by theartist | Sep 23, 2020 | Reviews and recommendations
I love a facsimile reproduction of an old book, and this book on drawing (and art in general) by Harold Speed is no exception. It’s at once both firmly rooted in its time and a giver of timeless advice for artists and art lovers. Harold Speed (1872 – 1957)...
by theartist | Nov 2, 2019 | Oil paintings, Portraits, Reviews and recommendations
This week members of the life drawing society I belong to were able to take part in a workshop by Alex Tzavaras painting a portrait from life using oils. We used the Zorn palette, a very simplified set of colours that work well for skin tones: titanium white, ivory...
by theartist | Aug 25, 2019 | Inspiration, Reviews and recommendations
My husband bought me a copy of Twyla Tharp’s ‘The Creative Habit – Learn it and use it for life’ for Christmas. It’s been a busy year, but the summer break is a perfect time to take stock and reflect and read some ‘self-help’...
by theartist | May 24, 2018 | Reviews and recommendations, Watercolour paintings, Watercolour tutorials
Finding the right watercolour paper to use can be tricky. They vary widely, and the paper you use affects the marks that you make far more than the type of canvas you use affects oil or acrylic paint. How to use watercolour paper In general, water will make your paper...
by theartist | Jan 12, 2018 | Drawing tutorials, Pencil drawings, Reviews and recommendations
I often get asked what art materials to buy, particularly by people starting out drawing and painting. The answer to a certain extent is that you get what you pay for, and although this doesn’t mean you have to pay for the best of everything there are some cheap...
by theartist | Jan 13, 2017 | Reviews and recommendations
I’ve been trying to sketch a lot more recently, particularly out and about rather than from my sofa, a limited vista! This has involved trips to the local cafe with some friends from our village art group. I like colour, and whilst sketching with a pencil or...