What is the best painting size for beginners? The size you are most likely to paint!

Here are 7 big reasons to paint small paintings…

Of all the types of watercolour that are available portable watercolour sheets are the most compact and easy to carry. This post dives into what portable watercolour sheets are and how best to use them. I’ll even take you inside my sketchbook and show you one of my projects using my set of Peerless Watercolour Sheets.

Sometimes you get an idea for a painting but you just can’t find the right photo reference for what you have in mind.

Luckily, it is possible to combine multiple references to create the image that you are after. However, there are a few potential pitfalls to avoid.

Let’s review them and figure out the best approach to painting from two or more reference photos.

Colour is one of the things we painters get most excited about - of course!

Colour might attract as to paintings and definitely calls to the painter, but it is not what makes the painting make sense - value does that.

Let me show you how. I’ll also tell you how to alter values in watercolour and tell you something about the colour wheel that just might surprise you.

Have you noticed how little time it takes before everyone in the house gravitates towards the kitchen?

The kitchen is the hub. The heart of the home.

(And houses many an ideal watercolour painting subject.)

Have you heard people talk of painting in a ‘loose’ style and wondered what that actually means?

Like a lot of things in art, it is rather subjective so perhaps the better question is to ask what loose watercolour painting means to you.

I want to paint with ease - with a glad heart and a confident brush.

That to me, is loose painting.

Let me explain…

If you love painting flowers as much as I do you probably also love all the colours 🌈 you get to use when painting florals.

Luckily that doesn't mean you have to buy tonnes of colours (unless you want to), because of course we can always mix a whole range of hues.

Except one.

Actually, I know what you are thinking…

Is it time to replace your watercolour brushes?

It can be hard to let go of a beloved painting supply, so it is handy know what to look out for.

Here are my best tips on how to tell if your watercolour brush needs to be replaced and how to look after your new paintbrushes so that you get the most use out of them.

This is my 45th monthly painting series! You’ll understand why I wonder about whether you can run out of inspiration for paintings…

Can you guess what the source of this month’s inspiration was?

See the whole series and find out more here…

Choosing the best colours to create skin tones in your watercolour painting can seem a daunting task.

Seldom does a watercolour paint set provide a sensible colour to use as a realistic skin tone. Fair enough considering the wondrous variety of skin tones we come across in real life.

So the best bet is to feel comfortable working out how to mix appropriate skin tones in watercolour.

Let’s get started doing just that in this article.

Capture the memories of your holiday and turn them into delightful works of art with watercolour painting. The key to success is choosing the right photo to paint.

Let me guide you through the process of selecting the best vacation photos for watercolour painting. From considering composition and lighting to analysing colour and subject matter, I want to share my tips and tricks to help you make the perfect choice for your next watercolour painting.

Ever started a watercolour class and found it began with loads of boring drills and practice exercises and took FOREVER to get to the fun of creating an actual painting?

Perhaps it’s time to fast track your watercolour adventure by NOT doing this.

Because yes, there is another way to learn, I believe.

A trip to the beach - in real life or vicariously through paint is enough to give one a bit of perspective on busy life. Take up a paintbrush and paint away your cares…

Are you looking for an easy way to brighten up your sketchbook and quite probably your day?

Let me suggest adding a little coloured ink to your drawing and painting repertoire.

Shall we dig into the hows and whys of coloured ink?

If there’s one thing that’s bound to lift your mood when you are feeling a bit down, it’s painting a rooster. Come and find out how to paint a rooster in watercolour and instantly lift your mood.

See the whole series and find out more here…

With all the hustle and bustle, (wonderful though it may be) it is the time of year when one is more in need of a little quiet creative respite than ever. Am I right?

So what I want from my painting is utter simplicity. If you can relate, this might just be the painting project for you too.

I have been painting hydrangeas in watercolor, this month. It has been a while since I have painted these beautiful flowers and that reminded me of a story which makes me think about why we paint …

Procrastination seems to be a natural part of the creative process, especially the very beginning.

Can creative people have too many ideas?

Here are 3 tips to help you get creatively unstuck…

Inktober is an annual art challenge that anyone with a pen and a piece of paper can enjoy. And that most definitely includes watercolour painters!

There are plenty of benefits to participating for you and your watercolour paintings.

If you think Inktober might be for you, I have a few tips and suggestions about how to design your own Inktober project and boost your watercolour skills.

We all take so very many photos these days. But what do you actually do with them all?

Here is a suggestion for that and a way to improve your overall happiness. Find out how to savour the moment, and why you might want to.