Hints & Tips

A selection of hints & tips sent in by our Facebook fans & Twitter Followers

This sample shows how to combine the use of masking fluid, salting and over painting to create a really unique….

This technique is very simple but can create really interesting effects for backgrounds, landscapes or rocks…….

Another way of producing texture to enhance a painting. Paint your background and…..

This example shows how to build up from a basic wash (i.e. first thin paint layer) and then…….

We artists all have at least one favourite type of brush, surface to paint on, or brand that we use. We all get comfortable with our tried and tested methods that we know produce great results, and for me this is watercolour. In the past I have experimented with many different brands and qualities, however always end up going back to my original brand that I’m familiar with for the past 50 years!

As you know, artists quality watercolour paint is expensive, but do work out better value in the long run as you are paying for more pigment. However having a bad experience may make you reluctant to experiment with something different in the future……

Drawing outside, away from my studio is a real treat, especially when it seems difficult to find the time (and right weather conditions) to go out and sketch. One trick I have found to help me get around this is to take my sketchbook with me whenever I know I’ll be waiting around, be that the doctors, dentists or any other appointment! 

Recently I have talen with me my new Caran D’Ache water reservoir pen along with a couple of Derwent Inktense blocks;

I find the Ink Black and Bark colours mixed together make a really nice…….