The UK’s best practical art magazine for aspiring amateur and professional artists - since 1931. Well-known artists reveal their working practices and techniques, covering all subjects and media, in every issue. Learn how established and up-and-coming artists create their work and use the tips they provide to help you improve your own drawing and painting. Keep up to date with the latest art materials, tried and tested by our trusted panel of expert artists, and keep in touch with the latest art competitions to enter and must-see exhibitions. Learn how other artists make money from their work, join one of our practical workshops/holidays, and don’t miss out on the latest art news and views.
The Artist
WELCOME from the editor
THE ART WORLD • NEWS, INFORMATION AND ONLINE EVENTS IN THE ART WORLD
Exhibitions
WOMEN in Art Fair
COMMON GROUND
Art Societies
Alternative views • Caroline Saunders talks to landscape artist Andrew Barrowman who gravitates towards the subtleties of charcoal and the metalpoint technique
Pushing the boundaries of watercolour • In the second of six articles exploring the medium of watercolour, Charles Williams focuses on artists Francis Bowyer and James Faure Walker and the roles transparency and opacity play in their work
Pose and proportion • In this abridged extract from her new book, Hazel Soan's Painting People & Portraits, Hazel Soan suggests ways to represent faces and figures accurately in a variety of media
Inspired by light • Shadows can make or break a painting. Paul Talbot-Greaves describes how to use the qualities of light to create a dynamic autumn painting
Drawing architecture • In the first of his two-part feature on drawing architecture, Alan Bickley explores how to approach individual buildings in a variety of media and styles
ART COURSES & HOLIDAYS
ART BOX • Art products to help you develop your skills
Stand-out focal points • Allow your paintings to tell a visual story by emphasising the focal point. Greta Vilidaite shows you how
Light fantastic • In the final article in her series on painting light effects in watercolour, Catherine Beale explores short-lived light effects and demonstrates a misty view across the valleys near her Cotswold studio
Boats and harbours • Robert Brindley discusses the attraction and challenges of painting boats and harbours in acrylics
Loose and lively autumn landscapes • In the final article of his five-part series on loose and lively painting, Kevin Scully paints an autumn landscape in oils
The essentials of portraiture • In this final article in his six-part series on painting portraits in oils, Peter Keegan paints a full alla-prima head-and-shoulders portrait and shares tips on taking on portrait commissions
Thumbnails and sketches • Use your thumbnail sketches as a trial run for the real thing advises Mike Barr and find clarity along the way
Finding the balance how artists make it work • Sarah Edmonds talks to four members of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters about how they balance work and life
OPPORTUNITIES & COMPETITIONS • Check out the latest competitions to enter and make a note of important deadlines
ART BOOKS Reviewed by Henry Malt
Trick or treat? • Catherine Ingleby shows you how to set up and paint an autumnal still life using oils