectangle about 3″ x 2″ and quickly put in the big dark shapes, then the mid tones. Leaving the highlights blank, (see above). For the most powerful effect, brightest lights
How I compose a Painting – from the Start – (Part 1) Read More »
Yes! You did read it correctly. Leave a painting face to the wall – It was Titian who is supposed to have said it: That if you leave a painting, face to the wall for long enough, it will paint itself! Now I know what he meant and I’m happy to let you into the
Leave a Painting face to the wall and it will paint itself! – What ? Read More »
Anatomy of a painting Have you ever wondered how I construct a painting over several sessions in the studio? I usually begin with a first coat of a colour, that I think will help visually, pull it all together. In acrylics, the first coat is often a bit harsh, being painted directly onto the white