Do you need more help with your own work?
On this page I will be placing links to articles on painting, drawing and other practical art related stuff I have written. This page will be added to whenever I write something new so check regularly for more links.
Some of these articles will be on a site called Squidoo. It's a great site, where anyone can make a page about something they know about. Each page is called a 'Lens' as it looks at a subject in detail. As the site is free you will find ads on the pages. You will also find a few products I am promoting, these are minimal and should not get in the way of your reading pleasure. For purposes of transparency: yes I get paid if people click on certain ads, and no, its not making me rich. But when I have earned enough to buy a cappuccino I will be sure to let you know.
I hope you find the articles useful.
You may share the links or post them on your blog, facebook etc but please remember that the text and images are copyright protected and must not be reproduced without my permission. Comments always welcome!
ARTICLES LISTED BELOW...
FRAMING AND CARING FOR ARTWORKS ON PAPER
This article is full of information about looking after artworks on paper. It weighs up the pros and cons of framing yourself, and gives you pointers if that's the direction you wish to go in. If you are using a framer it tells you how to choose mounts (mats) and frames. Also covered is how best to hang, position and preserve the condition of your painting, as well as basic info about who owns copyright once the picture is sold. The last part of the article covers how to present your work for exhibitions or galleries.
Visit my article on framing artwork
CAN ART BE TAUGHT? Guest piece for Judy Adamson's art and design blog -
Having been kindly asked by Judy to contribute to her blog, I consider the extent to which art can be taught, and how much natural talent comes into it. This piece also looks at the other benefits that learning (and indeed teaching) painting brings. Judy lives in Wales and creates art in a variety of media, including collage and pastels.
Read my guest piece on Judy's blog
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DRAWING
There is, it seems to me, a lot of confusion about drawing. Teachers and tutors throw people into the deep end, without learning the basics. So here it is, the article I have wanted to write for ages. Learn what materials you need, the best subject to start with, all about techniques, shading, composition and how to approach perspective in a way that will not make your head hurt. Plus find out what the single most important thing is... and see some nice drawings too.
Visit my beginners guide to drawing
DIARY OF A WATERCOLOUR PAINTING
This one is a step by step photographic diary of a commissioned painting of the village of Lavenham in Suffolk. The article goes through the process of accepting a commission, the artistic decisions taken, and the work involved. Plus there are some fascinating facts about Lavenham itself scattered throughout the piece. If you would like to see exactly how a painting progresses, right from idea to framed conclusion, check it out!
Visit Diary of a Watercolour Painting
UNDERSTANDING WATERCOLOUR PAINTS
This article will really help your painting, yet contains no painting tips! Instead learn all about the paint you are using, technical knowlege is king; and here you can learn all about the fabulous medium that is watercolour. Containing clear information on ingredients, transparency, granulation, permenancy and more, it will also help you choose between pans and tubes, how much to spend, and generally stop you blundering in the dark. The main part of the article is about transparent (pure) watercolours, but at the end there is an overview of Gouache, Watercolour Pencils, and other Watercolour Media.
Visit Understanding Watercolour Paints