Skyblue Art Classes

Recently I was chatting about how colours are mixed and wondered is there an easier way to demonstrate the proportions of colours being mixed. In this blog post I provide the app link and give my take on whether it is useful or not. So what is colour mixing? When you add one colour to another you get a third colour (as a result of the two combining). Most people know that blue and yellow make green for example. When you learn how to paint, though this doesn’t always come out

Subject: 🎨 Art Bundles for Good #10 is Back! Skyblue works this fabulous charity inspired online classes organisation 'Art Bundles' based in New York offering a big selection of online classes from all over the world. This makes a super present for yourself or for a friend or family member. I offered this back in the autumn so this is the same set of classes as then, in case you missed it! If you took part look out for new classes coming later in the year Art Bundles for Go

I ran this offer in autumn last year but if you missed it there is another chance to enter. I am teaming up with an organisation in the U.S. - Art Bundles for Good who are offering a fabulous collection of over 100 online art courses for you to take part in but first you could win some! Giveaway Dates: April 24 - April 29 3 complete bundles will be given away a list of all the classes you could win is at the bottom of this post! to enter is click here If you enjoy online art

I recently bought a few items at Jacksons (www.jacksonsart.com) for my trips outside and to use with my new pochade box and thought I would share with you. These items are all below £20, some under £5 making it more affordable and getting quality at the same time.

One of the first things that strikes everyone as soon as they have set up outdoors to sketch, is what am I going to draw or paint? In this post I outline 3 things that can help you make a confident start.

We did our first local outdoor sketching session on 1 April and then at a different venue on 8 April and it was such a treat. On both days we had lovely spring weather without any rain! If you want to join our small group of outdoor sketching I am organising more dates over the summer, here’s how to join If you would like to join us we have a WhatsApp Sketching group set up, text me on 07779 499294 and I will add you to the list. For what to bring, check out the previous blog

It's been a long winter as many of you will probably agree and, although it's not too warm at the moment spring is just around the corner.. So, I am planning two Wednesday morning dates in April to go outdoor sketching that includes a coffee at a nearby cafe afterwards and wondered if you wanted to join me. The full details of where and when in April are below (also will be in the weekly newsletter) So if you have always fancied drawing outside or want to try something diff

I often get asked "should I start by learning how to draw?" and, as I started this way, I am very inclined to say yes! Drawing is one of the things that we learn at a very early age and even if you haven't drawn for a very long time I believe it is one of the most productive things you can do on a creative journey. Our next one is in April - a super 3 week special on Wednesday mornings 10 - 12.30 Drawing is very inexpensive, portable and a lot of fun. You can start with a pen

The theme for this session is this beautiful green blue colour pictured. The last Thursday morning of the month is sketchbook week - a super time to devote to your own personal creativity in a sketchbook that you can take with you on your travels or work on at home, gradually building up over time. The Green Wave by Monet Blue Green is the theme of the sketchbook week, think about how you can create this colour and maybe think of colours that would complement it using waterco

When I’m teaching, I often notice how people seem to settle into a quieter, calmer mood once they arrive and begin drawing or painting. Watching this happen again and again made me curious. As an artist myself, I recognise that feeling of slipping into a creative zone, where time fades and I can almost “lose myself” in the act of making, even after a short while. Let me know your comments below and what you think! That curiosity led me to wonder whether this experience is mor

brighten up February with pastel drawing or as it is sometimes known as pastel 'painting'

Did the sketch come out as I wanted? Not really… read on to find out what I did

Christmas is over and New Year is on its way, theres a period of time where it seems it could be any day! This is a super time to stay in the warm and paint and draw. If you are stuck for inspiration then try out my online pre-recorded videos. I have three video options to choose from: 1. https://www.art.bundlesforgood.com/?ap_id=JDSky - video tutorials where you can buy a bundle (lots of video classes with a variety of drawing painting, crafting from tutors all over the wo

Thursday afternoon classes for beginners, a four week course or drop in sessions

A date for your diary! Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December I will be showing some of my paintings alongside my creative friends at Mettle Studios just off Roundstone Bypass. We are open 10-5pm for both days and it would be lovely to see you. You can park at the studios although it can be a little busy, neighbouring roads make it a little easier Each year we get together and show our work (I previously exhibited back in September at Colonnade House with many of the makers h

This post will be updated weekly with items class members are bringing along, check it out. Our last class of 2025 is Thursday morning, December 18th and in keeping with tradition we like to wrap up the year with a few tasty nibbles after class. It would be fabulous if you can make it! Its been a wonderful creative 2025, with everyone building their drawing and painting skills a real joy to see and watch you develop. Details: A small food or drink contribution: Bring along a

If you are new or just looking to add to your art materials I have compiled some links below for you to guide you to some of the best value options

We are wrapping up our sketchbook Thursdays with this final sketchbook class of the year. We have come such a long way with the sketchbooks and it will be great to see them. You are invited along either to bring your sketchbook or even to start a new one. We will be continuing the sketchbook theme into 2026. November Sketchbook class (Thursday morning 27 November 9.30-12 see weekly newsletter for full details) The theme is; Snowy scenes and winter Think about how you can crea

over 100 inspiring art classes from more than 80 talented artists, all for one incredible low price

Join us for a gelli printing Xmas special! Gather ideas for Christmas cards in your sketchbook or start printing them as cards in class. If you have bought a gelli plate and want to use it this is the time to get going and if you want to have a test drive of one I have a couple of Gelli plates you can use. Image from Raw Pixel here If you want to find out what a gelli plate is check out YouTube or Google - its a silicon plate that you roll acrylic paint onto before adding an