Dog in coloured pencil, step by step

 This much loved dog died very recently, and I was happy to have done this coloured pencil artwork (from a photo from when she was a young dog) for the owner to remember her by. 

The artwork was small, around A4 in size. For dark coloured animals it is necessary to use an 'underpainting' technique, which helps get rid of the whiteness of the paper, and allows the darkest areas to be much richer and more intense. After a detailed line drawing, I like to start at the eyes and work outwards from there. 

The background is an out of focus hedge - I love the blobby patterns this creates. 

Grass is always a challenge and is quite labour intensive. This time I put in some of the paler stems first then worked around them. 

I then put in swathes of darker grasses, with mid tones on top.

The whole artwork took around 30 hours. I use Caran d'Ache Prismalo 1, and a manual sharpener. I used Bristol Board for the smooth surface.

For info on workshops (in studio and on Zoom) please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk 

Black Labrador, colour pencil commission

I had this commission last summer, and these photos take you through the steps it needed to finish with a rich, velvety black coat.

There is so much under layering that it felt like two drawings. A brown dog with a black one on top! But without that underlayer, the colour would not have been rich enough and it would have look a bit flat. 

 I mostly use Caran d'ache colour pencils, and work on Bristol board which is lovely and smooth and holds the pigments well. 

For info on commissions and workshops please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk 

Portrait commission, progress shots (and cats in the studio)

 Cats are an interesting addition to any studio, and not, I must admit, for the faint hearted. They have a knack of wanting to sit just where you are, or on the computer keyboard or, wait for it, ON YOUR ARTWORK. This is a common occurrance for my students too, as many of them finish off their Zoom class by sending a photo of the cat either drinking their water colour water, or sitting directly on top of their painting! 

'What's the story?' 

I'd just blocked in the line drawing for this commission when the cat decided it was enough already. No harm was done, thankfully... 

Usually, I like to start at the eyes and work outwards from there. This was a graphite commission, so only one layer needed. 

Gently gently down the cheek - the best work to have in mind is 'SOFT' - no hard transitions or edges!

'I give up'

Above, the finished artwork. 

Finally, dear little Lulu, who was fond of lifting the pencil and 'helping'. Fondly missed. 

For info on portraits, or drawing and painting workshops please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Pet Portrait commissions, oils 30cm x 30xm

Dogs are such loyal loving pets that many people choose to honour them with a portrait. This lovely dog was very poorly, and her owner asked me to do two portraits of her before she died, one for the owner and the other for his daughter.  

I was lucky enough to be able to take the photos myself, particularly as she was a dark haired dog, which can be difficult to photograph. It's also nice for the owner to be able to select the reference from a variety of suitable photographs, to choose the one which means the most to them. 

Each painting was 30cm x 30cm, painted in oil on linen canvas. The background was kept plain so as not to detract from the detail of the dog herself. 

For details or questions about classes or commissions please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Portrait commissions, graphite

It's been a busy few months for commissions, which has been thoroughly enjoyable. Some were of much loved people, and others were of much loved pets. 

Here are the first two, graphite drawings of a father and son, who were prominent Solicitors in Belfast. 

This drawing of Laura was commissioned by her parents as a birthday present for her. The photo below shows the clients holding the artwork - I am showing you this so you have an idea of scale. They were all very happy!

If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, or attending a portrait workshop (either in the studio or on Zoom) please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

It is always an honour to be asked to do a portrait, and while it's impossible to know exactly what the client has in mind, I make it my priority to ask as many questions in advance, and provide a rough visual before starting the final work. 

The studio is tentatively reopening as lockdown restrictions ease, and I look forward to welcoming some of you there as soon as possible. 

New Year, New Skills, New Sticking Power

I am about to start my new term, the start of a new year. While it is not always useful to look backwards, there were some positive things to be learnt from our creative experiences in 2020. I discovered, along with my students, just how successful teaching over Zoom really is. Having many years of teaching experience as a distance learning teacher for London Art College in the days before Zoom, I can really feel the difference. Now, we have a virtual classroom. Students engage with each other and can see each others progress, and share difficulties. My fears that the internet would not cope were largely unfounded.

(Above: lovely water colour by student Jeanette H.) 

Yes, lockdown has been draining. And perhaps this time, our resolve to Keep On Keeping On is to be even more seriously tested. I encourage you not to give up, but to embrace the skills we learn by drawing and painting, and remain connected to fellow creatives via our computers. It's not 'the same' as being in the studio - but it's still connection. As an artist, I discovered long ago the value of connecting with others. While the real process of painting is a solitary act, it is necessary to share the spark with like minded folk. 

(Above: lovely leaves by student Dawn J)

Feedback from students using Zoom has mostly been positive. Students find that they spend more time during the week working on their artwork, as the set-up is right there in front of them. Using What's App, they communicate with each other (but not overly!). The standard of work they produce has rocketed. Even though they may not realise that themselves. 

(Above: relaxed little studies by Sara C)

Classes cover observation drawing, pencil, pastels, pen and wash, water colour and some oils. I provide the topic each week, and we work from life as much as possible. If you would like a place on a weekly class, there are three morning and two evenings to choose from and you will recieve a warm welcome. No past experience necessary, just a desire to learn. All classes are fully tutored. 

For booking and fees information, please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk 

NEW! A new six day online Still Life workshop with Maestro M John Angel

Dates: the first two weekends in December, Dec 4, 5, 6 and Dec 11, 12, 13th 10am - 4pm. 

Stop the presses! A new six day online Still Life Workshop with Maestro M John Angel. 

Photo: set up by student at AAA under Maestro's teaching

After the success of our first online Zoom workshop in portrait painting, I am delighted to tell you about our next project. Over two weekends, Maestro is giving a brand new workshop in still life painting. Using live demonstrations (as well as a couple of pre recorded videos relevant to the processes), this workshop will guide you from the beginning through to completion of a still life, with reference materials provided. You will be able to choose from a photographic reference or to work from a master painting (both options will be provided and sent to you upon booking). 

Painting by student at AAA under Maestro's teaching

 

Painting by student at AAA under Maestro's teaching

Painting by student at AAA under Maestro's teaching

The Zoom platform has proved excellent for teaching. Maestro is with the students for the entire duration of each day, answering questions and giving constant feedback to every student. It is a much more hands-on experience than being in the studio - counter intuitive, I know, but it's true!

Student working on Zoom, tuning in from Dubai, summer 2020 - Maestro's view!

Online student, tuning in from Canada,  seen from Maestro's viewpoint, summer 2020

Maestro will guide you through all the steps and stages of creating a painting, in a way which will empower you and improve your confidence and understanding. 

The workshop is fascililtated by Julie Douglas at Belfast Academy of Realist Art. Julie and Mr Angel have worked together on five workshops to date. Julie's teaching background enhances the students experiencce on the workshop as she provides notes from each day (live) and helps ensure the course runs smoothly. If you have not tried an online workshop, I encourage you to try this one. Julie has taught over 100 classes online - intense, student-centred and focussed. 

For more details please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Cost £810.

Materials list and image options (which are NOT the same as those illustrated above, but are just as delicious) will be provided. 

Here is some feedback from students on the previous Zoom workshop:

A unique opportunity to paint with the best....Florence came to Belfast!

The recent Portrait course with Michael John Angel provided learning with the Maestro over live online sessions, while access to recorded demos allowed you to view and work at your own pace. This allowed for a comfortable mix of progress and ability levels. There was also access to personal review and critique when ready. 

The partnership with Julie Douglas and BARA meant excellent ongoing support to help participants get the most from the experience. The course provided the chance to become part of a network of dedicated artists learning from each other under world class tuition. 

Margery Lavery, Ireland

Maestro’s Zoom workshop was a real treat , better than my experience at the Angel academy,  to have Maestro sitting there available for Q&A throughout the workshop, not having to look over someone else’s shoulder, it has been amazing!!! Not to mention the recording of the videos and well prepared notes.  Can’t say enough good things about it.🙏🙏🙏 - Wendy, Hong Kong

I’ll certainly give you a testimony- it was the best course ever - Judy, Ireland

I really enjoyed the zoom course.  I was very nervous and anxious about it, but John is always reassuring and I got more from it than being in the studio.  I had more time and space to receive and digest the information. Lesley, London

I have been both fortunate and privileged to come under the tutelage of John Micheal Angel for 3 workshops to date. 
The third workshop came in the now popular Zoom format.
All 3 courses were wonderfully hosted and organised by Julie Douglas of B.A.R.A. 
The last course ( Zoom) was  supported by daily emails, brief concise pre demonstration videos and regular individual critiques throughout. 
I found this final course to be invaluable in my journey as a struggling artist - knowing that I can refer to the ‘Technique videos‘ all of which are  expertly demonstrated by the great Maestro himself. 
I would strongly recommend this course to artists of all levels . Tess, Ireland

I am a student at the Angel Art Academy and am going through the Diploma program.  I completed 2 terms there (working only in pencil and charcoal) when Covid-19 struck and I had to head home.  I enrolled for the online Portraiture class with Maestro having never painted before and I was very happy with the progress I made in such a short time.  Maestro’s step-by-step videos were very detailed and easy to follow.  In class we got one-on-one attention and Maestro gave instant expert critique.  in some cases online was better as there was little or no distraction and I gave 100% focus to my work. Bhajan, Australia

I just wanted to write a few words about our Portrait painting workshop via Zoom in August.
Maestro’s class was very organized with the preview of video demonstrations then live painting and helpful discussions.  Most crits were done off camera unless the student showed the work to all of us.
I would take another portrait painting class from you both in a heart beat.
Thanks again.
Sandra, California

I recently attended a Zoom Workshop with Maestro Michael John Angel via the Belfast Academy,   Maestro is an excellent instructor and his expertise, and knowledge is communicated well and actually enhanced by online instruction.  The videos and real time commentary and feedback enabled students to learn a lot. The Zoom Workshop was close to in person classes. It was very easy to watch Maestro work close up in the excellent recordings produced by the Belfast Academy. - Carol Rooney

Alberta, Canada

Taking a portrait class with amazing Mr. John Angel was an unforgettable experience. I have learned so much in a short period of time that would need years of practice and processing. Also the organization of the class was very good. You are in constant direct contact with the teacher himself.  I would definitely recommend this course. Janis, Dubai

Pet portrait workshop Sat 28th & Sun 29th November

Coloured pencil artwork, Julie Douglas 

We love drawing and painting our pets! Whether it's a kitten, a camel or a canary, this workshop will help you get the little darlings down on paper! Two days of drawing, using graphite or coloured pencils, we will go through the steps you need to create a likeness and understand the best way to deal with hair (or feathers!). 

Early stages in the coloured pencil process

We all need something to look forward to - lets look forward to drawing our animal friends.  We will work from your own reference photo, or if you would like to use one of mine, that is fine. Suitable for all levels of experience.

So much colour in 'white'!

So much colour in 'black'!

Timings: 10.30 - 4.30 on Saturday, 1pm - 7pm on Sunday. Cost £190. Materials list provided. 

This workshop is (currently) available as socially distanced in-studio as well as on Zoom.

Julie Douglas is an award winning coloured pencil artist, with awards from the Association of Illustrators, UK and the American Color Pencil Society. 

For more info or booking please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Portrait workshop 6 - 8th November 2020 with Julie Douglas

I am very pleased to be running this workshop again - it is a popular and very rewarding class. 

Over three intense sessions in one weekend,this workshop takes you through the steps you need to create convincing portraits, including how to measure, studying the features,  and how to get a likeness. All reference material is provided, and the workshop is both in-studio as well as on Zoom. If you wish you may use your own photo on the third day. We will use graphite, and if you wish, coloured pencils. 

This little video below outlines the content of my portrait workshop.

Friday 6th NOvember, 6 - 9.30pm, Saturday 7th 3 - 7pm, Sun 8th 3 - 8pm. 

If you'd like more info, or to book, please email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk

Autumn at BARA

I like to start the academic year with a bit of drawing, lest students have become a tad rusty during the break! Once we have that in the bag, the subjects are as seasonal as possible - which is always a treat in the autumn. I have a particular favourite hedge beside the sea, which has an incredible crop of rose hips - a gorgeous subject, particularly once the excess leaves are trimmed, revealing the plump hips. Currently, Covid-19 is still lurking, so to help socially distancing in the studio, I make a (silent!) demonstration movie for each week. Some studenst attend using Zoom, so the video is great for that, and it also provides a great reference tool for students afterwards too. Here is the demo for painting rose hips: Below - a lovely coloured pencil study by Liz McM, who joined the class via Zoom.

Below - more lovely student examples, using water colour.

Weekly classes are running all through autumn, with availability on a couple of classes. For info email julie@juliedouglas.co.uk All classes are available in-studio (socially distanced) as well as on Zoom.