Articles Index

Initial Pencil Sketch for a Painting

Find out how much detail should you put into your initial pencil sketch for a painting on canvas.

How to Paint in an Expressive or Painterly Style

Find out what it means to paint in an expressive or painterly style, and then learn how to do it yourself.

Painting Accurate Ellipses on Objects

It's essential to have accurate ellipses on any cylindrical objects in a painting for them to appear real. Here are some tips on how to achieve accurate ellipses.

Painting Glass

What color is glass, and how do you paint it? There's no simple answer as glass is influenced by what's around it. You need to observe very carefully.

How to Deal with Criticism About Your Art

Tips on how to deal with a harsh, unwelcome or unrequested art critique, how to keep your artistic vision and not be devastated by a critique.

Myths About Being an Artist

There are a lot of myths about what it takes to be an artist. Starting with the myth that talent is essential... it's not.

5 Ways to Ruin an Art Paint Brush

If you look after it well, a paint brush can last a long time, but it's very easy to ruin it too. Don't do these things!

Painting Basic Shapes: A Sphere

The sphere is one of the basic shapes that creates the illusion of reality in a painting. Find out how to paint a sphere, not just a flat circle.

Painting with a Knife Rather than a Brush

An introduction to using a painting knife rather than a brush, including selecting a suitable knife to get you started.

Negative Space in a Painting

A tutorial on what negative space in a painting is, how and why to use it, and why it's so useful.

How to Decide What Paint to Use

Want to start painting but not sure what paint to use? Here's help on deciding how to choose between the most popular types of paint used.

Scumbling Painting Technique

Find out what scumbling in a painting is, and how to do this art technique yourself.

How to Read the Label on a Tube of Paint

Find out what the 'small print' on a paint tube label means.

Painting Techniques: Sgraffito

What is sgraffito and how do you use this painting technique?

Fan Brush Painting

Learn how to use a fan brush in your painting, tips and techniques to get the most from a fan-shaped brush.

How to Hold a Paint Palette

If you hold a paint palette correctly it's far less tiring on your arm and hand.

How to Set Up a Still Life for Painting

Setting up a still life for painting isn't a matter of throwing few objects onto a table top and then starting. For a successful still life, you want to put some thought into the choices available to you.

Make a Stage for Your Still Life Set Up

How to use a large box to make a stage for your still life set up.

Painting by Numbers

A look at what Painting by Numbers involves, and why I think it's a helpful technique for beginners.

How to Hold an Art Paint Brush

Have you ever given any thought to the way you hold a paint brush? Did you know that there's more than one way to hold it? Find out more here.

7 Steps to a Successful Painting

An explanation of the seven steps to a successful painting, by Canadian artist Brian Simons. Though this method of painting may seem quite simple and unsophisticated, it works.