Makings and Musings Community

Hi everyone,

I have just uploaded the recording from last night's urban sketching class to the library. It is the first video under the Line & Wash Header Here

I thought it was such a fun session. I absolutely love urban sketching, and if you are watching the recording later and joining in at your own pace, I just want to remind you that your lines do not need to be perfect. They do not need to be straight. The whole point is simply to enjoy the moment, notice what catches your eye, and quickly put it down on paper.

There are so many different styles of urban sketching. Some people enjoy working in a very meticulous and precise way, but for me it is all about messy lines, quick splashes of colour, and capturing the feeling of being somewhere rather than creating a perfectly accurate representation of what I…

For the first time I did't use the same colours which Irene uses in the video. I am happy with the outcome😅

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When i first finished the trees I didn’t like it so I walked away for a day without adding leaves. Then I liked it so I added some leaves using my sponge. And I’m satisfied with it. I really need to practice with the old credit card on a practice piece of paper lol.

Hi everyone,

The recording from last night’s watercolour painting class is now available in the community library. You will find it as the first class under the Watercolours section.

Watch Here

I really enjoyed this painting session so much. I thought the whole ancient forest theme had such a lovely atmosphere to it, and I absolutely loved seeing all your beautiful creations at the end of class. It has already been so lovely seeing more paintings popping up in the group today as well. Everyone approached it so differently, which is always my favourite part.

Just a reminder that next week will not be a formal class, but more of an informal creative gathering together on Zoom at our usual time of 6pm UK time. Bring along anything you would personally like to work on. You might want to do some sketching, journaling, painting, or perhaps finish off a piece…

So happy with how it turned out

😁

Hello everyone,

The recording of our Line and Wash Eagle class is now available in the library for you to watch back anytime.

It is the first video in the Line & Wash Category - You can find it here

I have to admit, before the session I was slightly worried that this topic might feel a little bit too difficult or intimidating because animals can sometimes be quite challenging to draw. And yes, I think it did push some of you outside your comfort zone a little bit… but clearly I was wrong to worry because you all did brilliantly.

I absolutely loved seeing your eagles appear here in the community group this morning. They all looked so different and full of personality, and honestly, that is one of my favourite things about teaching these sessions. I really love it when you share your artwork in the group because…

My paper doesn't allow me to spread the paint much. It dries really quick.

To do those white parts I ruined the paper 🫣 (it's 160gsm)

I don't know if the issue is from the paper or if it's because I'm using solid watercolours.

This is the recording from last night’s session, and it was such a lovely, busy Zoom to be part of. I always really enjoy these moments of working together in real time, but I also know many of you prefer to come back to the recordings at your own pace and I love seeing all your artwork.

I really love these limited colour palette sessions and I wanted to show that you do not need to stick to natural colours from the reference photo in order to create a convincing landscape. I often find that moving away from reality is where the real joy comes in. I adore a pink sky, and I think it brings such a playful energy to a page. I also have a soft spot for warm yellow or orangey skies, so I may explore that with you in a future session.

Next week we are…

Hi lovely creatives,

I have just uploaded a new video into the community library that I think some of you might really enjoy. I have already shared it in the Courses and Sketchbook group, but I wanted to pop it in here as well in case you missed it.

In this video, I chat through a few different brush techniques for watercolour painting and demonstrate ways of keeping your paintings feeling open, loose, and full of air and movement. I talk a little about leaving white space in your artwork and allowing the paper to breathe rather than filling every corner. I also show how you can use your brush in different ways to create texture, expressive marks, and softer, more flowing paintings.

It is quite a relaxed and chatty little lesson, and I hope it feels encouraging if you sometimes struggle with overworking your paintings or making them feel…

Loved doing this along with Irene. Would never have thought to use those colours, but it works 😊 Normally a slow cautious painter, this helped push me to work a little faster and more free. I especially liked using the larger brush ! Thankyou.

Hi everyone, lovely creatives,

Here is the recording from last night’s art class. You will find it under the Watercolours section, and it is the first video in that series.

I really enjoy painting animals and working in this loose, flowing style, although I know it can feel a little tricky at times. Some of you may have found this session quite challenging, and that is completely okay. Watercolour often takes a little time to settle into.

If you would like to follow along again, I really encourage you to give it another try. It is very common for things to feel much easier the second time round once you are familiar with the process.

You can also download the sketch template if you need it. I will add a link here, and it will also be available in the live room for anyone who did not manage to get…

Hi everyone! 👋

The recording from last night's session is now available in the community library — you'll find it as the first video under the Mixed Media heading, alongside lots of other classes.

A little behind-the-scenes note: I was so glad I recorded it twice — both in my usual programme and as a Zoom backup — because for some reason the sound didn't come through on the main recording! Thankfully the Zoom backup had the audio, so all is well! 😅

I really enjoyed playing with mixed media last night, and from your reactions I think you did too! I love that moment when you start experimenting with different art materials and layering combinations on top of each other — yes, it can go a little bit wrong sometimes, but that's honestly part of the fun. When you take that risk and play freely, you can discover the most…

Hi everyone, Last Thursday we spoke about paint brushes and I promised to put together a little list of recommendations.

I have a huge amount of brushes but to be honest, there is only a few that I use most.

These are my favourites at the moment:

Travel set (beautiful and practical)

I’ve been really enjoying this compact set from Fuumuui. It’s perfect for taking out and about as the bristles are protected and there is different sizes and shapes in the set.

• Fuumuui travel brush set

  
  

At first, I was frustrated because I couldn’t make my brush move the way Irene did. The little blobs that I created did not look like fish.

So I went off and created a practice paper and watched Irene create her painting. I really loved what she created.

The next day, when I looked at my practice paper, I thought my goodness it looks rather painterly!

This is an important lesson in trust the process, and enjoy the learning curve!

Hi everyone,

This is the recording from our class last night. I really loved painting this one, I found it incredibly relaxing, and it is such a lovely way to practise your brush control with all those little fish shapes.

I thought Bel had a brilliant idea using a separate piece of paper to practise her fish first, so do try that if you would like a bit of confidence before going onto your final piece. And truly, it does not matter if your fish look a bit wonky. Someone mentioned theirs looked more like tadpoles, and I actually think that is part of the charm. Mine are not far off either. They really do not need to be perfect to feel lively and full of movement.

I would recommend using a hairdryer if you have one, especially for those first very wet background layers, as it helps speed things…

Such a lovely class this week, thank you to everyone who joined me. We explored a gentle line and wash technique using ink and watercolour, drawing these beautifully patterned pangolins.

You can watch the recording in the Classes Library - This one is the first one in the Line and Wash category.

Line and Wash is a wonderful balance between drawing and painting, giving you a bit more structure while still allowing the colours to flow. It felt especially nice for those easing into watercolour.

I really enjoyed seeing all your different interpretations. Every pangolin had its own personality, from delicate scales to bold colour choices, and it was such a joy to watch them come to life.

If you are catching up with the recording, take it slowly and enjoy the process. There is no need to rush.

This week, as part of our monthly theme of nature’s patterns, we focused on the beautiful, repeating patterns found in ocean waves.

The video is available in the library - it is the first video under the topic "watercolour Classes"

FIND IT HERE

You can paint along with me as we explore the movement and textures of the sea using watercolour. You will start by building soft layers of colour for the sand, sea, and sky, before adding white foam details that follow the natural rhythm and flow of the waves. I’ll show you simple techniques like dry brushing, layering, and adding shadows to create depth and texture, while encouraging you to follow your own instinct rather than aiming for perfection.

This class is all about experimenting and enjoying the process. You might leave areas unfinished or try something unexpected, and that is part of the fun. The waves give…

In this class we paint a soft and joyful spring scene using the wet-on-wet watercolour technique.

Remember you can watch this recording and Loads and Loads of other class recordings in the Library Here

Together we create a glowing background and then slowly build up the painting in layers, finishing with delicate cherry blossoms and the suggestion of a tower in the distance.

I start by showing you how to prepare your paper with water so the colours can move and blend naturally across the page. Using gentle washes of colour, we create a loose background where yellows, pinks and touches of green softly merge together. This is the magic of wet-on-wet painting: letting the water and pigment do some of the work for you.

You are in for such a lovely, playful session with this one.

Watch Here:

In this class recording, I guide you step by step through creating a mixed media panel drawing made up of three interconnected scenes. We work with a simple but powerful idea of “zooming in” – beginning with a wider view, moving closer, and then finishing with a detailed close-up. In my demonstration, I use a house, some pots and plants, and finally a hedgehog, but you can absolutely adapt this to your own references.

We begin by lightly sketching the layout and planning how the three panels will sit together. I show you how to create rounded corners for a softer, more playful feel, and how to think about visual connections between each scene so the whole composition feels cohesive rather than separate pictures stuck next to one another.

Materials I use

In this class, we paint a frog together using loose and relaxed watercolour techniques.

Watch Here:

I guide you step by step, starting with very simple shapes and then building up layers of colour, so you can follow along at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed. You do not need any previous experience, and you are very welcome to make it your own and explore in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Along the way, I share lots of practical tips, such as how to use different brush sizes, how to create soft and hard edges, and how to add details without overthinking it. I also show you how I use water to create gentle blends and textures, and how working more loosely can help your painting feel more alive and expressive.

This class is all about enjoying the process rather than aiming for a perfect result. We focus…

In this class, I guide you through an artist study inspired by Erin Henson, an American painter known for her bold, colourful landscape paintings. I introduce you to Erin’s work and talk a little about her style, which she calls open expressionism, where the focus is on feeling, movement and expressive brushstrokes rather than realism.

https://www.erinhanson.com/portfolio

Watch here:

We work from one of her paintings, Ruby Beach, and I show you step by step how I build up my own version. I start with a simple sketch and then move into blocking in colours, layering paint, and adding texture using different brush strokes. I demonstrate how I use both watercolour and gouache, and I explain the difference between them, especially how gouache allows for more opacity and easier layering.

This session is very practical and hands-on. You can paint along with me in real time, or pause and rewind as…

In this class I invite you to slow down and paint a quiet winter scene with me. We focus on a calm night landscape with the northern lights and a small house glowing in the snow.

January’s theme is winter quiet, and that feeling runs through the whole session. I show you how I build a painting in gentle layers.

We start light and soft.

Then we slowly add darker colours and details. I use watercolour as a base and combine it with crayons, coloured pencils, markers and brush pens. I explain why I choose each material and how they work together.

If things feel messy at first, that is part of learning. I guide you through it with care.

In this class, I invited you to slow down and explore a loose watercolour background technique.

We began by letting go of detail and control. I showed you how I start with simple blobs of colour using a large round brush, allowing the paint to move and mix naturally on the paper. By letting colours touch, beautiful textures appeared without any effort.

I talked you through how water changes everything in watercolour. I demonstrated how more water creates soft, pale washes and how less water gives stronger, more intense colour. I also showed you how to lift paint back out using clean water and kitchen paper to create lighter areas.

These abstract layers became the base for our winter forest scene. Once the background was dry, we moved on to adding details with pencils and pens. I showed you how I use a white pencil on darker areas to create…

Hi everyone,

I have just added all current members to my new course, Wintery Watercolours. You should have received an email a moment ago with the steps to sign in.

You now have full access to the course. When you click the link in your email, you can sign in with your email address and create a new password. Once you have done that, you will be able to reach the course any time.

A new painting will open each day for seven days. You will keep access to the whole course for as long as you like.

If you have any trouble logging in, please tell me. I am here to help today. You do need to set a new password, so please look out for that step.

Here is the login link once more (to use after you set a password by clicking the email you received) :…

I loved painting with you tonight. In this session we worked together on a gentle and festive project. We painted a reindeer in watercolour, with a calm wintry background and a few mixed media touches at the end. I guided you through each step so you could follow at your own pace.

We started with a simple sketch. I showed you how to place your reindeer on the page so there was enough space for those wonderful antlers. I talked you through light searching lines, looking at shapes, and using negative space to help you see the form more clearly.

Once our sketches were ready, we moved on to the watercolours. I showed you how to wake up the paints, how to work from large to small brushes, and how to build soft layers. We created a cool blue base to give the painting a winter feel, added shadows, and…

I have a new art materials video for you this month.

This time I show you what liquid watercolours are and how you can use them.

I use the Ecoline paints, but the ideas work for most liquid watercolours, you can also join in using 'normal' watercolours. Liquid watercolours have that extra push effect that creates such soft shapes, and it is lovely to watch them settle.

In the video I paint a dark abstract landscape and a gentle spiral in warm reds, greens, and oranges. Both pieces show how expressive this medium can be.

If you are curious about trying liquid watercolours, I think you will enjoy this.

In this session, I guided you through a cosy autumn and winter still life using gouache. I wanted to show you how calm and enjoyable it can feel to paint with slower, layered strokes, and how lovely it is to build a picture step by step. If you are new to gouache, this class is a gentle way to try it. If you prefer watercolours or mixed media, you can join in just as well.

Watch Here:

We explored how gouache behaves, how it differs from watercolour, and why its soft matte finish is so charming. I showed you how to mix your colours, how to block in large shapes first, and how to add your finer details at the end. You could follow the reference photo closely, or simply use it as inspiration. The warm browns, reds, and soft golden tones made it a perfect subject for our November…

Fantasy village

In this session we created a cosy little village in line and wash. I guided you through the process from the very first ink lines to the final touches of snow and glow. We worked from a simple seasonal display photo, and I showed you how you can turn an ordinary scene into a magical winter moment.

I walked you through the waterproof pens I love to use and how you can get lovely results without needing anything fancy. We talked about choosing the right paper, how to keep your ink safe once you add water, and how to build your picture in simple steps. You started with gentle shapes, then added more depth, texture, bricks, cracks and little surprises. I shared some inspiration from the German illustrator Gabrielle Carasusan and we had a look at her charming villages and her circular backgrounds. https://www.carasusan.art/pages/watercolor-illustration

You then added colour with watercolours.…

I'll be on holiday from next week until early December so trying to make as many Christmas cards as possible before going

In this class, we painted a calm and misty forest scene in watercolour.

Watch here:

I used mostly watercolours from tubes, but if you prefer pans, that works just as well. It’s all about enjoying the process. I showed you a few simple techniques, including one where I used a broken bank card to apply the paint – a lovely way to add texture and those soft, uneven edges you find in nature.

We built our forest up slowly, layer by layer, using five or six gentle washes to create that misty depth. Once the soft blues and greys were dry, I added a few deep black silhouette trees in the foreground. And of course, the finishing touch – a tiny red fox painted in gouache to bring a little warmth and story to the piece.

This class was recorded on Zoom, so the video quality is a little lower…

Let's talk about one of my favourite art materials — watercolour pencils! In the video, I explain what they are, how to recognise them, and how you can use them both dry and with water.

To show you how they work, I do a little sketch of a Highland cow in my sketchbook. It’s a loose, colourful and slightly messy drawing — just the kind of playful sketch I love when I don’t have much time but still want to make something creative.

I know quite a few of you already use watercolour pencils, so I hope you’ll enjoy this short tutorial for some extra inspiration and fun. And if you’ve not tried them yet, this might be the perfect reason to give them a go!

I’d love to see what you create — feel free to share your own watercolour pencil sketches in the group!

In this Floral Still Life Mixed Media class, I’ll guide you through creating your own beautiful floral arrangement using a playful mix of materials.

Watch Here:

We’ll start with a simple reference photo, but you’ll have plenty of freedom to make it your own. I’ll show you how to build layers, mix colours, and use line and texture to bring your flowers to life.

This session is all about looseness and joy—no need to worry about perfect petals or exact shapes. I’ll demonstrate different ways to combine materials and encourage you to explore what feels right for you.

You can use whatever you have at home, but here’s what I’ll be working with:

In this relaxed zoom class, we explore how to sketch beautiful landscapes together. I’ll guide you step by step as we create a drawing inspired by a reference photo. We’ll start by breaking the scene into simple shapes — looking at the foreground, middle ground, and background — and I’ll show you how to build up your composition with confidence.

Watch Here:

We’ll talk about perspective and how things appear smaller and lighter in colour as they move into the distance. I’ll demonstrate how to use fineliners to add detail and texture, and we’ll play with mixed media techniques — combining ink, watercolour, and coloured pencils to bring your autumn scene to life. I’ll encourage you to make your drawing your own, perhaps by adding a few personal touches or a different kind of house or tree.

This class is all about enjoying the process, experimenting with your materials, and…

In this class we will paint glowing candles in watercolour. I will guide you step by step and you do not need any previous experience to join. This session is beginner-friendly and all about learning and playing.

We will practise both wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. I will show you how to create soft glowing light with gentle washes, and how to use darker layers to bring out the candle’s warmth. You will have time to explore, experiment, and enjoy the calm process of painting.

You will need:

• Watercolour paper (preferably 300gsm)

• A few brushes (a larger round brush and a smaller detail brush)

Join me for a relaxed and playful Watercolour and Ink Drawing Class, where I’ll guide you through the line and wash technique.

Watch here: Apologies, the video is a little blurry

I’ll guide you through the line and wash technique. Together, we’ll explore drawing with ink first, then adding layers of watercolour to bring your artwork to life. In this session, we’ll focus on a Harvest-themed tractor drawing, adding charming details like birds, flowers, and even a goose to make your piece whimsical and full of character.

I’ll show you how to use different pen sizes, experiment with wobbly and straight lines, and layer watercolour in a way that is both precise and free-spirited. We’ll also cover tips for creating depth, adding shadows, and leaving white space to enhance your painting. Most importantly, I’ll encourage you to make the drawing your own, adding personal touches and playful details along the…

In this session, I will guide you step by step as we create a mixed media autumn landscape together. We will begin with a soft and colourful watercolor background, using bold washes for the sky and land. From there, we will gradually build up our scene with layers of pencils, pens, and other materials to bring texture, detail, and depth.

Watch Here:

✨ Materials you will need ✨

• Watercolour paints (a basic set is fine – include yellows, browns, greens, and blues)

• Watercolour paper (hot-pressed or cold-pressed, whichever you prefer)

Hello lovely creatives,

In this session we celebrated the start of September together and explored the beautiful colours of autumn. I showed you some of my favourite watercolour techniques for painting harvest vegetables – from bright tomatoes and courgettes to vibrant carrots and beetroots. We practised both wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet methods, looked at colour mixing, and experimented with creating texture.

Watch Here:

remember it is perfectly fine to make mistakes and to paint a subject several times – every attempt teaches you something new. Sometimes less is more, and often the most vibrant results happen when we loosen up and allow the colours to flow freely.

I also mentioned my love for carrot top pesto: This is the base recipe I use. I use whatever nuts and seeds I have available and I also use my cheese leftovers (parmesan but also cheddar or other hard cheese works well).

In this class we painted a big, bold sunflower together. I guided you step by step through the sketching and painting process, starting with simple shapes and building up the petals, leaves and seeds.

Watch here:

We explored how to bring a sunflower to life using different materials and I encouraged you to experiment, to play with texture, and to enjoy the process rather than worrying about perfection.

Along the way, I shared tips for layering colours, creating contrast between foreground and background, and adding those little details that make the flower glow. We also looked at how to use mixed media to our advantage—blending watercolours, adding depth with pencils, and finishing with highlights from oil pastels or markers.

This is a relaxed and mindful session, so feel free to pause, rewind, and take it at your own pace.

In this workshop I share one of my favourite mediums with you – watercolour pencils. They are such a joy because they combine the precision of a coloured pencil with the softness and flow of watercolour paint.

Watch Here:

I begin by showing you different ways to use them: sketching dry, adding water afterwards, and even dipping the pencil straight into water for stronger marks. I explain why these pencils are wonderful for travel sketching and why I prefer starting with colour instead of graphite.

Together we explore a peaceful countryside landscape. I guide you through placing the horizon, hills and a lake, and we add a little sheep in the foreground using very simple shapes. You will see how I block in colours, layer greens and blues to create depth, and keep the sheep light so we can return with details later.

I show you how adding water brings…

Hi everyone,

I am excited to share something new with you. I have started a series of short videos where I take a closer look at different art materials. In each video, I explain what the material is, how to use it, and I share a small project so you can try it out yourself.

👉 You can watch the Masking Fluid tutorial here

The first video in this series is all about Masking Fluid. Masking fluid is a liquid that you can paint onto your paper to protect certain areas while you work with watercolour. Once it dries, you can paint freely over the top. When you remove it, you reveal the untouched white of the paper underneath. It is perfect for highlights, crisp details, and areas you want to keep bright.

This is just the beginning. In the coming months, I will also be sharing videos about:

Painting Koi Carp in Watercolour

Watch Here:

In this session, we painted graceful koi carp, and I took you through my process step-by-step.

We began with sketching – searching for the right shape and being flexible enough to adjust or erase lines when needed. I showed you how to make the top line of the fish stronger, tilt the tail for a dynamic composition, and even let your drawing spill off the edge of the paper for energy and movement.

We painted some koi last year too: This is the video is that class

BLOB Technique: Mixed Media Swallow

In this special class, I will take you step-by-step through the full BLOB technique to create a little mixed media swallow. I know we have explored this method before, but this time we are slowing down and giving ourselves the time to enjoy the full process—without rushing to finish in just one session.

We begin with a playful layer of watercolour, using the BLOB method to lay down loose shapes that suggest our swallow's form. Once dry, we move on to coloured pencils to bring in finer details and tidy things up. Finally, I use water-soluble oil pastels to cover little imperfections and add that extra character and richness to the piece.

You can use any art supplies you have at home. The focus is on layering, experimenting, and taking our time. It is a relaxing and joyful process, and I cannot wait to see…

In this video, I’m creating a playful abstract painting using my cold colour palette—think blues, greens, silvers, and a touch of purple.

Watch Here:

I’m making loose, uneven squares across the page, just exploring how the water and paint interact and what kinds of textures appear.

You’re very welcome to join in, and of course you can use any colours you like. Once everything was dry, I added a few details with silver ink and fineliner pens—this part feels a bit like doodling, calm and mindful.

It is a simple and relaxing exercise, perfect for unwinding and getting creative without pressure. I hope you give it a go, and I’d love to see what you come up with!