Q&a readers’

How do you balance the realistic and stylistic in a painting? I like to combine realistic depictions of a landscape with stylistic flourishes that make it a personal vision. My imagery is a visual dia

Keeping acrylic wet, especially in warm weather, is difficult. It can also be an expensive problem. The best solution is to use a small misting spray. Bottles are available in chemists. You can use th

DRAWING IS GENERALLY where your practical artistic journey begins. A pencil or pen and a sheet of paper is all you need to doodle away. Outlines clarify information, making it easy to access the infor

What paints do you favour and why? I use mostly Golden Heavy Body or Fluid Acrylics. The colour is phenomenal and much stronger than other makes. Mixed media technique is another favourite: I can incl

Avoid leaving tubes of acrylic or a loaded palette in direct sunlight or next to a radiator: the paint will harden rapidly. This also goes for canvases, which can warp. The quickest way to ruin brushe

I want to pass on my expressive approach to painting still lifes from observation using mixed media. I find this way of working freeing and fun. When a painting is started with an attitude of freedom