The most popular art movement in history? If not it must come close. Impressionism is famous and many will at least associate it with art of some sort. If you are an artist then of course you will know quite a bit about this style of painting. Perhaps you fancy yourself as a bit of an expert? Oh, yes? Care to put that to the test? Then try this little quiz just for fun and bragging rights.

How often do we look for something that has been staring us in the face for ages? Pretty often. This allegedly increases with age, but I have no comment on that .. ahem. Suffice to that when it comes to painting and creative skills this concept is huge. In the video below I talk a little about how I struggled with my painting. True the challenge is always there, but I was stuck at the beginning. My paintings were not working for me. I should have known better since I started as a graphic design artist. 

You may be wondering what I am on about? I'll explain it all, but first watch the video and then I have exciting news.
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​There were warning signs. The preoccupation with particles sizes. Curious substances producing pigments as if by magic. An intolerance for short cuts and misdirection. The arcane combination of science and alchemy. Could this be a plot for a Gothic novel? Actually it would make a good one.

But no, these are the warning signs of an artist searching for the ideal artist's paints. As I discovered in a recent interview with a paint maker this passion can become an obsession. Not that Joe Joubert has gone that far. He is passionate about paint and has bravely taken on the challenge. The least I could do was try out his paints.
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So what are his handmade master artist paints like? Read on.

What does a man born in the Kalahari, Leonardo da Vinci and aloe vera have in common? As it happens quite a lot actually. Especially if you are an artist. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing someone truly inspirational. A man who is not only an excellent artist, but is busy giving South African artists something they need.

In this article and podcast you will get to meet Joe Joubert. South Africa's paint maker.

Interested in watching full length painting demonstrations, but prefer to download the video? I got you covered. I have a new section on my website called Video Demonstrations.  Each of the videos provide a full demonstration painting, narrated by me and come packed with painting tips. As you would expect. No fluff here, thank you very much :)

Download and Keep
The best part is that when you purchase the video you can download it and play it anytime on your computer or tablet. No buffering or internet interruptions. 

New Videos and Subjects
Currently I have two painting demonstrations uploaded with more titles to come. From landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits - you will find examples of all of these in the coming months. Please make sure that you have joined my Artist's and Collector's Circle so that I can keep you updated on new publications.

Video Format
The videos are in mp4 format which is compatible with all computers and mobile devices. 

I hope that these demonstration are useful to you. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like to see in the future please contact me.

Brrrr ... that is what most of us have been saying this past week. It has been cold!
But Spring is coming soon. So looking ahead to brighter and warmer days I want to tell you about my Spring workshops.

Two Foundation Workshops and my first Advanced Painting Workshop.

18-19 October 2018 (Foundation)
08-09 November 2018 (Foundation)
22-23 November 2018 (Advanced)

What are these workshops all about?
I focus on the painterly style throughout. This is a looser style where brushwork, generous paint and vibrant colours are more important.

In the Foundation Workshop the essential concepts of value, composition, colour and brushwork are the main ideas. We work through a few paintings to learn these methods in practice.

The Advanced Workshop is for those artists that have strong skills in painting values, colour mixing and brushwork. We now focus on different subjects both in and outdoors. 

If you are interested in joining these workshops please visit my workshops page for more details and to book. A deposit is essential to secure a place as I keep my classes small.

It is easy to make big claims. Especially on social media where we get to see only the highlights reel. Not the hard work, anxiety and time that goes behind most achievements. As a creative entrepreneur you know how daunting it can be. Why is everyone else crushing it in their business and you struggle to get noticed? If you can relate with me on this roller coaster ride then read on, because I am going to reveal actual figures that do not lie.