MASTER HINTS AND TIPS

• Stepping outside your studio and looking at the world around you is often where you will find the greatest source of artistic inspiration. Lots of quick little sketches – no matter how insignificant they may seem – are great building blocks for larger ideas and final compositions.

• Once I have a clear image in my mind and a tonal sketch on paper, the confidence to paint comes easily.

• Take the telephone off the hook when doing wet-on-wet areas such as large background washes.

• Having chosen and laid out the colours you wish to paint with, do a small rough painting of your idea. This, together with your tonal sketch, can help as a ‘memory bank’ for your final painting.

• Keep at least three jars of water beside you, and use one of these purely for rinsing out your brushes. Your other jars will be suitable for adding clean water to your paints. Regularly change the water and keep your palette clean.