Knowledge base

Get a perfect smooth finish

I’m often asked how to use specific brushes and which brushes are more suited for certain areas in my paintings. I use the Series 7 and Series 10 brushes in many of my paintings, for blocking in, ...

Safety of oil paints and mediums!

How safe are oil paints?  I get many questions asking me about the safety of painting with oils, some say they don’t use oil because they believe the fumes to be too strong, or they believe oil pai...

Caring For Your Brushes

Tips for looking after your brushes. Because I use Winsor & Newton Alkyd fast drying paints, Liquin and white spirit, I usually clean any brush that I am not currently painting with.  All of th...

Painting detail with the Series 6, short flat brushes.

I use these brushes in many of my landscape paintings, especially when painting small details, for example on rocks and foliage. Series 6, available in 2 sizes can be purchased here To add texture...

Painting fine details with the Series 2 Pointed Brush

I get many questions asking how I achieve such high detail in my paintings.  Brush control is paramount when painting fine details and of course having the right equipment is essential. I use my Se...

Painting effectively with the Dagger Brush

Painting long grasses, distant tree canopies and ripples in water is made easier by using the Dagger Brush, so named because of it’s sword like appearance and unique shape, with a fine tip and grad...

Using the Comber Brush

Creating quick fine lines very close together can easily be achieved by using the Comber brush, when worked swiftly, it gives the effect of lots of tiny strokes. The flat serrated edge allows beaut...

How to add texture using the Tree & texture brush

Creating depth and texture when painting foliage in a realistic painting doesn't have to be difficult. Have you ever wondered how I create this in my paintings? The brush I would traditionally use ...

How to paint fine details using rigger brushes

Every artist knows it can be tricky to get those really fine lines when painting grass or thin tree branches.  The technique I use depends on the colour (of the block-in) I'm painting over. Althoug...

Frequently Asked Questions | Equipment

What is the difference between oil painting on panels and canvas? The technique I have developed over the many years I have been painting can be done either on a smooth canvas or a smooth panel. Wh...