Working in a compact studio doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. Over the years I’ve learned that small corners, properly thought through, become powerful workflow zones for mixed-media practice. They don’t need to be glamorous or expensive — they need to be intentional. Below I share the ways I break down tiny spaces, prioritise tasks, and kit them out so a 2m x 2m corner can support...
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I like to think of a colour recipe library as a toolbox that travels with me from one project to the next. Over the years I’ve developed a system that helps me recreate consistent palettes—whether I’m working on a series of small gouache studies, a mixed-media commission, or translating a palette into digital illustrations. The trick isn’t just in mixing the right hues; it’s in...
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I switched to Schmincke Horadam Gouache for my studio sketching routine about nine months ago, and the change surprised me in small, practical ways — and in some bigger, more creative ones too. I’d been using a mix of Winsor & Newton Designers’ Gouache and student tubes when I wanted quick colour studies, and acrylic when I needed fast, matte blocks of colour. The move to Schmincke felt...
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I love building layered collage backgrounds because they offer a rich, accidental language that can ground a painting, illustration or mixed-media piece. Working with found papers and acrylic medium creates depth, texture and surprises — and you don’t need a fancy studio to get started. Below I share my practical approach, favourite materials, workflow and troubleshooting tips so you can...
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