Watercolour painting is all about flow, control, and softness, and the right brush makes all the difference. Unlike acrylic or oil brushes, watercolour brushes need to hold a lot of water, release pigment smoothly, and maintain a precise point. But with so many options—synthetic, natural, sable, squirrel—how do you choose? And is it really worth investing in high-quality brushes? In this post, I’ll break down the differences between watercolour brushes and other painting brushes, explain the different types of bristles, and share why investing in good brushes is a game-changer for watercolour artists. Plus, I’ll introduce the only brushes I ever use for my own paintings—a handmade, professional-quality, animal-free brush set available in my shop.
Capturing facial expressions in art is more than just drawing a smile or a frown—it’s about understanding the subtle muscle movements, emotions, and psychological cues behind them. That’s exactly what gary faigin’s “the artist’s complete guide to facial expression” sets out to teach.
In this review, I’ll break down what the book covers, how it can help improve your portraits, and why it’s a great resource for artists wanting to create more expressive, lifelike faces. If you’ve ever struggled with making your characters or portraits look truly alive, this book might be just what you need.
If you’ve ever painted with watercolours, you know how much the right paper can make or break your work. Some papers buckle, some don’t hold pigment well, and some make layering a nightmare. Enter arches watercolour paper—the gold standard in the watercolour world. But is it really worth the price?
Spoiler: Yes, absolutely. In this post, I’ll break down what makes arches so special, how it compares to cheaper alternatives, and why investing in quality paper actually saves you money in the long run.
There’s something magical about getting lost in the process of making art. Whether it’s painting, sketching, or even just doodling in a notebook, creativity has a way of calming the mind and bringing a sense of peace. But this isn’t just a feeling—science backs it up. As both an artist and a provisional psychologist, I’m fascinated by the connection between art and mental wellbeing. In this post, I’ll share how creativity affects the brain, why making art is such a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, and how you can incorporate art into your routine for better mental health.
Every artist has been there—you see a beautiful painting, an incredible colour palette, or a striking composition, and you immediately feel inspired. But then comes the tricky part: how do you use that inspiration without just recreating someone else’s work?
In this post, I’ll share practical tips for finding inspiration without copying – so you can keep your work original. I’ll cover how to use references the right way, where to find creative ideas, and how to make sure your art always reflects YOU. If you’ve ever worried about unintentionally copying or struggled with making your art feel more you, this one’s for you!
Watercolour is often described as a light, delicate, and unpredictable medium—but the secret to mastering it lies in layering. By building up transparent washes, artists can create depth, texture, and luminosity that give their paintings a rich, glowing quality. But layering isn’t a new concept—many of the greatest watercolour artists in history used layering techniques to achieve stunning results. In this post, we’ll explore the historical roots of watercolour layering, why it’s so effective, and how you can apply these techniques to your own work.
Between work, study, family, and life’s never-ending to-do list, it can feel impossible to make time for art. Oftentimes, practicing art consistently can feel impossible. Many artists struggle with finding a balance between responsibilities and creative passion, and it’s easy to feel guilty when art takes a backseat. But here’s the truth: you don’t need unlimited free time to grow as an artist—you just need the right approach. In this post, I’ll share realistic strategies for fitting daily art practice into a packed schedule, how to stay consistent without burnout, and why small, intentional effort beats waiting for big chunks of free time. If you love creating but struggle to find the time, this one’s for you!
Is artistic skill something you’re just born with, or can anyone become a great artist with enough practice? The idea that some people are simply naturally gifted at art while others are not is a common belief—but it’s also a myth. In this post, we’ll break down the science of skill-building, how deliberate practice shapes mastery, and why hard work always wins over raw talent in the long run. Plus, I’ll share real-life stories of artists who started late and still became masters—proof that it’s never too late to improve!
Building an art collection is an exciting journey, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out. But owning art isn’t just about acquiring beautiful pieces—it’s about preserving them so they stay in pristine condition for generations to come.
In this guide, I’ll share best practices to preserve your art collection, from framing and cleaning to protecting against environmental damage. Whether you collect original paintings, prints, or mixed-media pieces, these tips will help you keep your collection looking as stunning as the day you acquired it.
Meet Litoria chloris—also known as the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and the star of one of my newest paintings! I’ve always been drawn to painting frogs (no surprise there!), and Litoria chloris was an absolute joy to work on. With its vibrant green body, fiery red-orange eyes, and deep purple thighs, this little amphibian is a walking color palette dream.
As both an artist and a veterinarian, I love blending science with creativity, and this piece was the perfect mix of both. In this post, I’ll take you through the process of painting Litoria chloris, some fun frog facts, and a few veterinary insights that might just make you love frogs as much as I do!
We’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect,” but not all practice is created equal. The difference between casual repetition and real skill improvement comes down to deliberate practice—a structured, goal-driven approach for developing true mastery. Whether you’re an artist, musician, or athlete, understanding how consistency, focus, and feedback shape skill development can transform the way you practice.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the psychology of deliberate practice, how it rewires the brain for growth and expertise, and why daily, intentional effort matters more than raw talent. If you’re serious about improving your artistic skills (or any skill, really), this one’s for you!
Meet Litoria infrafrenata—the White-Lipped Tree Frog, and the star of one of my latest paintings! I’ve always loved frogs, and this big, charismatic species was such a fun challenge to paint. As a veterinarian and artist, I love bringing together my science brain and creative brain, and painting this little guy was the perfect mix of both.
In this post, I’ll take you through the process of painting Litoria infrafrenata, some wild facts about the species, and a few veterinary tidbits that make frogs even more fascinating. If you love frogs, watercolor, or random animal facts, stick around!
In a world where AI-generated art and mass-produced prints are more accessible than ever, the value of handmade original art, is clear. While technology has transformed how we create and consume art, nothing replaces the authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional depth of a piece made by human hands. This blog explores how AI art and mass-produced prints compare to handmade paintings, why original artwork remains irreplaceable, and why collecting unique, artist-made pieces is more important than ever.
A sketchbook is more than just a collection of doodles—it’s a powerful tool for artistic growth, self-expression, and creative exploration. Many of history’s greatest artists, from Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh, kept extensive sketchbooks to refine their ideas and improve their skills. But why is it so beneficial to keep a sketchbook, and how can it help you become a better artist? In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of sketchbooks, how they boost creativity, and the psychology behind why sketching improves artistic ability.
Have you ever lost track of time while painting or drawing, completely immersed in the process? That feeling of effortless creativity is known as a flow state—a psychological phenomenon where time fades, distractions disappear, and your focus is effortlessly sharp. But what actually happens in the brain during flow? How does it boost creativity, and how can you achieve it more often? In this article, we’ll explore the science of artistic flow, the neurology behind creativity, and practical tips to help you tap into flow more easily.
