How we learn art matters!

Where some art teaching just teaches you specific art techniques so that you can recreate an individual artwork or copy the teacher’s style, I want to help you learn art to think like an artist, to be creative, and to learn art and drawing in your own way…

There’s so many benefits to learning a creative way of thinking, an artist’s way of seeing and thinking…

From the way that we can feel free to enjoy ourselves and not subject to judgement from ourselves and others as to if we’re doing art ‘the right way’…

To how we learn to flex and strengthen our creative thinking muscles!
​
Literally changing the way we approach problems in our everyday personal lives and potentially benefiting society as a whole as we bring new ways of thinking into the world…

We need to feel free when we learn art and we need to learn how to be creative…

Not just to learn to draw and paint but to learn how to be artists…

You might have noticed that I teach art and drawing differently to a lot of other artists. This is deliberate…

I don’t share my exact techniques and I don’t provide instructions for a quick fix so that you can quickly learn how to draw specific things…

Because, while this may allow you to make a fair copy of the original – which feels good, pretty satisfying, right? – it isn’t you and it isn’t creative!

Instead, I prefer you to learn art by me providing a basic instruction and understanding of the fundamental principles that allows you to go away and find out your own way of doing things…

Play a bit, get curious, develop your own drawing technique and evolve your own unique artistic style.

Last month, we were looking at understanding pastels (the different types of pastels, including oil pastels, and the different pastel techniques).

Today, we're making a more specialised pastel journey, looking at oil pastel techniques...

Oil pastels are less messy than traditional pastels and lots of fun with rich colours and textures that you can create with very expressively.

I do enjoy using oil pastels and I find I create with them quite differently than with my usual pens and markers.

In this Oil Pastels free PDF download we'll look at:

• oil pastel techniques including lines, shading and sgraffito technique
• oil pastel ideas
• oil pastel drawing demos

Is art important? Do we need art when there's so many struggling for just the basics in life..? What do we need art for?

It's an important question - and one which goes to the very heart of our identity as humans and our hopes for how we want to live in this world...

I actually think in times like these it’s more important than ever to take care of, nourish and nurture our humanity… because art is humanity!

Humans create art. It’s one of the things we do that distinguishes us from animals. Cave paintings and carvings on stones, bones and more show us that art is important to humans. It’s a huge part of what makes us who we are.

​Do you want 2020 to be the year that you get to be truly creative and learn to draw?

I'd love it if you joined me for my Start Drawing Your Way Essential Drawing Skills online course - for absolute beginners or those with drawing experience but who don't feel confident when drawing, my online PDF course helps you learn the skills you need to draw well and gives you the freedom to get creative in your own way, right from the start...

​Loads of practical exercises, loads of lessons, loads of creativity - start seeing things differently when you learn to draw...

Find out more about my Essential Drawing Skills online course (e-book PDF format) here...

Remember to make a note of code 25OFF2020 and use it on checkout to get 25% off - until end of Sunday 9th February only.

Hello to you in a fresh new decade!

It's all about Fresh Beginnings for this fine new decade...

I'm planning some great stuff for 2020, which I'll share with you in a minute - I'll also be taking a fresh look at my own art and learning some new skills.
​

Would you love to have a go with pastels but aren't sure where to start?

Are you confused about which types of pastels to choose or uncertain about how to get those lovely blended colour effects?

Then my new Drawing with Pastels free PDF lesson is for you!

Understand:

• different pastel types
• how to use the different pastels
• pastel techniques

Follow my pastel drawing demos to learn the techniques and find a pastel style to suit you...

We all know someone who's a big fan of florals... these five gift ideas are perfect for flower lovers who also love colourful and contemporary style...

One of my most popular phone case designs, this pretty pink daisy design is perfect for that stylish someone...

• For selected iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy models
• Tough phone protection
• Easy installation
• High-quality printing
• Made to order

Buy it at ArtsCase

Colourful gift ideas for animal lovers - cute stocking-fillers with character to delight your loved ones...

A dinky framed art print, ideal for desks, mantelpieces, or wall display.

• Size: 4" x 4"
• Choice of 4 frame colours
• Complete with shatterproof acrylic cover and rear dust cover
• Printed onto high quality 120lb paper
• Made to order​

Christmas seems to be approaching all too fast - so here are five gorgeous gift ideas to help you decide what to buy for the bird lover in your life...

A beautiful china plate with my colourful and cute Blue Tits design - perfect for wall display or for serving nibbles.

• 20cm diameter
• recommended hand wash only
• made to order in the UK in 1-2 days

When I create my art, I want to take you by the hand and show you all the little awesome things that I see in nature.
​
Sometimes we get too busy to see them, or too distracted by other things going on. One of the jobs of an artist is to see the little things that other people sometimes miss - and to share them with the world...