I recently came across a photograph of a view in Manchester that I saw almost instantly as a watercolour painting. This does happen every now and then but more often than not I have to look at a photo and try to work out how I would paint it, which is a much more conscious… Read More
A busy week in many ways, even if not entirely for watercolour painting! First up was a visit to the wonderful Towner Gallery in Eastbourne. In recent years, I’ve probably visited this gallery more than any other. I think they’re running an excellent programme of exhibitions, have some great events and workshops for children and… Read More
There’s been a little too much going on beyond the world of watercolour of late to be able to dedicate much time or thought to my painting. Years ago, I used to swim a lot. If a went a day or, heaven forbid, more than a day went by without my pool time, my mood… Read More
I found a picture of Littlehampton marina / harbour at dusk that I’ve been mulling over for a week or so. I liked the view, but i didn’t like the idea of trying to paint it! The detailing and the amount of visual information and clutter in such a view is mind boggling. I challenged… Read More
The Heart Research UK fundraising project, the anonymous heart art auction – #anonartproject – came to an end at 9pm on Sunday 13th October. This means that I can finally reveal all! First though, a quick reminder. All contributors are asked to submit work that is A5 in size. Heart Research UK send out cards… Read More
I was so pleased with last week’s successful watercolour paper stretching (and painting!) that I couldn’t wait to see if I could repeat it. This subject matter I chose wasn’t my usual fare, but I thought it would present a good challenge from a ‘stretched paper’ perspective, as well as a painting perspective. Technically, I… Read More
While I admit that painting on stretched paper is joyful, I’m still a little shy of investing in special paper stretchers – especially when there’s a more traditional and cheaper alternative. Despite my previous bad experiences of trying to stretch paper, I really don’t like the idea that a piece of paper, some water, a… Read More
After last weeks post, and some work in progress images of some seriously cockled paper, most of the comments focussed on the pros and cons of stretching paper. Stretching my paper isn’t something I usually do. When I say usually, I mean ever! The last time I did stretch paper was quite a few years… Read More
This week’s efforts begin just a short distance from where last week’s watercolour left off. For this view, I’m still on the Mawddach estuary in Snowdonia, Wales, but this time much nearer to the mouth of the estuary. My reference photo for this view was actually taken from the foot and rail bridge that links the south… Read More
I was rummaging through an old box of books recently looking for something that I thought I had (mainly to save me buying it all over again just because I’ve forgotten what books I already have!) when I came across a book that was gifted to me quite a few years ago. As it was… Read More
