When I was learning how to paint abstractly in acrylic, the overriding message was about layers. The more the better. Build a history. Create texture. Kill your darlings and keep going. But there’s trouble with layers in acrylic painting too. I painted using these ideas for several years before I Read more
In 2023 I tidied my tubes of acrylic paint away, I wanted to reduce my art waste and stop pouring paint water down the sink. I looked at alternatives and began to experiment with other materials. Artist friends have switched to refillable paints and pens or invested in filtration systems Read more
How do you know when a painting is finished and why does it matter? Not every piece of art will be completed and experimental work doesn’t need to be. But if a painting is for sale or display then it should appear and feel finished. Sometimes resolving a painting can Read more
In the first article, we thought about composition in textured art with the Rule of Thirds and how this can improve our art. In this article, we will look at creating a focal point. What is a focal point? The focal point is the part of the art that the Read more
Favourite art supplies These favourite art supplies started in the back of a notebook as a sort of shopping list. I’d write down my favourite inks and Neocolor colours so I knew what to buy when I went to the art shop. Since then I’ve created new lists in sketchbooks Read more
What difference does it make if I paint for a winter event in summer? It’s my first time creating for the Artists Open Houses winter event and it raised a new challenge. How do you create work for a winter open house when you’re bathing in summer sun and sea Read more
Painting a clock for the art trail When I was preparing art for the Adur Art Trail this year I began journaling ideas for creations to take with me. I wanted to offer something more than just original paintings and thought about scarves, collaged greeting cards and even zines. But Read more
Working in layers is easy with acrylic paint. Acrylic is quick-drying and can be layered up fast. It can be applied in various thicknesses and transparencies and mixed with textured mediums. Using layers in a painting adds richness, history and depth. How I start with acrylic layers The first layer Read more
Working in a series To create a series of paintings for an event or gallery is usual but a collection of similar art looks great and has benefits for the artist too. For a series of paintings to look good together, they usually fit some pre-set limitations. This might sound Read more
These Deep Blue paintings are heading to Clarkes Art Shop and Gallery in Brighton this week. They are abstract land and seascapes of nighttime by the sea, lights along the coastline and warm breezes after the sun goes down. Blue deep edge canvases to hang or stand These acrylic paintings Read more