White Sand and Turquoise Sea Our trip to Ullapool earlier in June was such a blessing. Before the trip, we had prayed for good weather so that we could visit and paint some of the incredible beaches with white sands and turquoise sea. As you can see from the photograph of Clachtoll Beach, our prayers … Read more
Childhood Holidays at Holy Island In the previous post I wrote about a painting project for a client. He has a holiday home on the Northumbrian coast. I’ve painted 4 new watercolours for his property which have been reproduced as limited edition prints. It’s been fun making several trips to parts of the coast which … Read more
Painting from Life I was recently asked to contribute to a blog post highlighting the Benefits of Painting. Snippets were taken from this piece below which I wrote for them. Painting has many benefits for those who have decided to take it up, even those who are older. Many folk are creative but perhaps struggle to … Read more
Seven years ago I was selected to enter a painting competition by Cox and Kings. They are the oldest travel company in the world, established in 1758. All the artists were given a selection of photographs of Morocco to work from. I chose one of El Fna Square Marrakech. Although the reference photograph I picked … Read more
Artist Support Pledge Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been selling specially selected paintings as part of the Artist Support Pledge. Today’s is a Painting of Tuscany. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists have found themselves without work, teaching, technical support and gallery work. Exhibitions and sales have disappeared. In an attempt to … Read more
Exhibitions During this period of social isolation, I am supporting the Artist Support Pledge. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists have found themselves without work, teaching, technical support and gallery work. Exhibitions and sales have disappeared. In an attempt to help alleviate some of this stress Martin Burrows has instigated the ARTIST SUPPORT PLEDGE … Read more
The Importance of Photography Even though my main artistic discipline has always been painting, photography has been an essential part of my creative process. For me, drawing and painting on location is a must. The time that it takes to absorb and capture a scene through observational drawing is always time well spent. However, you … Read more
Paintings of Italy One of the subjects I often get our guests on our Painting Holidays to have a go at is Painting an Olive Tree. The grounds of Chiesa del Carmine are full of them. They are not too difficult to draw compared to other subjects. It’s relatively easy for the guests to spend … Read more
In 2017 I received a commission to do a very large oil painting of the Angel of the North which you can read about in an earlier blog post. The Angel’s wings were coated with 22 carat gold leaf. My client loves his painting of the Gateshead Angel. Once I’d hung it for him we discussed … Read more
In 2016 I was working on a number of painting projects in London. I was walking along Piccadilly, enjoying the late afternoon sunlight. I was struck by the wonderful contrast between the warm rays of sunlight catching the opposite side of the street. Also the cool shadows and the way the two were being connected by shoppers … Read more