Table of Contents
For many years, I was a professional photographer, specialising in weddings, portraits, motorcycle racing, and product photography. We all now enjoy taking photos with a camera or phone; they are part of our everyday life, enabling us to capture every moment and to share it instantly with friends and family.
Overcoming the Fear of Colour
Deep down, whilst doing my photography, all I wanted to do was draw and paint, but being afraid of colour, I used photography as my creative outlet. No one knew I had a level of colour blindness: reds, greens, browns, and pinks!
I wasted so many years. I even tried a few art holidays, but the tutors did not understand my problem with colour. I happily continued to spend years collecting art books and materials, quietly knowing one day I would finally start painting!
Finding Art Gallery Inspiration
I never miss an opportunity to visit art galleries. No matter how big or small, they are the best places for inspiration and discovering new artists and styles. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has a painting called Charity by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Seeing the painting for the first time, I was transfixed. I stood looking at it for at least 20 minutes; only art can do this. I had never heard of the artist until then!
Another wonderful find was the Lady Lever Art Gallery, full of paintings by so many famous artists, especially artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. On rainy days, art galleries and museums are a must-visit—and of course, coffee shops.
A Million-Pound Memory
Zara and I once had our own art gallery in Beaumaris. The youngest artist to exhibit was a talented seven-year-old. She loved to paint birds. The excitement and happiness on her face when she saw her art displayed in the gallery window was worth a million pounds—one of the happiest memories from the gallery.
"Art does not care how old you are, how skilled you are, what you paint or which mediums you use, and neither should you."
Developing My Unique Watercolor Style
I knew, way before I was brave enough to pick up a brush, I wanted to paint landscapes and seascapes in watercolour. Over the years, I discovered painting styles, techniques, and artists that inspired me. I’ve been fortunate to meet many of them in person, and I thank them all for sharing their love of art so freely.
When I started my formal watercolour painting journey, it was no surprise to find my style is a fusion of Chinese landscape and British watercolours. I’m still developing my technique, loving every minute I have with a pencil or paintbrush in my hand.
Seizing the Moment in Portmeirion
This winter has been the wettest and coldest I can remember, leaving very few opportunities for en plein air painting. Last weekend, however, we were blessed with a day of sunshine. Zara and I seized the moment.
We set off to Portmeirion for the day, a location made famous by the 1960s TV series “The Prisoner” starring Patrick McGoohan. The village was designed by the visionary Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Portofino in Italy was the inspiration for this wonderful architectural wonderland, creating A little bit of Italy hiding in North Wales.
It was a wonderful feeling, the warmth of the sun, for the first time this year. I took plenty of reference photos for painting once I returned to the studio, as the weather forecast for Sunday was rain. It was refreshing to be outdoors enjoying life; even the wildlife was active, with the air filled with birdsong.
Painting Through a Photographer’s Eye
Since I started painting watercolours, I have changed how I take photographs, especially of subjects that may be used as references for sketches, or to paint when back in the studio.
After taking a photo of the whole scene, I then zoom in on specific areas to capture as much textural information as possible. When using photos for painting references, clarity is key; there is nothing worse than losing essential detail when you enlarge the image. I have attached sample photos, which you may use to create your own paintings.
A Lesson in Procrastination
The biggest lesson I have learnt since trading my lens for a brush is to stop procrastinating! It kills our time and our creativity. You will never get the same moment again.
As I continue to grow as an artist, the one thing I will always do is to share the painting tips for beginners and little hints I have picked up on my journey, following in the footsteps of the artists who shared theirs with me.
Looking Forward in 2026
One of my goals this year is to share as much of my artwork as possible by sending painted original postcards (the Fuumuui ones are excellent) or gifting artworks.
We can all encourage people to have a go at painting, to help them overcome their fear of starting. This is something every artist can do, no matter what level we are at.
Let's make it our mission to set free and encourage as many artists as we can in 2026, by giving them help and guidance through those tentative first steps to becoming an artist.
