THE MOBILE ART STUDIO

Painting on stones is an easy and cheap way of creating ornaments for the garden, gift ideas or dedications. Here is a demonstration on painting red pansies onto stone. Pansies possess punchy colors and bold shapes. I prefer smooth stones or those with interesting shapes and nodules. Avoid porous stones like pumice or those that are liable to erode such as limestone or sandstone. I go for granite, slate or marble. Smooth pebbles are ideal. Gift ideas: The Painted Stone Art Materials needed are: several tough sables that have worn or grown a little stiff through use. They can withstand the surface of the stone, particularly when it comes to getting paint into the crevasses. Reserve separate sables for dark and pale colors. No.s 3’s or 6’s are good for detail. A number 6 flat bristle is suitable for the background. Black acrylic paint, then oil colors of the following: white, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, black and viridian green. Artist varnish will weatherproof the stone...

This simple oil painting exercise in how to paint a dog’s head has been taken from my art instruction book, 10 Bite-Sized Oil Painting Projects: Book 3, (also included within my bundle art book: 30 Bite-Sized Oil Painting Projects ). Each describes oil painting projects for the artist simply wishing to have a go at oils without having to pore over photos hoping to find inspiration. My other blog dedicated to oil painting provides more exercises and information on oils. Here, we can see this dog’s profile displays flat areas of white and russet, ideal for practicing how to paint sleek fur without intricate detail. Highlights and shadow exists side by side, suggesting softness. The arrows in image B represent the directions of the brushstrokes used. An abridged step by step demonstration on this dog painting begins with the drawing. Image A shows the dog’s head can fit within basic shapes such as a triangle and rectangle, ideal for calculating the outlines. The sketch was condu...

An effective oil painting can be completed in half an hour and with just five oil colors. This oil painting demonstration required the simplest art materials, ideal for the student who prefers to use basic materials. The scene comprises a tree next to a river, ideal for painting reflections. My other blog, Oil Painting Medic provides more exercises and advice on using this versatile medium. Simple Art Demonstration on Painting Reflections How to Paint Water Step by Step The art materials needed for this demonstration are: Oil colors: titanium white, pthalo blue, burnt sienna, cadmium lemon and viridian. Only a flat bristle no. 6 and round sable no. 3 were used. Artists’ spirit was needed only for cleaning the brushes at the end of the session. I had primed a small panel with two coats of gesso before beginning the painting. The panel measured 7x9inches. A HB pencil and eraser was needed for sketching in the composition before laying down the paint. My youtube...

Painting with economy of brush marks forces the artist to make each count. The resultant landscape sketch will appear less fussed over and fresher. Painting Technique Cure for Perfectionists Learners afflicted with the compulsion to work over a painting in pursuit of perfection might be dissatisfied if all life appears squeezed out of the painting. The teacher may suggest the use of large brushes on a small art surface to complete a simple landscape study. With limited marks allowed the painting will inevitably retain expression, vibrancy, and freshness, albeit with imperfections. The exercise may feel awkward at first and some learners may still be tempted to fuss over the painting. Art Materials for the Painting Exercise Painting surface no larger than A3 in size (or around 12x15in) Wide bristle brushes, sized around 8-10. Essential pigments of the student’s chosen medium, which must be opaque in nature (oils, acrylics or alkyds.) A photograph featuring a landscape with...