This cutest of pups was painted using the following watercolour paints (all Winsor & Newton Cotman range): – Payne’s Gray – Ivory Black – Yellow Ochre – Raw Umber – Vandyke Brown – Alizarin Crimson Hue I used A4 300gsm Acid-free watercolour paper. Step 1: The drawing outline With watercolours, I believe it’s important to…
Whether you’re in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, it really doesn’t matter, we tend to think of Christmas from a Northern point of view. All snow and cold and turkey for lunch. However, it’s very different down in places like South Africa and Australia. It’s a perfect time for going to the beach or having…
Yes, well I think this guy I painted yesterday sums up my current mood perfectly. It’s been a long and productive working year and now it’s time for some well-deserved R&R over the fast-approaching festive season. Somehow, when December hits, it’s like the body knows it really needs a rest and a break from the…
It’s Springtime in South Africa and what a gorgeous season it is! We are blessed to have a resident pair of olive thrushes in our garden and they are so cheeky (in the best way!). Every morning the bigger male waits on our stoep (porch) to see what’s for breakfast. If it’s not to his…
If you go down to the woods today, you’re probably more likely to see these guys than a group of teddy bears having a picnic! Oooh, I’ve got the song stuck in my head now – along with some lovely childhood memories. You only find the grey squirrel where I live, and I know they’re…
A little grey mouse twitched his whiskers Where, oh where are my brothers and sisters? Are they in the kitchen eating some crumbs? Are they in the garden nibbling on plums? Are they playing games in the garden shed? No, they’re tucked up warmly in their bed!
Lately, I’ve really really felt like painting again. I must be honest, I’m not the most patient person when it comes to waiting for the results of my efforts. I always want to see the end result as soon as possible, and of course, painting requires a good deal of patience. I must be…
I’m blessed to live where it’s part suburb, part country, which means that I get my fix of nature and wildlife on a daily basis. Although not exactly “wild”, there is also a semi-wild black bunny in our area. Let me just say that this little girl is CUTE!! I found out her name is…
It can be quite daunting to write your first artbrief for a reader or picture book that you’ve written (assuming you’re not the illustrator, of course). Truth is, it may feel more than a little uncomfortable having to tell a creative illustrator/artist how you want them to draw, see or interpret the words and…
The glorious flowers of Spring in such an abundant display, inspired me to write this poem. Bright yellow blooms interspersed with orange and bright patches of cerise pink and fresh white, seemed to lift my soul. I couldn’t help feeling happy! This display of spring daisies happens on an annual basis on the west coast…