Thursday 12 October 2023

Daniel Smith Gouache

Daniel Smith Gouache has been in the pipeline for some years, with the first 22 colour selections now available. Made with concentrated pigment and gum Arabic, these paints can be used straight form the tube and dry with a matt finish.

Titanium White and Buff Titanium lend themselves to gouache as they are more opaque pigments. The yellows give a cool, medium and warm option which is very useful for mixing.


Daniel Smith Goauche - Titanium White, Buff Titanium, Hansa Yellow Light, 
Hansa Yellow Medium, Hansa Yellow Deep.

The scan doesn't capture the vibrancy of Pyrrol Orange. Pyrrol Scarlet is just on the orange side of red and Pyrrol Red is a rich tomato red. Quinacridone Magenta is a classic mixing red. Wisteria, like the watercolours in the same name, has added white.

Daniel Smith Goauche - Pyrrol Orange, Pyrrol Scarlet, Pyrrol Red, Quinacridone Magenta, Wisteria.

Lavender also has added white. Ultramarine is a classic blue in any palette. Cobalt Blue is less often found in watercolour. Cascade Green is an exclusive Daniel Smith colour created for the Cascade Mountains. 

Daniel Smith Goauche - Lavender, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cascade Green, Permanent Green Light.

You can see that Indian Red is the most opaque of the colours, as this is also an opaque colour in watercolour. Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna and Burnt Sienna are really useful earth colours.
Daniel Smith Goauche - Spring Green, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Indian Red.

Burnt Umber and Lamp Black complete the set, for now. Raw Umber and a large range of other blacks, greys and darks will come soon.
Daniel Smith Goauche - Burnt Umber, Lamp Black

52 new colours will be available at the end of this year - bringing the total to 74. I am delighted to see some cool-leaning colours in this extra range, including a number of my favourites - Phthalo Blue GS, Cerulean Chromium and Permanent Alizarin Crimson - that will aid in mixing, along with Raw Umber, Piemontite Genuine Sap Green and of course Jane's Grey and the two Jane's Blacks. You can click on any of these to see how they look on the Daniel Smith website, painted out in full strength, diluted and over black paper.

Alizarin Crimson
Alvaro’s Caliente Grey
Alvaro’s Fresco Grey
Bloodstone Genuine
Bordeaux
Cadmium Orange Hue
Cadmium Red Medium Hue
Cadmium Yellow Light Hue
Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue
Carbazole Violet
Carmine
Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, Chromium
Chrome Titanate Yellow
Cobalt Teal Blue
Duochrome Mauve
Enviro-Friendly Brown Iron Oxide
Enviro-Friendly Red Iron Oxide
Enviro-Friendly Yellow Iron Oxide
Hematite Genuine
Indanthrone Blue
Indian Yellow
Iridescent Aztec Gold
Iridescent Copper
Iridescent Electric Blue
Iridescent Gold
Iridescent Moonstone
Iridescent Sunstone
Ivory Black
Jane’s Black (Blue/Orange)
Jane’s Black (Red/Green)
Jane’s Grey
King’s Royal Blue
Lemon Yellow
Moonglow
Neutral Tint
Olive Green
Opera Pink
Payne’s Gray
Pearlescent White
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Phthalo Blue (Green Shade)
Phthalo Blue Turquoise
Phthalo Green (Blue Shade)
Piemontite Genuine
Prussian Blue
Quinacridone Purple
Raw Umber
Sap Green
Sepia
Van Dyck Brown
Venetian Red

Wednesday 4 October 2023

Spain Workshop: Costa Brava

I've heard about the French Escapade workshops for a number of years and am really excited to have been invited to lead a group in Costa Brava, Spain, in May 2024. How glorious! 

Join me from 19th to 26th of May 2024. The itinerary is wonderful and can be found here and includes the chance to sketch beaches and cliffs, the botanical gardens, gorgeous architectural details, Dali's Surrealistic World, gorgeous white-washed houses and so much more. You'll learn how to create the perfect colour for all you see, how to work from life, sketching on location with pencil and pen, how to wash in skies and seas, how to create the details for gorgeous flowers... and in the process you'll fill your sketchbooks with indelible memories of this gorgeous region.


Here is a link for more information and please make a note that there is an early bird discount of $200 if you book before the 30th November 2023 :-)

Madeline Island Workshop


In July 2024, I'm looking forward to participating in a really exciting group workshop (like a mini symposium!) at the Madeline Island School of Arts in Wisconsin USA.

Sketching Haven: A Summer Retreat with Four Internationally Renowned Artists.

I'll be joined by three terrific sketchers from the Urban Sketching community - Eduardo Bajzek from Brazil; Oliver Moeller from Austria and Nina Johansson from Sweden. We'll be exploring the island and the Bay Area, working in our sketchbooks in pen, pencil and watercolour.

This is a 5-day workshop, with gorgeous facilities and a varied itinerary so you can explore many ways of looking and recording what you see. Eduardo Bajzek's workshop focuses on capturing trees and landscapes using graphite. My workshop specialises in colour and botanical sketching. Oliver Hoeller guides participants in telling the story of Madeline Island through sketching. Nina Johansson immerses you in everyday life in the coastal harbour village. On the final day we'll have some great whole team activities.

With diverse techniques and personalised guidance, these workshops offer a comprehensive learning experience for participants to refine their skills and explore various aspects of sketching and painting.

Dates 8th July - 12th July 2024. Here is the link for more information, artist galleries and booking links :-)

4 New Internationally 

Renowned Artists


Jane Blundell, Australia 

Oliver Hoeller, Austria

Eduardo Bajzek, Brazil

Nina Johansson, Sweden



NEW Instructor and a NEW Location Every Day!


July 8th–12th, 2024

– Learn More and Register Today –

Discover the ultimate artistic adventure awaiting you on Madeline Island! Delve into the captivating world of Sketching with our exclusive 5-day workshop led by four internationally acclaimed instructors. Eduardo Bajzek will unveil the secrets of capturing the essence of trees and landscapes, while Jane Blundell will illuminate the realm of color and botanical sketching. Oliver Hoeller will guide you through the narrative of Madeline Island's story with his expert sketching techniques, and Nina Johansson will immerse you in the charming everyday life of a coastal harbor town. 


Experience a journey of artistic exploration like never before, with each day bringing new techniques, new landscapes, and new insights. Join us for an enriching experience where you'll refine your skills and discover the myriad facets of sketching and painting under the personalized guidance of these four renowned international instructors.


Did you miss our LIVE Webinar last month with all 4 of these amazing artists? 

Click here for the free recording



Jane Blundell–Australia

Jane Blundell is renowned for her mastery in the realms of color and botanical sketching. With a passion for capturing the intricate beauty of the natural world, Jane's work resonates with stunning hues and meticulous detail. As an experienced instructor, she has empowered countless students to unlock their creativity and develop their own artistic voice. Through her workshops and demonstrations, Jane shares her wealth of knowledge and techniques, inspiring others to see the world through an artist's eyes. 


Workshop: Botanical Sketching

Oliver Hoeller–Austria

Oliver Hoeller's passion lies in telling captivating stories through the medium of sketching. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for narrative, Oliver's work breathes life into the scenes he captures. You will join Oliver in exploring Madeline Island, visiting the museum and surrounding areas, as he effortlessly conveys the essence and character of his subjects. As a seasoned instructor, he empowers aspiring artists to infuse their sketches with meaning and emotion. 


Workshop: Sketching the Story of Madeline Island

Eduardo Bajzek–Brazil

Eduardo Bajzek is known for his ability to capture the soul of nature through his sketches. With a focus on trees and landscapes, Eduardo's work evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. His mastery of light, shadow, and texture brings his subjects to life on the page, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. As a dedicated instructor, Eduardo shares his expertise with aspiring artists, guiding them on a journey to explore and appreciate the wonders of the world around them. Join Eduardo Bajzek on an artistic adventure where every stroke reveals the hidden magic of nature.


Workshop: Trees and the Island Landscape

Nina Johansson–Sweden

Nina Johansson is known for her ability to capture the essence of everyday life with grace and authenticity. With a focus on urban landscapes and coastal scenes, Nina's sketches breathe life into bustling city streets and tranquil harbor towns alike. Her keen observation and meticulous attention to detail transport viewers into the heart of each scene, where every line and brushstroke tells a story. As a passionate educator, Nina inspires students to embrace the beauty and charm of their surroundings, empowering them to find creativity in the ordinary. 


Workshop: Everyday Life in a Coastal Village

– Learn More and Register Today –

FOUR Remarkable Instructors

FIVE Fabulous Days!


July 8th –12th, 2024

Don't Miss It!

Our campus offers tranquil Mission Cottages with three gourmet meals and spacious light-filled studios open 24 hours - the perfect creative environment for our sketchers

Sketch the quaint harbor town of Bayfield and enjoy the enchantment of riding the ferry over and back to Madeline Island


Come and sketch with us!