Starting a new artistic medium is a big challenge; there is so much to learn and it can be so overwhelming. When it comes to oil painting there are a number of factors to consider, for example; brands of oil paint, types of solvents and their potentially harmful effects, color choice, brush types and sizes, mediums, palettes, canvases, palette knives and so much more…
Most of the time you will only ever see the finished painting by an artist. The painting-process itself can take days or months to complete. But there is so much that goes behind the paintings that doesn’t actually involve picking up a paint brush. This post shows you the thought process and steps that I took to complete my Superb Wren and Camellias painting.
Continue reading How I Painted The Superb Wren and Camellias
Were you looking for the Haworthias Jupiter Succulent in my Portfolio?
I enjoyed the last succulent project that I painted. It gave me a great opportunity to practice painting a variety of green hues and tones, and provided a fulfilling finished product. So it makes sense to paint more of the same (or similar) subject. With a bit of research I found this gorgeous Haworthias Jupiter succulent.
Continue reading How I Painted The Haworthias Jupiter Succulent
I’m regularly taking online painting courses and classes; there is never a time when you don’t learn something new or can get some wonderful inspiration from someone. This leaf was the product of the first lesson taught by Heidi Willis in her Udemy class “Paint Realistic Watercolor and Botanicals – Chasing Autumn“.
The third painting in my succulent series is of a Aloe Polyphylla. Similar to my first Succulent painting, this reference photo spoke to me; I adored the warm shadows and the geometric patterns. This is a post on all the steps that I took to make the Aloe Polyphylla Succulent painting, with lots of in-progress photos and descriptions.
Continue reading How I Painted The Aloe Polyphylla Succulent
Another succulent. What can I say? They seem to capture my attention. There is a wonderful sense of order and symmetry, the colors are often vibrant and pleasing…
This is a post on all the steps that I took to paint the Queen Victoria Agave Succulent painting, with lots of in-progress photos and descriptions.
Continue reading How I Painted The Queen Victoria Agave Succulent
There are often two extremes when it comes to buying palettes for watercolor painting; spend a fortune or repurpose an old and unused plate. I have done both, and prefer the plate option. This is a tutorial about how to prepare a ceramic or porcelain plate so that you can easily mix colors without any beading up of paint.
Continue reading How To Prepare A Ceramic Plate For Watercolor Paint
A friend asked me how I make accurate drawings – it’s a skill that many people struggle with. It’s a vital step, and if your sketch isn’t accurate then your finished painting may look awkward. Drawing freehand can be quite difficult to get accurate results. So I thought I would share with you my quick technique to sketch your drawing onto watercolour paper. That’s right – no tracing here!
Continue reading How to Make An Easy Grid to Transfer Drawings