Paul’s Tips

To save time, have the colours set out on your palette in advance.

Plan how to carry your triptych and work out in advance where to park.

Work spontaneously, avoid too much detail and enjoy it. If a painting is uninspired and laboured it will show.

Don’t overwork the painting.

Set a realistic timeframe and stick to it. After two hours painting my triptych, the light had changed and the tide was almost in. It was time to stop and move on.

Less is more. Try a limited palette of colours. This will help to create tonal harmony in your painting.

Be prepared to paint quickly and avoid distractions.

Don’t bring too many brushes with you, three or four are plenty. As a challenge I sometimes only use one.

Have a rough idea of the sort of painting you want to create in advance. This focuses the mind and will help you to make quick decisions.