Tutorials
Tutorials
A how-to or a how to is an informal, often short, description of how to accomplish some specific task. A how-to is generally meant to help non-experts so we may leave out details that are only important to experts, and may also be greatly simplified from an overall discussion of the topic.
If you are an expert and would like to contribute some pearls of wisdom, then please get in touch because we would welcome your input.
Tips for Artists
Friday, 09 January 2009 21:46 by Joan
1. A good painting can be spoilt by overworking it. Try to teach yourself when to stop working on it! With watercolour, practice by using a large brush from the start and keep it loose and free. Just use the smaller brush for the details and then stand back and admire your work!
2. Never paint acrylic over oil paint however, the other way round is fine! Then it is best to put the acrylic paint away as they can get mixed up!
3. When painting outside, the wind can cause havoc with your paper making it flap around. Try putting a rubber band around the bottom of your pad. This can work well and is less damaging than a paper clip.
4. Painting Outdoors? Take the minimum of equipment with you. For your comfort, a donkey stool or fisherman’s chair with pockets is one of the best seats, light and fairly easy to carry. Take two bulldog clips and attach either side of your board and support with thin rope attached and looped around your neck to give you the right angle from which to work.
Learning your colours in watercolour
Friday, 09 January 2009 21:22 by Joan
In the early days of painting it is often difficult to tell the difference between some of the colours that are similar especially the darker ones like the blues such as ultramarine and Winsor Blue. Take a permanent marker and write the name of each on the side of the well where you have put the paint. This way you can see at a glance which one to dip your brush into!
2 IN 1 BRUSH CONTAINER!
Friday, 09 January 2009 21:19 by Joan
When going to paint outdoors here is a simple brush container idea for you to consider. This is multipurpose as it also means you have your tissue roll handy and it all fits upright in your bag.
Take a partly used kitchen paper roll and close off the one end with an old lid that fits or a piece of cardboard glued on. Place your brushes inside and put this into your bag upright. Your brushes are kept protected, easy for selection and paper towels handy for cleaning up!
Basic Preparation for Painting
Saturday, 22 November 2008 22:50 by Joan
A Sketchbook is a handy tool!
Sketching regularly will improve your drawing skills and exercises the art of observation. Skill in drawing is essential in expressing what you see and helping to plan your paintings.
It is useful to record reference material to use later when you are ready to start your painting maybe later in your studio.