Category: Painting

  • Edward Burra at Tate Britain

    Edward Burra at Tate Britain

    Seeing Edward Burra at Tate Britain was one of those exhibitions that unexpectedly hits the spot. If you like quirky figurative depictions of slightly outrageous scenes from someones travels, you have until October 19th to get to enjoy it. It was also a nice surprise to see that the majority of works had been painted…

  • A list of TV programmes and films about artists (Updated)

    A list of TV programmes and films about artists (Updated)

    Having listened to Peter Blake being interviewed on This Cultural Life last week, I then enjoyed watching the 1962 Monitor episode, ‘Pop Goes the Easel’, directed by Ken Russell, which featuring Blake, along with Peter Phillips, Derek Boshier and Pauline Boty. I then listed of all the programmes and films about artists I could find.…

  • Moore and Moore: Two days in July

    Moore and Moore: Two days in July

    Day 1: Perry Green studios and gardens in HertfordshireWalk amongst large sculptures by Moore displayed in his gardens and surrounding fields. There are also a number of studios to pop into, including the stunning Maquette studio (above) filled with hundreds of sculptural studies and found natural objects. You can also purchase an additional ticket to…

  • Sketchbooks

    Sketchbooks

    I was asked about using sketchbooks the other day. Although I don’t keep sketchbooks myself, there are some fascinating films of artists talking about theirs on the RA’s Youtube channel. My friend, artist Mick Kirkbride, has filmed one for them too. It’s a really good watch. By chance I also received an email from Jacksons the other…

  • 5 works by Zoom Students

    5 works by Zoom Students

    Monday was my last Zoom teaching session of the term. I’ve uploaded one piece from each of the five participants below. They are interested in one of two new members joining them next term, so if you think you would be a good fit, please get in touch and I’ll send you more information. I…

  • Recent newsletters

    Recent newsletters

    I send out email newsletters most weeks to share some of the creative things I come across day to day in my world of art and art education. There are links to recent newsletters below, but if you’d like to receive them each week by email, you can sign up here. Recent newsletters (2025): 18th…

  • Robert Stewart

    Robert Stewart

    The painting and collage was made jointly by Heather and Robert Stewart this term, during the small, joyful Zoom sessions I run on Monday mornings. The colourful swirls of acrylic paint were made by Heather, and the equally colourful collaged buildings by Robert. The work is 1.5 meters wide and captures the joy of their…

  • Artwork by Wednesday Painting Students: Summer Term 2025

    Artwork by Wednesday Painting Students: Summer Term 2025

    Painting ClassesWednesdays: 10.15-12.30 & 1-3.15 We’ve come to the end of another term of wonderful Wednesday painting classes. I feel they are really something special; every student, whether new to painting or experienced, is committed to improving their painting and drawing, as well as contributing to an exciting and energised studio environment. I managed to…

  • A list of artists appearing on This Cultural Life and Desert Island Discs

    A list of artists appearing on This Cultural Life and Desert Island Discs

    I’ve made the following list of ‘This Cultral Life’ and ‘Desert Island Discs’ podcast episodes that feature visual artists. I’ve thrown a few illustrators, two architects, and a photographer into the mix too. This Cultural Life: Anselm KieferJenny SavilleFrank AuerbachAntony GormleySam Taylor-JohnsonEdmund de WaalJeremy DellerGilbert and GeorgeMartin ParrRachel WhitereadES DevlinNorman FosterMaggi HamblingTracey Emin Desert Island…

  • Oil Painting, Thinners and Chest Pains

    Oil Painting, Thinners and Chest Pains

    Despite oil paints being my preferred medium, I dedicating the whole of 2024 to painting with watercolours, and the five years previous to mostly using acrylics. The reason I stopped using oils in 2018 was due to the slight chest pains I was getting from the fumes that came with using thinners. But now I’m…