Animal magic

1 First, use Burnt Umber to define the eyes. Outline the edges and the pupil and then go over them with Dark Sepia to darken. Add a base layer of Ivory to the iris, making small circular (scumbling) m

The following demonstration puts an emphasis on practising several acrylic techniques. Enjoy working through these exercises in your sketchbook before you begin the demonstration painting in earnest.

Extremes in dark and light are effective tools in creating punchy focal points. I have painted lots of sunny, acrylic street scenes – mainly backlit – and really enjoyed dabbing in the sparkly highlig

1 Start by putting in the main facial features. Using Dark Sepia and Van Dyck Brown, add outlines for the eyes, nose and mouth (define the pupils and nostrils as well) and once you’re happy, add a sec

1 Before you put any colour down, use the embossing tool to indent the paper. Make sure to use a firm pressure so that you indent the paper enough. Light pressure will not indent deeply enough, and th

Charcoal