Surprisingly, the similarities between watercolour and mixed media are many and creating commissions such as ‘The Island’ which are vibrant and full of fun adds another dimension to my art practice. Both follow the same subject and my focus on raising awareness of the need to protect the environment.

At times like this its best just to go crazy with colour! Tropical flora and fauna, luscious greens, cool blues, brilliant reds and turquoise water- so much opportunity so don’t hold back!

There are so many similarities here with my mixed media work. In both I create depth through layers, tones and contrast. It’s great to be able to switch between the precise pen and ink drawings on paper or panel and the more dynamic abstract mixed media landscapes on canvas.

OK so watercolour you have to start with light colours and add on darker tones. There is only one chance to get it right, any mistakes and it’s time to start again. This is one of the hardest parts for learners attempting watercolour - how to just let go and enjoy it and not tense up and get frustrated when it doesn’t work out. I always encourage students in my workshops to spend the first ten minutes just experimenting and having fun then help them to plan a picture and have an idea what they want to achieve with it before they dive in. Also- top tip- don’t use too much masking fluid. The stuff drives me crazy and always seems to pull the paper apart if its not totally dry.

In the middle of a commission…yes it all goes a little crazy and we end up eating in the living room but hey art comes first :)