Leisure Painter & The Artist October 2025

Features - Leisure Painter:

• Texture and momentum: Learn how seascape artist Gemma Lessinger creates her wonderful pieces
• The art of arrangement: Part two - The second in a three-part series from artist Jem Bowden helping you master composition in your paintings
• Capturing the essence of the festival: Learn how Richard Holland uses sketching and blocking in his paintings and create your own painting capturing Patchings Art Festival
• Seasons of small things - Summer: Find beauty in the small things with this guide from Linda Birch
• Relaxing rural watercolour painting: We welcome new contributor Nicki Saunders with this incredible tutorial packed full of tips and expert advice for watercolour artists
• Painting with sight problems: John Mitchell explains how he continues to paint despite a deterioration in his eyesight and how you, or others, can continue to do so to
• Coloured-pencil clinic: Helen Carter offers advice on how to achieve the look of shine in your drawings
• Spanish sun: New contributor Daniel Fermor-Smith demonstrates how to use cool tones and a variety of watercolour techniques to capture the essence of the late afternoon
• Travelling light: Find out how Tony Underhill has perfected his urban sketching kit over time

Features - The Artist:

• A day in the life of Ian Sidaway: Sally Bulgin chats to Ian about his professional insights and top tips for becoming a professional artist
• Pastel expression and vibrancy: Caroline Saunders talks to Cathy Pearce about her passion for pastels
• Learn from the masters: Sarah Edmonds delves into the eccentricity of Surrealist painter Salvador Dali
• Turning professional: Rodney Kingston shares his experience and revels in his new found confidence
• Ask an artist: Kimberley Keegan's tips and advice on expenses and first exhibitions
• Figures in the landscape: Mike Barr encourages the inclusion of figures to bring a landscape to life

Practicals - The Artist:

• Painting boats and harbour scenes: Robert Brindley shares his passion for painting boats and the fascinating variety that can be found within the busy world of harbours
• Discovering the perfect surface for wildlife: Find out why artist Daniel Wilson uses ACF Canvasses
• Panoramic landscapes: Paul Weaver finds panoramic inspiration in the West Highlands of Scotland
• The golden hour: Explore this beautiful, serene time of day as Greta Vilidaite shares her thoughts and tips and explains her approach to using oils
• Watercolour freed!: Catherine Beale takes a look into gritty granulation, creating different textures with your paints
• Letting the tone do all the work: Amanda Hyatt explains why she is an advocate of a minimalist palette, demonstrating a moody and atmospheric style