Tip: Remember ‘pretty’ is ‘nice’ but ‘intelligent’ holds interest.

So how do we do that? You begin with observation, research, thinking and analysing. This of course all sounds very academic – but you’ll find that is not the case. What it is really about is revelation and opening your mind, extending your thoughts and challenging yourself.

We are all ‘champing at the bit’ to get started aren’t we – but lets take a little time to think things through before we get into the ‘flying brushes’ stage.

Things to think about:

Why do I want to paint this subject? What is it that touches me? What am I trying to say?

Most often you will find the answers to the above are the same for each question.

If you can’t answer these questions when thinking about the subject you have in mind – then spend a little more time studying the idea – or choose another subject or add something to the composition that gives it expression.

‘High Summer’ 535mm x 477mm
Watercolour on Arches Hot Pressed Paper.
(Available as a lithograph reproduction print)

Maybe the answer to the above questions will be found in the light you choose to illuminate your subject. This can create a feeling, and atmosphere. For instance: the subject may be gently emerging out of translucent shadows, creating a nostalgic mood. Or it could be something totally different – the subject may be in dappled sunlight creating a warm summery feel. Or you may want to feel the warmth of the summer sun through all seasons, and enjoy the gentle breeze as it wafts amongst the pansies in my watercolour painting titled ‘High Summer’

Now let’s analyze:

You’ll find your subject will lend itself to a composition and often an era.

Take old-fashioned roses for instance: A vase of David Austin Old English Roses lends itself to a by-gone era. Why not emphasise that by placing them in a situation that adds to that notion - as you see in this oil painting which was hugely popular in my recent exhibition:

“Last Lingering Note of Summer”
Oil on Canvas 512mm x 410mm.
(Available as a fine art giclee on canvas reproduction print)

Notice how I have used luscious and also delicately coloured roses in this composition. I chose to place these on a richly coloured marble table top. See how the old glass vase allowed the translucent background to act like a foil to the green, crimson and brown flower stems. I wanted the translucent background shadow to envelop the roses as they emerged into the daylight.

Without thinking about it – you can ‘feel’ the era of this painting. You can imagine a high window allowing a shaft of light to spotlight on this rich and luscious bouquet. But now I will break the spell: In actual fact this vase of roses was placed in my living room, on a table with a black cotton cloth. There were no luminous shadows in the background or richly grained marble tabletops. But you can see how I used these ‘supporting tools’ to bring out the essence of what I wanted to say.