ARTIST’S HINTS AND TIPS

• All objects are reflected as a mirror image. If you are not sure of the reflected shape of the object, place a mirror against your painting and view the mirror reflection as a guide.

• When I have a break from painting I spray a light mist of water over the acrylic paints on the palette then place it inside a plastic bag and put it in the fridge where it will keep from drying out for a few days.

• When mixing paint on your palette it is more economical to add small elements of dark colour gradually into light colour.

• I like to take notes for future reference on each painting I am working on in an exercise book. I divide the painting up into sections eg Sky, Background Hills, Water, Foreground, Boats, Birds etc and jot down what combination of colours I used in each section. I also place a photo of the painting with it.

• I find I get better results and a finer detail in my painting using artist quality canvass that has been prepared with six coats of Gesso and then given a light sand with a fine sandpaper so the surface is extremely smooth. As it takes time for each coat to dry I find it more economical to prepare a few canvasses at a time.