Art Challenges, Art Questions, Gardens, News 2025, Patreon Site, Top Tips, YouTube Channel

10 things you really need to know when painting from photos

Hi everyone,Recently I stayed in a B&B in France one night on my way to see my dad. The B&B’s garden was magnificent, all under the care and hard work of the owner Bernard. The style was more English than French, not too regimented and with areas left almost entirely wild. The accomplishment was even… Continue reading 10 things you really need to know when painting from photos

Art Questions, Art Tutorials, YouTube Channel

Quick easiest way to stretch paper

I was getting ready to start the sketches for this week’s post on Patreon when I decided to stretch my paper, because I am going to use so much water and really drench my paper. Then I thought it would be useful to do a quick video tutorial, showing you a very easy way to… Continue reading Quick easiest way to stretch paper

Art Questions, Art Tutorials, Painting

Technique tutorial: adding texture to leaves

Happy equinox everyone! Yesterday was the first day of autumn over here and first day of spring for those of you who live on the other side of the world. And as if the skyes themselves knew it, the temperature suddenly dropped ten degrees... This is the season when I start walking with my eyes… Continue reading Technique tutorial: adding texture to leaves

Art Questions, Pigment Spotlight, Top Tips

What does “hue” mean in a paint name?

This is a question I get a lot when I teach. The true definition of hue is colour. In a paint name, it means that it is the colour of that particular pigment, but it is achieved by using another pigment of similar hue. This can be because the original pigment is obsolete and needs… Continue reading What does “hue” mean in a paint name?

Art Questions, Painting, Top Tips, YouTube Channel

Top Tips: 3 tips to add depth to your paintings

Do you sometimes feel like your paintings look a little bit flat? Here are 3 simple things you can do to add more depth... 1- Grey haze As things get further away from us, they get greyer. This is because the atmosphere gets in the way. Mostly because of little droplets of water, it gives… Continue reading Top Tips: 3 tips to add depth to your paintings