Oil paintings need to be protected and this can fairly easily be achieved by varnishing it properly. If you have never done this, then this guide ought to help you. Once you have finished varnishing the painting it will then have a strong, protective layer over it. This will ensure that it is easier to handle, will not get damaged so lightly and of course it will also make it possible to clean it.

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is the value and beauty of art. In the olden days, before the communications revolution, it was a few assorted experts, art critics and art galleries that decided what was art and how desirable it was.

As you go along and gain confidence with your painting it is great fun to experiment with different brushes and see what different results can be achieved. At times these can add a magical effect to your work.

Whenever your start something new you are probably a bit apprehensive, therefore, what I have here, is a few pointers to help you. Firstly, go out and buy yourself a cheap, fibre tipped pen (preferably a black one). This should be ample for your needs.

Art abounds today everywhere in so many different guises. So, interestingly enough there must be something to suit everyone. Personal taste is a matter of opinion, so really it does not matter if you are knowledgeable or a beginner to art.

Colour is very interesting to me personally as it can change the face of your painting. Creating and actually reflecting the mood you want to portray. It can give a chilled effect, to even searing heat. Colours and music are a wonderful combination!

Some people like to make their own canvasses. Therefore this is intended as a “how to do it” guide. What is the canvas made of you may ask? It actually is a substance derived from the flax plants which is called linen. It is quite strong and most of this I would imagine comes from Belgium and Ireland. You can buy it by the meter in art shops.

It is always good when you are in your home, as you can take as much time as is needed to paint. However, it can be more enjoyable and challenging to go to a location outside.

It is possible to add a mount to a finished watercolour picture to improve it before you get around to framing it, or you could also use it as a card. So what will you need for starters?

Living so close to my local beach I was inspired by the shoreline and found that this was something I needed to try. On a daily basis I see people picking up and feeling pebbles, fiddling with them and often putting them in their pockets to take home. To be able to create a picture from them too, can only be a progression.