Knowledge base

Can I sell the paintings I've completed? Shutterstock Licence Codes

Can I sell the paintings I’ve completed? You are free to sell any paintings you’ve completed, that use my own images. Those being: Beachy head, Lake District, Blakes wood, Cloudy Sky, Puddle, How t...

Frequently asked questions | Tutorials

How can I learn to paint like Michael James Smith? Michael shares a wealth of knowledge in step-by-step tutorials, covering many different subjects and demonstrating his technique from start to fin...

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 Frost & Snow In Oil

I really like painting winter scenes, I find the contrast between the delicate twigs and the smooth pillow like snow on the ground striking. Leaves dusted with frost, glistening in the winter sunsh...

Create Stars With The Fan Brush

I was taken out of my comfort zone with my latest lesson, ‘Starry Night’. Especially while revisiting some techniques that I haven’t used since my childhood. Using oil paint to create this effect r...

Painting Portraits

I’ve always enjoyed painting figurative works, especially portraits, they can be quite challenging but are equally rewarding. My lessons guide you through the intricacies of painting eyes and also ...

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...