Taking MORE RISKS for MORE successful Paintings
To relinquish control with paint and mixed media requires risk which can be scarey especially when we have paintings that we care about and don’t want to ruin. When creating abstract paintings it’s essential we explore and experiment with paint, ink, drawing media - everything! So how do you take the risks when painting and try out new techniques and methods but still ensure your paintings are successful? In this video I talk about how I learnt to have confidence in taking risks. I give you my top tips.
The Power of Pretending
Create Depth and Interest in your Painting with Stencils
This video takes a look at the stencils I made and teaches you how to use stencils to create depth, direction and interest into your paintings. In this video I explain: How to choose colours in order to create contrast and direction in your painting and how to use stencil shapes that mimic negative or positive shapes to create rhythm and interest.
Finishing a Mixed Media Painting with Photos
Using your Art to Protest and Release Frustration
Art has always been a powerful form of communication. In this video I demonstrate how I vent my feelings in paint, and the importance of aligning the method with the message. Watch the video and then express your feelings in paint - it’s a wonderful release of frustration, and as well as channeling anger you can also find a giggle along the way too.
How to Find the Colour and Shape Heroes in Your Abstract Painting
In this week's Vlog I have made a small painting in my sketchbook following my process of building up layers. But what it demonstrates as well as building an interesting surface, and the introduction of the use of stencils is how to give strength to the hero's in the painting. Prioritizing the colour heroes as well as the shapes and elements in the painting that are important to the success of the composition.
How To Write An Artist's Statement
Knowing Your Painting Style
My Painting Game
When life gets in the way of our art, it’s easy to lose our Mojo, find ourselves procrastinating and doubting our ability. Here’s a simple way to get back into your work as an artist and find the joy and love again. Watch as I explain why this happens and how to overcome negative feelings by playing a simple game with paint.
Playing with Collage
Painting Botanicals
Step by Step Introduction to Creating an Abstract Painting
Underpinning my process of abstract painting is playing with OPPOSITES. In this demonstration I show you how every step I take is in contrast - or opposite - to the previous step. This is a great rule of thumb as it means you are never stuck with what to do next. Ask yourself: What have I just done? What is opposite or different to that? Watch the video to the end to see how the painting finished up following this process.
Abstract Painting: a Desert, a Kasbah and a Camel
Intuitive painting is always an adventure. You start with no idea where you will end up. But in this video my painting took me to a desert, a kasbah and a camel - how wonderful!! By keeping within a colour palette and using shapes that evoke memories of places you’ve been to, you can recreate your feelings of a location in paint.
Paint Play: Adding & Subtracting
Adding.... adding..... adding.... more... more.... more.... until something gives me an idea or there's something that I like the look of that gives me a feeling of certainty that I'm onto something. I'm sure you know the feeling. Then once I've found the 'thing' or group of things then it's time to apply LESS IS MORE. So I'll start to edit and take away what I don't need. This is basically the process I use in all my work: Add, add, add... then subtract.
How To Paint with Courage
How to Use REPEATED SHAPES in Your Abstract Painting
In this video I lead you through a process of creating simple shapes that can be repeated in your abstract composition. When you repeat shapes you create a structure and cohesion in your painting which helps to eliminate that “chaotic, too-busy” feeling that can happen in abstract work. Follow the simple steps shown in this video using shapes that resonate with you and I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the outcome.





















