There is a lot to be said about “those who teach…cannot do” – but I have the distinct opinion that those who teach must be able to do otherwise it’s not possible.

I love the way people start off with an idea of what their skills are and eventually or mostly they realise that there’s a lot to be learnt and they really try their best to do just that…develop their skills.
So here’s the thing… if you don’t know
1. how to mix colour
2. what brush to use
3. which colours to mix to get the basic ones….
4. how to create a good composition
5. what a la prima is…. what it means to paint in layers….etc etc
You have to be taught, you have to read up on it, etc etc.
….. more to come soon

So, after quite a while of not writing on my website… it is often a question of is anybody reading it? Is anybody finding something usefull?
Perhaps by writing these bits I find it useful – when I teach and when I work.
So, I think I will from time to time continue to write bits here….

SO,
When I find something I would love to make a painting of, it is often only when I put it down on canvas that I realise it’s not gonna work…it’s a beautiful photo image but not material for a good painting… I haven’t figured that out yet…but, that is just how it is.

Therefore, I am trying now, to first do a little picture note on a scrap piece of paper / board, to see if I am cropping it right, to see if the composition works, is something in the image drawing my attention or taking my eye deeper into the picture, making me stand in front of it and not just walking past?

That is what we are aiming for…. for somebody to linger, even if they are not a buyer, the viewer is what we are aiming for…. the one that lingers…that asks what made you paint that, or what is the story behind it? What is the artist’s story? Why this and why that?

So, starting out:
1. find a good inspiring reference(s)
2. make a small picture note to sort the composition out
3. use good quality materials, paints, surface and tools (as far as you are able to)

AND THEN – it’s sweat and sometimes tears…. and hard work….