Tuesday, March 30, 2010

How To Create A Squares Painting

Many people have admired and also tried to copy my squares paintings. Although they look simple to create they are not that easy to make look professional. If you want detailed instructions as to how to create a beautiful squares painting then these instructions are now available for only 10 USD. This 6 page document gives step-by-step instructions how to create the texture, what materials to use and how to apply them. It also shows exactly how to get the slightly 'worn' effect on the squares and how to make it really glossy (and which varnish to use). It includes detailed photos and 2 videos for everything you need to know. Once payment is made I will email you the instructions as soon as possible.



New Paintings For An Exhibition

So I am working on 3 new paintings for a joint exhibition in Dubai that starts this weekend. Attached is the first one which is finished. The 2nd one needs edging and varnishing and the third one is just drying. They are all in my trademark 'watery' style that I have used for a couple of years although recently I have been doing more textured work. This time the technique was specifically requested so I have been working on these. To see how I create this type of work have a look at this acrylic technique article.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Make Money Drawing Caricatures

If you want to make some extra money as a caricaturist on the weekends, then Covent Garden Market Dubai has an opening next season at their street market. If you think you might need a bit more training then have a look at this best selling guide to making money as a caricaturist by someone who has been drawing for 30 years. For info on the market contact info@coventgardenmarket.ae.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Guardian Article About Art Dubai

There is an interesting about Art Dubai 2010 by the UK Guardian newspaper. See it here.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Amazing 3d Tattoo!

So I was sent this picture of an amazing 3D tattoo. Not one that I would have I have to admit but the artistry is amazing! I am tempted to have another tattoo done and there are some awesome designs on this tattoo design website. Take a look if you are thinking of having a tattoo, it's important to have a design that you are happy with for the rest of your life!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Suheil Baddor at Art Dubai

Last night I was chatting to UAE based Syrian artist Suheil Baddor who has some paintings at Art Dubai. He is a great character and I love his work. In fact the picture attached is one of his paintings that has pride of place in my living room. He has been invited to exhibit in many places and having just returned from Jordan, he is off to Greece this weekend. I am also proud to say that he has one of my paintings in his home!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Locations of Markets in the UAE

If you want to check out or take part in some of the markets that are happening in the UAE then check out this gulf news article giving details of arts and crafts, flea markets etc

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Art Dubai 2010


So last night was the VIP Patrons night which I was luck enough to get an invite to. It was an amazing night with a real buzz and fantastic food and drink provided by Jumeirah Group. There was, as always, some really inspirational art on show that made my just want to come home and get my paints out. It also always makes you think a bit differently about materials to use in your art, for example the airfix figures and barbed wire that was used in one piece of artwork. Really the possibilities are endless! Go take a look if you get a chance or if you are elsewhere int eh world make sure you visit an art fair near you!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Art Dubai

So the 4th Year of Art Dubai starts this week and I am lucky enough to have VIP tickets to the patrons evening on Tuesday night which I am very much looking forward to. Will have to get dressed up and check out what new art they have this year. There's always some interesting stuff there and some food for inspiration. I'll try and get some pictures and/or video to post.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Creating Texture

I use a lot of texture in my paintings but I don't use gesso as it is expensive and too thin. Read my article on creating your own texture to find out what I use for the base of my paintings.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Art Fairs in Dubai and In General

Is it me or have art fairs just become an excuse to shock or create weird and wacky stuff just to create a stir? I talk to so many people who don't know where to buy original art - just simple, one off pieces for their homes. But in terms of exhibitions and fairs it seems almost like painting is going out of fashion these days, it's all about installations and other kind of 'trendy' stuff :-) nothing wrong with them but people just seem to be trying to push the boundaries of what everyday people think is art but throwing something radical in just to stir it up and maybe create controversy. I guess it depends on what the purpose of the exhibition is, to sell or to entertain or maybe even to shock. DUCTAC have an exhibition of this kind starting on 11th March. Will be interested to go and have a look at this anyway.

If anyone does want simple, original art for their home then maybe come take a look at Arte in Times Square Centre on Friday 12th March, midday til 7pm.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Colour Wheel

One of the essentials of being a good artist (I think!) is to know the colour wheel and at least some of the basics of colour theory. I will be posting an article on this shortly but in the meantime here is a basic colour wheel.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

New Article Published on Using Acrylic Paints


I have had a new articled published on eZine Articles entitled Acrylic Painting Tips - 11 Tips to Help Artists. You can find it here.

New Leisure Website

So the first version of my new website is up and running. It is all still a work in progress but I have decided to release it as it is to kick things off. It has lots of ideas about leisure activities, focusing on arts and crafts, golf and health and wellbeing to start off with.