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How To Varnish A Painting

Let me start by saying, there is no actual need to varnish a completed oil painting if you don’t want to. Oil paintings dry to a very robust finish, and I know many professional artists that sell all of their paintings un-varnished. However, varnishing a painting can make a considerable difference to it’s final appearance; enhancing its darks and lights, evening out contrasting shiny and matt… Read More »How To Varnish A Painting

kingfisher painting in oils

Kingfisher Painting in Oils

Kingfishers are mesmerising little birds, usually only seen flying past at break-neck speed. Our local wildlife centre here in Cilgerran in west Wales has a healthy population of kingfishers and we’re lucky enough to see them regularly.  I’ve painted kingfishers before, but this kingfisher painting was a little different and an exciting challenge. See below the stages as the oil painting progressed from start to finish…

Stainless Steel Brush Washer – Why It’s The Best Brush Cleaner You Can Get

I bought a couple of Winsor & Newton brushes once, they cost me about five pounds each and I ruined them in about a week. Oil painters don’t need expensive brushes, watercolour painters yes, it definitely helps, but oil painters, no – That said, an oil painter does need clean brushes. If you use a dirty brush to mix your… Read More »Stainless Steel Brush Washer – Why It’s The Best Brush Cleaner You Can Get

Puffin Painting in Oils, Stage by Stage.

We recently took a boat trip to wonderful Skomer Island, an island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, here in west Wales. Skomer is known as one of the best places to see puffin worldwide, and we weren’t disappointed; there was literally 10’s of thousands of nesting pairs. Suitably inspired, I’ve been busy painting puffins ever since, using some of our photographs taken… Read More »Puffin Painting in Oils, Stage by Stage.

jackson pollack studio

Why You Need To Keep Work Space Tidy

Working in a complete shambles of a studio might feel very ‘arty’ and freeing, but if you’re trying to run a successful business and keep your paintings and your painting gear in top condition, it’s not the best way to go. We’ve all seen photographs of Jackson Pollack’s studio ( crikey! ) –  (  Jackson Pollack at work in his studio ) …and check out Francis Bacon’s studio (… Read More »Why You Need To Keep Work Space Tidy

master beginner

10 Great Tips That’ll Help You Get Your Art Accepted Into A Gallery

Getting your artwork on display to the public for the first time can seem very daunting, and the thought of wandering into a art gallery carrying some of your prized paintings, only to have the proprietor give them a cursory glance and turn you down, can be very demoralising. Fortunately, with a bit of forward planning, there are some things you… Read More »10 Great Tips That’ll Help You Get Your Art Accepted Into A Gallery

artists paints

How To Start Painting With Oils – 3 Things You Need

Like most other professions, hobbies or pastimes, oil painting comes with a overwhelming array of extra equipment, accessories and latest must-haves, that some people will say you need if you’re serious about making great art. Like most other professions, hobbies or pastimes, you need very little of it.  In fact, you can be at a distinct disadvantage if you own… Read More »How To Start Painting With Oils – 3 Things You Need