Feeling Artumnal

I love the summer so I shall shed a small tear as we head into autumn and then the frenzy that is Christmas. However, it does allow for some delightful painting opportunities. Pretty much everything is hard especially with watercolour but autumn leaves and landscapes provide beautifully vibrant colour schemes and the opportunity to chuck salt about with careless abandon. Even in oils and pastels it is much more satisfying slathering oranges, reds, yellows and sienna tones across your canvas than trying to create a realistic green. Apparently this is because we see more different tones of green than any other colour.

So here's to creating more...

Work from watercolour classes and sketching schools plus my Wednesday evening intermediate Oil & Acrylic Class in West Peckham. This one is not advertised online but if you would like to know more then give me a shout.

One of the great things about this summer was discovering my love of tiny sketchbooks and how scale affects how you approach your subject. Doing the thumbnails really helps you to decide what information is necessary to your picture. Always remember to leave a little up to the imagination of your viewer as it allows them to be more involved. Your painting is a conversation so allow the colours and techniques to do some of the talking. Try a thumbnail sketch before your big painting and try it in monochrome so that you can truly appreciate the tonal values of your subject. Where is the light, dark and the focal point? Why did you choose this particular subject (or you often ask, why on earth did I? ) Any painting requires an understanding of light and dark and watercolour especially relies on this to maximise the properties of its transparencies. I love this tonal sketch of Manor Park, West Malling in indigo watercolour, by one of my students...

So term starts on Wednesday 17th with my final class finishing on the 12th December. There are a variety of courses at The Clout and online ( and my Oil & Acrylic in West Peckham, please ask me personally for details) including Drawing & Painting, Watercolour, Pen & Wash and some individual classes including Pastel, Drawing for absolute beginners & a session on colour theory which many of my students find very useful. I am absolutely fascinated by colour and it is a real revelation when you understand it's affect on you and your painting.

There are no classes the week of Half Term, 20th to 24th October or on 5th to 7th November.

Enjoy the last sunny dregs and I look forward to seeing those of you joining me for next term.

Autumn Classes...