Brush Hour

I have recently learned that an article I wrote for Leisure Painter magazine will be featured in an upcoming issue, which I am really chuffed about. Without giving too much away, believe it or not, the article is about self-portraits – Yes, you read that right!  You might be wondering why a still-life realism painter would be writing about self-portraits, but it will all become clear once you have read it, I promise!

As if that was not nice enough, I have yet more exciting news. I have been invited to create a full demonstration article for Artists and Illustrators magazine for their May issue. The demo will be all about how to paint glass, one of those subjects that looks terrifying at first glance but becomes incredibly enjoyable once you understand what you are actually looking at.

Painting glass is one of those wonderful challenges in realism painting where reflections, edges and soft light all come together like a puzzle.

I have been featured in magazines a few times before and honestly it never stops feeling a little surreal. There is something very special about seeing your own words and your own artwork in print, sitting proudly on a shelf for anyone to pick up. It is a mixture of pride and a tiny moment of wondering if that really is me every single time.

What Is Happening in the Studio

While my current painting is drying, I've been planning ideas for the magazine demonstration. I am thinking of creating something similar in 'spirit' (excuse the pun) to the painting featured above. This one was a commissioned piece and one I have always loved.

Or, another option, is something like this one, which I also love...

Both paintings play beautifully with light and reflection and whilst I won't be painting anything so detailed for the demo, both would be a perfect starting point for a realism painting tutorial about glass.

I will share in words how the demo comes along, but of course I won't be able to share too much and certainly not images, because it's important for the magazine that nothing in the article has been seen before! The deadline I have been given, is the 27th of January so I need to get started as quickly as possible.

I'll be sharing the painting I finished recently with you very soon, and for now, the subject I was going to paint next, will be number 2 in the queue! Watch this space!

Highlight: All of the above, of course!

Eating: I enjoyed my first mince-pie of the season at the weekend!

Watching: 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!'  - I love Martin Kemp (Yum-Yum)

Looking for: The perfect winter wedding outfit for my Son's festive themed wedding!

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Your Turn

If you have a question you would like me to answer in my next blog post, just leave it in the comments and I will answer in my next post.