Recent Posts
This post tells the story behind one of my lion drawing. You will see how the idea started, how I planned the composition, and the steps I took to finish the drawing. It also shows how I turn drawings like this into prints that sell. I drew this young male …
What is it with framers? You arrive with a cheap print you bought for a few bucks and leave with an overdraft. The good news is that a beautiful gallery wall doesn’t require an extended mortgage or specialist tools. With a few clever tricks and a bit of creativity, basic …
This is a neat little framing hack to present your art print in an easy way. You don’t need special tools or expensive mat board. You can use fabric you already own and turn it into a custom mat. It adds texture and personality fast. If you like simple DIY …
Custom framing costs a fortune. Even a custom matboard can cost more than your print. That hurts. What if there was a DIY framing hack that looks great but doesn’t break the bank? There is, and you don’t have to go near a framer. You can make your own mat …
Many years ago, I discovered a framing hack that not only looked great but also increased the value of my art. It was simple. I used large picture frames with wide mats to give small prints more presence. The artwork did not change. The way people saw it did. I’m …
You buy or download an art print. Then what? You don’t know how to frame it so you grab a cheap frame or trim the print to fit. It looks terrible. The borders are wrong, the edges look sloppy, it’s a mess. The whole thing feels cheap and nasty. Sound …
This post reveals the story behind my barn owl drawing. It’ll give you an idea of how I make my art, my drawing methods, and my thought processes. If you’ve ever wondered how artists get their ideas, plan a drawing, and make sales, read this post. It will open your …
Ever feel like you’re throwing your art into the void, hoping someone, anyone, will notice? You’re not alone. The art world is a crowded place, and standing out can feel impossible. Maybe you’re bouncing between different styles, subjects, or mediums, unsure of what truly defines you. Or maybe you’re creating …
Selling prints on Etsy is a great way to make some extra cash. The start-up costs are low, you have a built-in audience, and all you need to get started is a digital file. What’s not to like? In truth, there’s more to selling art prints on Etsy than meets …
We’ve all been there, you’re trying to check off your to-do list, prep dinner, or just find five minutes of peace, when you hear those two dreaded words: “I’m bored.” While it’s tempting to hand over a tablet, drawing is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy while actually …
Media is one of those words that crops up everywhere, but it has different meanings in different contexts. This short post breaks down the meaning of media in art terms. Media in art terms, primarily refers to the painting and drawing materials used to make a work of art, these …
Ebay is mostly dismissed as a platform for selling art, yet it was the first place I sold my art online and I made a killing. That was a long time ago now and times change, so is selling art on eBay worth it now? It is worth selling art …
Have you been struggling to find new clients for your work? If so, this blog post is for you! I will tell you how to get art commissions by explaining where and how artists can find customers. The best way to get art commissions easily is to display your art …
I can show you how to draw water in pencil. There are rules you can follow, tools you can use, and drawing techniques that will allow you to draw realistic water with relative ease. Many artists find drawing water difficult, yet with a little knowledge and some patience you can …
For many artists, the “social media treadmill” is an exhausting reality. You spend hours creating a video or a post, only for it to disappear from your audience’s feed within a day or two. This constant pressure to produce new content just to stay visible can lead to burnout. This …
Most of the drawing tutorials you’ll find online are filled with cartoonish sketches by people who really haven’t mastered their craft. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create a lifelike baby elephant my way, using nothing more than a few pencil grades. I’m going to take you …
If you already own a compatible IPad, buying Procreate for $12.99 is great value for money. But what if it was the other way around? Is it worth buying an IPad for Procreate? Does it ever make sense? It is worth buying an Ipad for Procreate. Hobbyists and beginners should buy …
Most artists and creatives are looking for ways to monetize their work. Could Patreon membership help? It has been a popular platform for years, but is Patreon worth it? Let’s take a closer look at Patreon and how it can benefit both Patreon creators and their Patrons. Patreon is worth …
Do you want to promote your art for free? Of course, we all do, and that’s why you have to use social media. So I compiled a list of the 13 best social media platforms for artists that are free to use or have a free tier. You know you …
I remember buying a book called “Thorburn’s Birds” as a teenage kid and being mesmerized by the artwork. I was a keen birdwatcher and these vintage illustrations blew me away. They were so skilled and beautiful and I dreamed of being able to paint this way. I’m 64 now and …
