Tips & Tricks: April 2025

Okay, own up, who stole the first part of 2025?
It can’t possibly be April already although the weather down here in Dorset is glorious as I type this, and my hens are sunning themselves outside the studio, living their best life. Talking of animals, that’s my theme of the month and I have been loving sharing a few favourite techniques and characterful portraits with you all.

I’m aware that Racoons aren’t exactly indigenous to the UK, I chose them because my social media algorithm seems to be awash with funny racoon videos and I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing one ‘live’. I guess I though I could make that happen through a painting as they are intelligent and inquisitive creatures so I’m sure we would get on like a house on fire.

This video uses one of my favourite watercolours - Black Iron Oxide - which you can find HERE in my shop. It does wonderful things on paper, particularly if you favour a textured surface as I do. If you have a go yourself, don’t forget to share it with me however you like to and if you have a question about the video, let me know either in the comments here or over on YouTube.

Hope you enjoy it, Ali