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Showing posts from 2016

Skier in motion - How to paint in mixed media

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Beginners drawing - get over those nerves.

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For beginners first starting in drawing and painting, it can be very daunting when faced with objects to draw. However the best way to learn as a beginner is to try to overcome those nerves and dive right into drawing. I firmly believe that the majority of people can draw once they find their confidence. Start by getting into the habit of sketching every day. Don't be over critical of your own work. You are just practising to improve, not trying to create a masterpiece each day! Begin with objects that are very simple forms, such as an apple or a drinking mug. Don't think of the object as a whole, break it down into basic lines and shapes. In my video  demonstration I show how to build up a wine bottle and glass. Practice these and then build up to more objects, creating a larger still life. Charcoal drawing If you would like more drawing video demonstrations, do you have any suggestions for subjects? Is there some drawing advice that you would like? Let me

How To Draw a WINE BOTTLE - easy beginners tutorial

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Beginning my YouTube channel...

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"Starting a YouTube Channel is a steep learning curve..." My YouTube experience – the first few weeks. The first thing to say about my experience so far with YouTube, is that I wish I'd started earlier! There is so much to learn and it has become much more involved and rewarding than I envisaged. Despite joining YouTube a few years ago and uploading a couple of videos last year, I didn't start working on my channel on a weekly basis until late this July. Demonstrating at Cartmel last Summer. With art, you are constantly learning and evolving. I enjoy teaching, because of the exchange of ideas and fulfilment that comes with sharing a passion for your art. I have been surprised at how this is also true online. Talking to people from across the world, discussing ideas, media, subjects and techniques on a daily basis has spurred me on to create more tutorials. I am also enjoying the challenge of editing and uploading videos and of working out

Capturing movement in your artwork.

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Enjoy drawing quickly & expressively.  Attempting to capture movement in your artwork is difficult, but much more fun than drawing a static still-life. My favourite subject at the moment is racehorses and I have developed various techniques for creating the illusion of speed. However the best and simplest way is to draw as quickly and expressively as you can. This may mean a few sketches ending up in the bin, but when it works the result will be a dynamic piece of work with your spontaneity showing through on the paper. Drawing should be fun, don't hold yourself back for fear of mistakes, just go for it and enjoy!

Colour theory in art - my thoughts on colour

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"Is colour too subjective to teach?"

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We are all taught the basics of the colour wheel and about complimentary colours etc. but should we be overly influencing art students in their choice of colours?  Years ago when I first began attending short courses in drawing and painting, I went to one local class that really put me off going to any again. The tutor had us copying step by step a painting that he produced and didn't allow for any deviation. He told us exactly which colours to use and what ratio to mix them. I was incredibly frustrated as I had a full range of newly bought colours that I wanted to try. I also wanted to be shown how to create my own painting, not copy his! Needless to say, I didn't return. Skip forward a few years and I am now the one doing the teaching. I am happy to explain about basic colour theory, mixing greens, the impact of complimentarys etc. but I never complete a full demonstration painting or say which colours to use. I would hate it if someone told me whi

Watercolour for beginners

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Getting started with watercolour paints. Beginners to watercolour often get frustrated with their initial results. Most often this can be due to the fact that they have not got the correct equipment or they haven't familiarised themselves with their equipment. With watercolour I would strongly recommend buying the best equipment you can afford. Buying a few good quality items is more economical in the long run than buying a large volume of cheaper items. Start with a pad of watercolour paper no lighter than 140lb, three watercolour students' quality paints in the primary colours ( recommended Alizarin red, Cobolt blue and Cadmium yellow ) and a synthetic round watercolour brush around size 4 to 6. You could take this list along to your local Art Supply Shop and ask them to help you find what you are looking for. Additional items you will need are masking tape, kitchen towels, water spray, water jars, palette/plate, pencil & eraser.  Once you have these i