The UK’s best practical art magazine for aspiring amateur and professional artists - since 1931. Well-known artists reveal their working practices and techniques, covering all subjects and media, in every issue. Learn how established and up-and-coming artists create their work and use the tips they provide to help you improve your own drawing and painting. Keep up to date with the latest art materials, tried and tested by our trusted panel of expert artists, and keep in touch with the latest art competitions to enter and must-see exhibitions. Learn how other artists make money from their work, join one of our practical workshops/holidays, and don’t miss out on the latest art news and views.
the artist
WELCOME from the editor
Next month in the artist
YOUR VIEWS • LETTERS, EMAILS AND COMMENTS
STAR LETTER
THE ART WORLD • NEWS, INFORMATION AND ONLINE EVENTS IN THE ART WORLD
The Artist’s 90th Anniversary CHALLENGE
OPEN STUDIOS
COLOUR & LIGHT
Reality check • Brian Henderson uses enhanced light and contrasting textures in his acrylic realist compositions, as Caroline Saunders discovers
Painting in the Himalayas • To celebrate an amazing painting experience and forthcoming exhibition of the work completed during their trip, Patrick Cullen, Tobit Roche and Tim Scott Bolton share their experiences
OUT OF THIN AIR
Make a tonal study of the head • In the first of a new three-part series about painting a portrait, Adele Wagstaff shows you how to use just black and white oil paint to make a tonal study
Try the ‘what-if’ approach • In the second of a series of three articles, Brian Smith advises on how to achieve effects such as atmosphere, distance and focus by adjusting your pigment levels
Marine and coastal scenes • In the second article in his current series, Steve Hall explores the English coastline, where he finds plenty of inspiration for favoured subject matter, alongside an opportunity to make use of vibrant pastel colours
STEVE’S TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASTEL PAINTINGS
Still life with tulips • Follow Julie Collins as she shows you how to use glazing techniques to add depth in a watercolour still life of tulips in a vase
THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATIONS • There are as many advantages to collaborating with other artists as there are reasons to join forces, as Sarah Edmonds explains
Art courses and Holidays
Hard, soft and broken edges • Paul Talbot-Greaves looks at three main types of edges in painting and explains what they are and how to use them, with an exercise for you to try
How to capture a person’s character • Carl Knibb reveals his process for painting portraits. Whether working in oils or acrylics he avoids making an initial pencil sketch, advising that it can be a fun exercise to go straight in with the paint and gestural marks
THREE KEY AREAS
Use nature’s art supplies • Ann Blockley has discovered that connecting with nature in woodlands or close to trees helps creativity and to release creative blocks. As part of this process she makes natural inks and incorporates natural materials in her work
Explore acrylic spray painting techniques • Acrylic spray paints can inspire confidence and take your work in new directions. Robert Dutton shares his approach and working methods
Watercolour paper choices • Amanda Hyatt shares her experience of choosing and using watercolour paper and advises on how to choose the right surface for your work
Construct your own simple picture frame • Peter Burgess begins a series of three articles about picture framing. This month he shows you how to make a simple pine frame
Putting your name on it • A signature is an important part of your painting. Mike Barr stresses the...