Art Practice
Lost and found edges can make a painting feel less outlined
Explore lost and found edges with a small painting study. Vary where shapes separate clearly and where similar values let an edge become less visible.
COLOUR, CRAFT & A LITTLE PATIENCE
The craft table
Craft Techniques
Building stronger joins in a small coil pot
A coil-built pot needs sound joins beneath its visible shape. Practise a small bowl while watching clay moisture, seam compression and drying.
Painting Practice
Acrylic glazing starts with a dry layer and transparent colour
Explore acrylic glazing with a small test strip: transparent colour, a dry underlayer and careful observation as the medium clears.
Watercolour Practice
Let granulating watercolours settle before judging the wash
See how granulating watercolour behaves on textured paper, and use a controlled swatch to distinguish pigment texture from accidental overworking.
Drawing Materials
Graphite grades change the mark, not just its darkness
Compare H, HB and B graphite on the same paper, using light pressure and a simple swatch exercise to choose a pencil for the mark you want.
Printmaking Practice
Make a monotype from a painted plate and discover what the first pull changes
Explore monotype printing with one painted plate, a first impression and a lighter second pull, while recording what changes between them.
Drawing Practice
Cross-hatching builds tone through the gaps between the lines
Practise cross-hatching with a simple value strip and a rounded object, using line spacing and direction to build tone without muddying the paper.
Studio Practice
Make a small colour study before committing to a large canvas
Use a small colour study to decide value balance, dominant colour and focal contrast before spending paint and time on a large canvas.
Caring for Artwork
A Paper Hinge Can Let a Mounted Drawing Move Naturally
Understand why paper art is often hinged rather than glued flat, and practise only on expendable work before framing.