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The Simple Secret to Better Painting by Greg Albert

Have you ever heard of the one rule of composition? If not, you will find that the book by Greg Albert, "The simple secret to better painting" is marvellous. Greg Albert talks about randomness in you painting created by "never making any two intervals the same". Interval refers to "distance, shape, tonal value, colour and just about every other element in your painting." The book discusses design dynamics and refers to landscapes, still life, figure or portrait. If you are…

Merry Christmas

Where has this year gone? It feels like we have missed out on a lot of things we normally experience, e.g. international travel and visits from overseas. We have also learned a lot, especially about ZOOM, and values have been modified. All of a sudden Christmas is here and we are already planning the next year. But for now, lets slow down a little and enjoy the festive season. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New…

Plein Air Painting, 25th November 2020, Rough Island

Meet us for plein air painting on 25th November 2020, 10am, at Rough Island. On the road towards Rabbit Island turn left at Tic Toc Road onto Rough Island, pass the Equestrian Centre and all the way towards the boat ramp. The ocean, mountains and islands give plenty of subjects to paint. Please bring your painting supplies, a chair, bug spray, sun screen, morning tea/lunch and good weather. If you have any suggestions on where to go for plein air, please…

Impressions – Level 2

Great news and awesome specials from Impressions, Richmond: "Yes, Impressions reopens this morning at 9.30am to 5pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 1.00pm Saturdays - our new trading hours. It will be nice to welcome folk into the shop once more instead of at a barrier at the front door or by just email and phone. Due to Level 2 restrictions we will have safety measures in place including limiting numbers of customers in-store to 5 at a time, recording who comes in…

Painting Beautiful Autumn Colours

Do you know the feeling when you go for a walk and you see all these beautiful autumn colours and you want to paint them immediately? While you are walking you are thinking of what colours you have in your palette that might do the trick. A gorgeous autumn scene is already developing in your head and you can't wait to put it down onto paper as soon as you get home. For several years I wanted to paint these…

Impressions Art Supplies – Essential Service

Good news from Impressions Art Supplies Richmond: "Impressions Picture Framers and Art Supplies is delighted to now be rated as an essential service so is able to supply art materials prepaid by credit card or direct bank transfer and dispatched by courier. From Tuesday 28th April, contactless pickup can also be arranged. Please phone ahead so we can be prepared as filling orders is more time-consuming and we want you to be able to get away home safely as soon as…

Hot Chips Are Mine!

Today, I finally finished Hot Chips Are Mine! Since the lockdown has started I could take advantage of the unexpected time available in my studio to paint. Still, I miss teaching and therefore thought I might share how I created this painting. I know it’s a watercolour painting but most of the principles apply to oil and acrylic painting as well:

Watercolour Journaling at Broadgreen and Isel House

Here are some photos of our Watercolour Journaling Class at Broadgreen Historic House and Isel House in Stoke, Nelson. We focused on perspective and figures. I loved seeing everybody's work, it's gorgeous! Watercolour Journaling is a way of painting little keepsakes for yourself. It is about enjoying the moment painting, enjoying the location and creating memories.

Plein Air Painting, Photos from Broadgreen Historic House

I love painting at Broadgreen Historic House, Stoke/Nelson. It offers beautiful historic architecture, enchanted gardens and lots and lots of roses once they are in bloom. Here are some photos.

Fire Engine at Founders Park

The old buildings and cars/trucks at Founders Park are such characters. Again and again they draw me back and I have to paint them. I hope they last forever. The painting is available from my website here