• A section of a watercolour painting created in stages as a demonstration during a class A section of a watercolour painting created in stages as a demonstration during a class
  • Part of a watercolour of a beach scene painted in class as a demonstration Part of a watercolour of a beach scene painted in class as a demonstration
  • A section of an example painting created in only two colours during a class A section of an example painting created in only two colours during a class
  • Part of a watercolour nature study of found leaves and branches Part of a watercolour nature study of found leaves and branches
  • One of the many example paintings done in demonstration during a class One of the many example paintings done in demonstration during a class
  • Part of a watercolour of a sunset painted in class as a demonstration Part of a watercolour of a sunset painted in class as a demonstration

Summer Show Project - Student Gallery

Summertime is a great time of the year for the artist. The warmer, longer days make it more inviting to work outdoors, whether it be in your garden or by the seaside. In fact these longer, brighter days make it more convivial for the artist working indoors, as the natural light floods into the home. Life is thriving this time of the year. Flowers are flourishing, grasses are a lush green, trees and wildlife surrounds our towns and villages. So much to see, so much to draw from, literally.
Where does one begin? If in doubt, pick up a pencil and start drawing. You could start by drawing anything and everything. Don’t spend too long thinking what to draw, just draw the first thing that comes to mind. Draw objects around the house, draw a still life, draw a view from the window. Venture into your garden and look for an interesting composition. Cut some flowers, create your own still life arrangement. Many an artist enjoy filling in sketchbooks.These can be ideal for working both indoors and outdoors because of their portability. The sketchbook can be used like a personal diary. Again, you can start by drawing anything and everything. As you go on, you can be more selective in your subject choice. Your sketchbook can be filled with drawings of all sorts of things and can include all sorts of various media. Pencil, ink, watercolour, collage, oil pastel, photos, you name it, it can all go in! Have fun, it’s your sketchbook! It’s your personal journal if you like and you can take it on a journey of discovery. You can show it to others if you wish, or keep it to yourself.
Painting and drawing nature is a great way to explore your surroundings. Summertime is about being carefree, letting go and not worrying too much about the final result. Let go, throw some paint around, experiment with techniques, explore mark making. These discoveries may lend themselves to the textures and patterns that you might find in your summer garden. You don’t know what you might discover when playing around with paint and various other mediums.
You may prefer to start with observational drawings of trees, plants, a corner of your garden. Why not draw your favourite bird and then make it sing by adding a wash of watercolour over the top! Think about the colours associated with this season. Bright blue skies, summer greens found in the trees, warm yellows of the sunflower. Turquoise of the sea abroad, or the blue greys if your holidaying at home, ‘staycation’.
Artists you may like to look at for inspiration, who have all painted themes of this season:
Mary Cassatt (Summertime), Edgar Degas (Beach Scene), Gustav Klimt (Apple Tree), Berthe Morisot (Summer’s Day), Diego Rivera (Girl with Sunflower).
Submitting your artwork into the Student Gallery is easier than you might think.
Scroll upwards below any picture in Student Gallery, put your details in, click on Choose File button, take photo of your artwork with the device you’re using, click on Submit your artwork- DONE !

Submit your own artwork to be part of this gallery!