In this workshop we discussed the work of ‘The Pointillists’…a thousand tiny decisions in one small painting!

For all the creative introverts out there that have alternative ways to speak….

Great work from a group of students in a ‘Floral Still Life’ workshop last week.

A recent 45 minute talk & 1 hr demo of how to use a ‘split-primary’ palette to paint a still life, to a very friendly and engaging group of artists at ‘Napton Art Group’ this month.

As a rule I don’t paint dressed up dogs…

Spring has well and truly arrived at Micklem’s Farm in Berkshire

You can’t draw the figure as a static object- it is always moving - even it if is only through breath…

When I draw something, or someone, it feels like I am not only looking them- but really ‘seeing’ them…

Try to paint the essence of the scene rather than the scene itself. Remember the light, the temperature, the atmosphere, who you were with.  What triggered you to take the photo- why there? Why then? - paint that!

The 4/7 drawings that just about survived the bin from last nights life drawing class…#RUSTY

Your ideas need time to develop so don’t be afraid to try a scene multiple times and see how it evolves.

Autumn, Archery Lawn, Leamington Spa

The students had a wonderful creative day painting a floral still life in oils. Focusing on tone, colour mixing and brushwork.

When teaching there is always a point later in the day where I find myself saying to students - don’t be a slave to what you see - ‘you’re the artist - you do what works for the painting from this point’…

Completed student paintings from a recent workshop at the beautiful Micklem’s Farm Creative Workshops. Whilst the students are all using the same guidelines, I am keen that they have the freedom to find their own style, take some risks and experiment. It’s amazing how different they all are.

Bandstand Bailando, Brighton Beach

I’ve had an amazing week that has included 3 evenings of dancing, 2 days teaching painting, 1 evening watching live music and a day sculpting clay!

…reduce the elements down to their simplest forms….then build them up from there, being mindful of balancing colour, proportion, perspective, direction, shape, tone, rhythm.

To achieve balance: use the ‘mostly, some and a bit’ rule… making sure one value predominates. The other 2 values should be divided unequally.

Golden Hour, Leamington Spa