Arty Tip of the Month – From Brushstroke to Breakthrough: How a Painting Grows
Part 1 – This month, I’ve been working on a new painting — and it’s taken on a life of its own.
Originally inspired by my love of trees, undergrowth, natural textures, the composition has organically grown to include my old friend – the sea. While I started with earthy elements like roots, rocks, and foliage, I found myself naturally drifting back to the coast… adding an ocean horizon in the distance to tie it into my wider body of seascape work.
This painting is unfolding in two parts, and my latest YouTube video demonstrates a variety of techniques I’ve explored in previous tutorials on my channel. If you’ve watched my videos before, you’ll recognise familiar methods from introducing textures to adding detail.
Letting the Painting Grow
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years is to let the painting grow. It’s not always perfect from the start — in fact, I’m currently unhappy with certain areas! But I’ve learned to trust the process.
When a piece isn’t working I:
- Take a break. Walking away and returning later can completely shift your perspective.
- Prop it somewhere visible. A hallway, kitchen, or studio corner — anywhere you pass by. Seeing your work when passing reveals so much. You’ll spot details that aren’t working… or moments of magic you hadn’t noticed.
Want to See How It Ends?
This is just part one of the journey. I’ll be sharing the final part of this painting next month, along with how I resolved the areas that are currently troubling me. If you’re interested in how an artist solves creative challenges in real time, this series is for you.
Watch part one now on my YouTube channel
(And don’t forget to subscribe to be the first to see part two!)
NEWS! – Come and See My Work in Person.
If you’re in or near Scotland this summer, I’m thrilled to invite you to:
Echoes – A Nature-Inspired Showcase.
This is a collaborative exhibition with my friends and fellow artists Stuart Gray and Sue Bibby.
Location – Harbour Cottage Gallery, Kirkcudbright
When – 25 August – 6 September 2025
This show celebrates our connection to the natural world through painting, embroidery, and a shared creative journey. It’s going to be something truly special!
Watch my latest video demonstration above to see this technique in action.
INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN MY ONLINE PAINTING COURSE ABOUT PAINTING ROUGH SEAS? CLICK HERE
DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF ABOUT TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES IN WATERCOLOUR HERE.
DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF ABOUT THE COLOUR WHEEL AND COLOUR MIXING HERE.