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So many people want to paint looser watercolours ( me included) .I have tried over the years to become more and more loose in the way I paint.Trying to exploit watercolour's properties to create wonderful effects on the page. I don't think any other medium has that sort of magic, but it's powers can be frightening, especially to a beginner. My first piece of advice is to 'go for it', what is the worst that can happen? Then work with the effects created. The more you do the more the effects won't be as unexpected and you can use them to their best advantage. We all...

I thought I would follow on from my last blog and try to describe ( as best I can) how to paint a scene using colour. Lots of you have remarked on how you've enjoyed these recent paintings ( a shift from my usual work) , and I thought you might like to see the process of this latest one.  I won't be leaving wildlife or flowers or bees! I love to paint those too, but I also like to challenge myself and paint what inspires me and at the moment these beach scenes are what I am enjoying. Although...

Summer holidays are in full swing here in our house in Devon, I have teenagers and have seen my role change constantly over the years , I am now official taxi driver and money giver so said children can go out and about. However between drop offs and pick ups my painting life goes on as normal and recently I have found my work moving in new directions...I don't think we ever stand still, especially as artists.I have been drawn to figures in the landscape ( not my usual subject at all) Also ways of telling a story through a...

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind." If you are inclined to have a go at painting then I do urge you to . Not necessarily because you will will create a masterpiece ( although , of course you may well do ) but the very process of painting encourages you to look and really see, It makes the world so much more exciting and the process of using your hands and your brain in an all engrossing task is a real joy....

Another school year is nearly over ,my 2 are growing up fast , we are muddling our way through 'the teenage' years. The next six weeks will see them at home wanting lifts here, there and everywhere. While I try to fit my watercolours in amongst the chaos that is family life with teenagers. My studio really comes into it's own at these times ,a haven to paint my paintings and write my blogs.  I wanted to share with you today a painting of a heron , just taking off. I love to try to portray movement in my work....