sketchbook

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Why You Should Have a Sketchbook Practice

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Why You Should Have a Sketchbook Practice

Sketchbooks, for me, are about recording my own growth as an artist. Trying out new mediums, having fun and exploring, and just seeing what happens when I play and paint.

In this video I take you inside my sketchbook, talk about why it’s an invaluable part of my creative practice, and share what type of book I use and some tips for keeping pages unstuck, so that it can become a treasured account of your life and development as an artist.

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How to Paint Flowers Without Going MAD on Detail

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How to Paint Flowers Without Going MAD on Detail

What I want to paint is the FEELING of the flower - the delicacy, the nodding of the flower atop it's long stem, the curly leaves.... I want to paint the sense of the flower.

In this weeks Vlog I demonstrate how I went about doing that.

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Paint Play: Adding & Subtracting

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Paint Play: Adding & Subtracting

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. Watch the vlog to see.

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Soft Painting Using Sketchbook

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Soft Painting Using Sketchbook

So when I decided I was well enough to spend a little time in my studio I was in a quiet frame of mind. No strong value contrasts, no loud music.... just soft colours, subtle differences and gentle play.

I switched on RECORD, and this little session in my studio is the subject of this week's Vlog.

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Sketchbook Painting Exploration

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Sketchbook Painting Exploration

This week's Vlog is another foray into the sketchbook. This time playing with colour, value, and collage. I talk you through the tools and materials, and the WHY I do the crazy stuff I do...