Monthly Muse - December

Here is December's monthly muse painting and poem collaboration for the Wide Island View magazine. I painted a yellow bellied fly-catcher.
Painted with Holbein watercolour paints on Wirgman 320 cold press watercolour paper.

Merry Christmas 2016!

Hello and Merry Christmas!

Despite my lack of Christmas spirit this year I ended up painting some holly for one of my school's vice prinsiples. Perhaps once the school holidays start I'll be able to relax more.

I took this painting as a chance to try a different technique with the way I approach highlights. I went for an obvious speckled effect with the masking fluid. I think it was a successful experiment, I'll see if I can use it more in my own paintings.

Featured in Artists & Illustrators!

Hello and happy December! It's icy cold here in my Japanese apartment, being a productive human being right now is near impossible! But nevermind that, there is some awesome news which I'd like to share. In the January 2017 issue of the Artists & Illustrators UK magazine (which is out this month), I got a two spread feature about what it was like painting my 30 Days of watercolour project!

I never expected my work to be featured, it's a good feeling. If you live in the UK, make sure to pick it up.  After reading the article though, I realized that my self deprecating sense of humor comes off little on the harsh side.🎭 So I think my new years resolution is to be a little more kinder when talking about my art and myself in general.

UPDATE: December 20th 2016
My friend Amy, who works with me in Kure city has traveled back to the UK for the December holidays, while there she surprised me with this photo! She spotted my article and kindly got me a copy of the magazine! LUCKY!