This week I’ve been painting gem stones. It’s not often I only use oil paint, but the depth is incredible and the paint flows so well on the canvas. I usually start in acrylic, but I felt these needed a different technique. Oh plus I’m adding gold leaf!! What creative project have you been working on??

This is how not to set up a palette. I didn’t plan my colours, I just put them out as I needed them, in a random order. Usually, I stick to a more rainbow effect for easy mixing. These are transparent oil colours. Very jewel like. I use a stag wet palette with a glass chopping board inside, so I can close the lid and use it for next couple of days. I clean off the centre part so my colours stay clean. POST a picture of yours next time you create.

Half term holidays are here, and I’ve finally had the time to finish my mum’s painting. What started as a few touch-ups turned into a full revamp! It’s brighter, bolder, and full of life. Funny how a few little tweaks can breathe so much new energy into a piece.

I might be ill again (perils of teaching in a school) but I was determined to do something today. So I took my 3 favourite colours, purple, gold and tea and splashed them around. No intentions other than to cover the paper. I quite like the contrast between the thin and the thick paint. I will be interested to see if the gold paint stays so 3D and textured. It proves even if you are on a low energy day you can enjoy something creative.

This is great of you want to loosen up your art style. Watch the short video for tips and tricks. Assignment: Get out your sketchbook, set a timer for no more than 30 mins, my painting took only 20. Have fun swirling the paints around. It’s probably best to wear gloves. The tutorial is in the classroom under creative boost challenges. Post your work under the heading creative boost. Don’t be afraid to create a mess like me! https://www.skool.com/jarman-arts-7011/classroom/086526af?md=14f889bb07814706a730505d14598dbe