 Have you ever tried to learn music? Perhaps play a musical instrument? Probably. I know I have and still do. I have strummed a guitar. Tickled a few ivories. Persisted with the harmonica. Just as a hobby you understand. I know I am not a musical genius. My musical talent lurks in the village idiot category. I have made peace with that and yet I do try and improve my playing. What I quickly discovered is that playing an instrument has amazing similarities to painting. This is a little disturbing to me as a teacher. Within this truth is a horrible thought.
Plus a review of Daler Rowney’s Cryla Acrylics brushes
Acrylics are a popular painting medium. The benefits of quick drying time, cost effective paints and water based safety issues has made acrylics increasingly first choice for beginners. Plus more professionals are using acrylics for contemporary paintings. In this article I am going to show you how to paint a light filled beach scene (see video below). Plus I am using new brushes from Daler Rowney and Art Savings Club. Let’s jump in! 
The paintbrush is the unsung hero in every artist’s studio. Not as flash as bright colors and often taken for granted. But without the brush we artists would be sorry indeed. There is also plenty of confusion about what brushes to use? Is an expensive brush worth it? Synthetic or natural bristles? And much more. In this series of articles I will try to shed more light on this topic. I will also be demonstrating brushes for oils, acrylics and watercolor from the Georgian range of brushes supplied by Art Savings Club. Keep an eye out for the videos on these topics. You can watch Part One of the videos below. But let’s begin with an introduction to brushes. 
All artists are different. Most want to improve. Many will refocus each New Year and resolve, in some way, to make progress. But sadly most artists, like everyone else, will run out of time and motivation early in the year. Sorry if that sounds a downer, but we have all been there, right? Only a tiny percentage of people have mastered the secret to success. What are the two things that everyone needs to achieve success? Quite simple. 
If the seventies and eighties were formative years in your life then you will be heading off to the movies. Perhaps for a second or third time? I am of course referring to the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, that is currently on circuit. I also went to see it recently. The experience (because it is) rekindled intense memories. Personally I loved the movie. My wife and I have chatted about it a lot these past few days. It has given us a little shake up. With hindsight comes perfect clarity they say. Well, somewhat clearer anyway. After spending a few days mulling over this movie, the old times and what the heck it all means anyway, I have an answer. It is so painfully simple. 
Pastel paintings are a delightful way to create energetic and interesting paintings. The high pigment strength and convenience make pastels a true fine artist medium. Think of the sublime works of Edgar Degas pastel paintings. But excellent artist's pastels can be pricey. You cannot skimp on quality pigment either as this defeats the object of using pastels. I was excited to try out Koh-I-Noor's extra soft artist's pastels recently. They are reasonably priced and look like good quality too. In this article I review Koh-I-Noor's extra soft pastels and Fabriano watercolor paper. Plus a full demonstration pastel painting with a handy technique for pastel paintings. Try it out for yourself. 
White paint is the most important color that you find on any artist's palette. White paint is necessary to tint other colors into more realistic hues. To mix the vast variety of colors that we perceive requires white paint. But are you aware of what your white paint is made of? Research has revealed that modern white paints can lead to a paintings failure in as little as three years. In this article we are going to look at the problem with white paint. Also what artists should be doing to avoid having their paintings deteriorate. 
No doubt about it a good painting knife is an artist's best friend. Often overlooked while brushes get all the publicity. The humble painting knife can play a strong supporting role or emerge as the star of the show. When you want to add that extra touch of texture or punch to your paintings, the painting knife will deliver.
In this article I want to introduce the types of painting knives I prefer. Plus a handy painting knife technique you can use in your next painting. 
In Episode 34 of An Artist's Journey Podcast you will meet the talented Sebastiaan Theart. I recently discovered Sebastiaan's work on Instagram. His work shows a great variety of subject matter. But all linked with excellent drawing skill and a clear individualistic path. This artists is not about following the trend, but is rather creating his own unique body or work. A refreshing approach these days.
Find out more about Sebastiaan Theart in this episode of An Artist's Journey Podcast. 
What can six months of art coaching do for your painting? Art workshops are useful and can be fun to attend. But they can be difficult to schedule into your busy life. Plus when the workshop ends so too does the feedback and support you need. Often artists forget to apply the workshop lessons and revert to their old painting habits. Not ideal. But there is a solution. |
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AuthorMalcolm Dewey: Artist. Country: South Africa 
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