In The Emperor’s New Clothes, Hans Christian Andersen tells a simple story with a sharp edge: two swindlers sell an emperor invisible clothes, claiming only the wise can see them. No one wants to appear stupid, so everyone pretends the clothes are magnificent—until a child blurts out the obvious.

Learn how to create a stunning pastel kingfisher drawing in this detailed “Kingfisher Pastel Tutorial with Marco.” This step-by-step guide covers the materials you’ll need, blending techniques, and expert tips to bring bright bird colours to life in pastel art. Follow each stage from eye building to feather details and finishing touches. Some of the products you will be using are Faber-Castell Pastel Pencils, Cassart Pastel, Zestit and Clairefontaine Pastelmat. I will give yo

Last summer Addison came to stay. He’s two, he’s our grandson and he is an absolutely adorable child. Sitting in the garden with him and wat

When you are invited round to dinner at your neighbours home you don’t expect to have to leave early !!! Having just finished a magnificent Spanish Tapas followed by an amazing Mexican Chilli. It was the last thing we expected that evening to have to visit our daughter in hospital.That phone call certainly brought a swift end to a very pleasant evening. We didn’t even have time to say thank you properly. So, after the crisis was over what could I do to show our appreciation?

This blog explores the process and techniques I used and shows below my own rendition of Dr Edward Wilson’s watercolour of McMurdo Sound

Have you ever thought who taught Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Rembrandt or Vemeer?

I paint for fun, the challenge and the enjoyment and I improve my technique from Masters like Monet. Whilst I sell some of my finished paintings, I don't lose any sleep if they don't sell. For me this art tutorial “Fun in the Poppy Field” is more about constant improvement. We can all learn from the masters and Monet is one of the best. If what I produce expands my knowledge and others can learn from it then that gives me the confidence to keep going. We all learn by example

Let me start by saying up front, everyone can draw and everyone can paint. The problem is how much time you are gong to put into practicing and honing your newly found skills. You will read about cool and warm colours, perspective, composition all of which will put you off right from the start. Well don't be, it happens to all of us. I retired some 3 years ago, I hadn't painted since junior school and that was with my fingers and hand , according to my 89 year old mother.