Never judge a painting by its subject... Brussel Sprouts, watercolour

 I really enjoy using one than one medium at a time in class. It helps students try lots of different ways of working, and takes the pressure off any one thing being 'perfect'. When I saw a lovely field of cabbages recently, I decided that Brussel Sprouts would be a good way to cover a similar subject, quickly. 

Although at first the humble sprout may not appear to be all that attractive, in fact everyone enjoyed this exercise and became rather fond of their little green veg-ball. 

We worked in graphite, as well as watercolour, coloured pencil, pen and wash, and wet-on-wet. 

There is something satisfying about seeing a table full of sprouts!!

a row of lovely sprouts by Maggie

Clodagh, on the right, is a Tuesday student, and she brought her sister Sheila along for a class as a birthday treat. That's Max on the far right, working hard!

Kittens, coloured pencil. And a new studio space!

Recently I have been working on a large number of pet portrait commissions in coloured pencil, mostly cats and dogs. Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, a curly haired Cockapoo and a gorgeous greyhound called Lulu. I will share some with you. First up, kitten siblings Belle and Bertie. At the bottom of this post I have added progress shots, in reverse order, so you can see the process. 

In other news, I've moved to a bright, more spacious studio, just around the corner from my last one, and I LOVE it! It was a trouble-free move, and I was surprised that I only had two bags of rubbish and a few jam jars to dispose of, so I had somehow managed not to hoard! So, onwards and upwards in the new space.

Students on Thursday night, 

Wednesday morning students working in chalk pastel 

Ruth's lovely pastel drawings on Wednesday morning

Below. progress shots in reverse order of the kittens. Caran d'Ache pencils on Bristol paper. This is a smooth, grain-free surface which loves coloured pencil, though it takes a while to get used to the slippery qualities. And also, you can't rub out! 

For upcoming workshops please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk Courses include figure drawing (clothed model), portrait drawing, water colour magic, location drawing and oils.