Blog Archives

Exciting new articles at Step by Step Art including the first coloured pencil tutorial!

22/9/2016

After 10 days away from the art studio, visiting family in my old home town of Chesterfield, as well as fitting in a well needed holiday down south in Dover, I am now back and catching up on work. Before I went away, I finalised 5 new articles that have been created within the webpages of my official art tutoring website 'Step by Step Art'. Here's what you can find within it's pages - take a look at our ARTICLES page to find even more.

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Step by Step Coloured Pencil Tutorial
Snow Leopard Eye

Here is the very first step by step tutorial of a Snow Leopard eye created in coloured pencils. You can use any coloured pencil range, and is aimed at those who are looking to take their pencil art to the next level, or even those who have never picked up a pencil before and is looking for a challenge. This tutorial shows you how to create a highly detailed coloured pencil drawing of a Snow Leopard eye.
The paper is Art Spectrum Black Colourfix and the coloured pencils used were the Caran d'Ache Luminance range. You can use any black paper and any pencil range to trial this out - why not give it a go and E-mail me your work to add to the page, I would love to see them.

Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils

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Prismacolor Premier pencils are probably America's most popular coloured pencils, after buying and trying them out, find out what my thoughts are on these pencils.

Clairfontaine Pastelmat review

Colour collection of Clairfontaine Pastelmat paper in 12 different colours

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Have you tried Pastelmat paper, or are you looking for a new paper for your art? This review covers the use of this paper with various mediums, see the results.

Derwent Graphitint Pencils Tutorial

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Just exactly what are those Derwent Graphitint pencils are all about? Are you looking to try them out but not sure how to use them? This article & tutorial may help.

Starting Out With Acrylic Paints

Are you thinking of trying out a new medium or looking to take up acrylic paints as a complete beginner to art? You can find lots of information on what product requirements you need as well as some helpful hints and tips to help you get the best out of your new medium. Most importantly when buying an acrylic paint range I explain what the differences are between cheap/student acrylics & professional/artists quality paints.

Acrylics are a great medium as they offer fast drying results with great colour vibrancy which can be applied to achieve an oil style painting or a watercolour, versatility for everyone!

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Springer Spaniel 'WILLOW' Latest Acrylic Commission

3/9/2016

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I recently completed this stunning portrait of Willow the Springer Spaniel, as a surprise portrait from a husband to his wife, for their special 1 year wedding anniversary. The reference photograph was a brilliant composition to begin with, and I knew the painting would be great fun to do.

Acrylic painting of a Springer Spaniel laid on the grass looking at a tennis ball

The final painting

Artist Karen M Berisford holding her painting of a Springer Spaniel

Myself with the 9" x 12" 22mm portrait

My acrylic paintings are created to offer vibrancy and wherever possible, texture and as the ball was at the forefront of the painting I mixed a moulding paste in with the paints to give the fluffy texture of a tennis ball. I also added texture into Willow's fur using the moulding paste too to add interest when viewing the painting at different angles.

Springer Spaniel acrylic painting detail

Fine details up close

Springer Spaniel acrylic painting on a 22mm Ampersand board

22mm Board with painted corners

Wall protectors on a 22mm Ampersand board

Wall protectors applied for all unframed portraits

This portrait was created on a 22mm Gessobord so that it could be hung without a frame and the edges were also painted too. The painting was sealed with a few layers of Satin Varnish and 2 wall protector feet were added to the bottom corners on the back of the painting for added protection. The great thing about these 22mm board portraits are that you can choose at a later date to have a frame added if you prefer or keep them unframed for that contemporary feel. I really enjoyed creating this portrait and was pleased to hear Willow's Mum was pretty happy with her surprise when she received it too!

Karen, I was the lucky one to receive this beautiful painting. I can't tell you what a lovely gift it is, thank you so much for capturing Willow's character so well. I absolutely love it, it's beautiful and one to be treasured for many years to come.
Victoria D.M