buckled or warped watercolour paper
Read more..

My You Tube Channel

Today I created my You Tube channel and I have added my first video tutorial.

It is a very useful little tutorial on how to solve the problem of buckled or warped artwork on paper.

Buckled or warped watercolour paper

I always used to struggle with my watercolour paper buckling and had read many tips and watched videos on how to prevent this happening. I had tried most of them without very good results and always found it very frustrating. Nobody would want to purchase artwork on a distorted piece of paper. So I came up with my own method, which I have shared with you in this video.

I should also add, as I mention in the video, that the better quality watercolour paper that you use makes a huge difference in preventing buckling in the first place. I now always buy 120lb or 140lb watercolour paper. It really is worth paying the extra.But if you are having problems with your watercolour paper buckling do pop over to You Tube and watch my video. It is only 7 minutes long and demonstrates this very simple but effective solution of mine.

Hope you enjoy it.

abstract meadow acrylic paintings
Read more..

Latest Acrylic Paintings

It’s about time I showed you some of my latest acrylic paintings.

You’d think with the current crisis and being in lockdown that I would have so much time for updating my website. 🤔

But no, instead I have been sucking up this extra time with even more painting. I just can’t get enough of it. 

However, today I have knuckled down to add a little update showing some of the work here that I have completed during this “gift of time” that we have been presented with. 

Firstly, I have completed quite a few of my abstract meadow paintings.

Acrylic abstract meadow paintings

As you can see my joy of colour has not abandoned me. These four are acrylic on paper measuring 8″ x 12″ approx.

Here are a couple more 12″ x 16″ mounted to 16″ x 20″.

Acrylic abstract meadow paintings

Then I have one more which is far more abstract. 16″ square on canvas board.

Abstract acrylic artwork

And finally for my acrylic paintings I have two for my vase series.

Abstract acrylic vases
mixed media on canvas side view

Well there you have it. You are all up to date with my recent acrylic paintings. And if you are interested in purchasing they are now available on my Buy Art pages.

Next I will try to round up some photos of my latest watercolour art that I have been painting to show you. Yes, I have been very busy during lockdown.

Mark Making Idea – Roller Ball Bottles

I came up with a new mark making idea with these roller ball bottles.

Roller ball bottles used for mark making

I had received a bottle of cuticle oil for Christmas in a bottle with a stainless steel roller ball tip and whilst I was using it I suddenly had a lightbulb moment. I thought these bottles would be a great way of rolling paint. So, I found some empty refillable bottles on Amazon, filled one up with acrylic paint and gave it a try. And as you can see it worked a treat.

I filled the bottles with acrylic paint.

Refillable bottle with stainless steel roller ball tip filled with acrylic paint

I used High Flow acrylic for one and Fluid Acrylic for the other but watered down so that it would flow better.

Roller ball bottles filled with acrylic paint

I have decided it is probably best to store them upside down so that the paint doesn’t dry out on the roller ball which may make it difficult to roll.

Roller ball bottles stored upside down to prevent dried out paint clogging the roller

I have added the Amazon links for the bottles on my Favourite Art Supplies page Tools & Equipment

I love it when I come up with a new mark making idea. I hope you like it. Give it a go and let me know what you think.

My favourite Easel – Leap Day Sale

Artristic Easel is so versatile for using in many positions and angles

I have just noticed that Artristic Easel – my favourite easel are having a Leap Day Sale for 29th February only. I know many of you have shown an interest in the easel that I use and know how much I love it! So, if you are thinking of buying one then today would definitely be a good day to do so. Use LEAPSALE10 at checkout.
You will see that I have written more about it on my Tools & Equipment page and will know that it is my favourite easel for its versatility of height and angle. My post will give you some idea of why I love it so much. The most versatile easel I have ever encountered. I can easily change it to use at any height or angle. It was definitely one of my best purchases.

If you buy one, let me know how you get on with it.
I KNOW you will be pleased.

Work in progress. Deciding when enough is enough
Read more..

Current Painting in Progress – Knowing when to stop

This is the current painting in progress on my Artristic Easel.

Abstract floral acrylic art. Current painting in progress

An artist’s work goes through many stages. Often loving the early stages and wanting to stop right there. Or trying to decide when is enough and knowing when to stop. (Sometimes wishing I had stopped earlier 😱 ). From enjoying it to hating it. Lots of tweaking and masses of self doubt.

But I guess this is the same when a poet writes his poems, an author writes his book or a composer composes his music. We are constantly seeking perfection. Probably never quite attaining it. BUT that is what drives us to create more. It is part of the creative process. It is important to remember that and go along with the agonies of the process, expect it to happen and work through it.

So, I need to let this painting sit for a while and decide if I am happy with it as it is or whether to work on it some more. I’m sure it will speak to me when it is ready.

What do you think?

And if you want to see why I like my Artristic Easel so much read what I have to say about it here. Then you will understand why it is my favourite easel.