Getting into Art Painting With Acrylics View Gallery 1, View Gallery 2, View Gallery 3, View Gallery 4

In September 2004 I rediscovered my creative streak and started painting with acrylics. The original idea was to create something to put on the walls which didn't cost much. After some thought I came up with the idea of painting emulsion on hardboard, but no sooner had I completed the first painting when I discovered an art shop in Peterborough and bought a tube of 'real paint' and a decent brush. The 'real paint' turned out to be acrylic. I was really pleased at how easy it was to use, at least in the style I was painting.

I think my paintings so far have shown a gradual improvement due more to me gaining in confidence when handling the paint than to anything else. I am pleased that it has not turned out to be a 5 minute wonder! Of course one aspect of doing something like this is that you are open to criticism. Have a look at some of my work so far in Gallery 1, Gallery 2, Gallery 3 and Gallery 4 and let me know your opinions by leaving a comment

At the start of February 2006 I got an easel. I held off for this long because I wanted to make sure I chose something which suited the way I work and also I wanted to make sure that I didn't waste money buying an easel if I was going to stop painting two weeks later. The one I chose is a pretty safe bet: it's sturdy and can be altered to work at an angle or flat (as I have been working up to now on the dining table).

Using my new easel for the first time (Feb 2006)

I've finally attempted to paint my first sky - something I've been mulling over for a long time. I am attempting a copy of a Jan Van Goyen painting of a river scene. It's quite ambitious for me at this stage and especially so in acrylics, I think. Watch this space for more details.