On the Easel

I've always thought how lucky we are to live in an area with so many beautiful reservoirs to walk around, sail on, or swim in! Combs Reservoir proved to be a very popular one! with some stunning photos sent in by a number of people. I have a member of Combs Sailing Club to thank for this image, who took the photo when out on her canoe one evening. I like how the pink of the sails stands out. There's a great depth of colour within the landscape and sky reflected in the water. I've used a nice mix of blues and earthy greens. Saturating the surface of the canvas helps to build the effect of water, reflections and ripples in the reservoir. Before it dries I've dragged the paintbrush across the canvas to add to the effect. The tissue paper soaks up the paint and as creates some interesting textures. Paper and thread finish the piece, bringing the boats to life!

Here's the latest in my series of paintings inspired by photos subscribers have sent in. This one particularly caught my eye as it's a place we visited about 13 years ago. Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is a quiet, picturesque place, off the beaten track. I remember the sea being crystal clear and a bit chilly! This painting differs slightly from the usual method as I've used much more paint at the beginning of the process. The timelapse video below shows the initial stages. I was pleased to find some nice vivid coloured paper in my magazine to form the sails of the boats and the buildings behind. I pinched my wife's hairdryer! I've used it to manipulate and push the flow of ink around the canvas while it dries.

Following an amazing response to my request for photos of your favourite places around the UK this Summer, I'm proud to present the first in a series from this collection. 'Boat Shed at Holy Island' inspired by a photo kindly sent by Mr and Mrs Robinson. I love the composition and in particular how the shape of the upturned boat in the foreground echos the outline of Lindisfarne Castle behind. The bright colours of the tangled collection of Fishermans tackle in the foreground create a great contrast to the natural coastal hues of Holy Island.

From local scenes of Mam Tor and Alderley Edge to views of London and beyond! Every page features one of Rob's latest creations in his unique style.

Artist Rob Wilson is encouraging people to give making art a go with a new kit containing everything they need to complete a project at home. The art kits have been produced by Rob following requests from hobbyists and amateur artists wanting to learn new skills during lockdown, as well as people seeking a new creative outlet to support their overall wellbeing. All skill levels Rob’s step-by-step instructions, tips and inspiration throughout the kit, which includes high-quality art materials, provide an insight into the techniques he uses to produce his distinctive and award-winning artwork. Teaching users how to paint trees using card and stencil, the first kit is designed for all levels and recognises that for some people putting a paintbrush to a blank canvas can be daunting. Learn from Rob “As a kid growing up in Knutsford I was always sketching trees. It’s how I taught myself to draw. Since then I’ve been constantly learning and soaking up influences that fuel my imagination. “Looking at other artists’ work is how we can learn and improve, and this kit will introduce you to some of the techniques that I use. The result will be a piece of art with your personal touch. And feeling that undeniable satisfaction of creating it yourself.” Rob adds: “My top tip is to accept that the finished piece won’t always look like how you imagined it. The most important thing is to enjoy the process, be excited and inspired about it, and above all, have fun!” What's in the kit Each kit contains an easy to follow guide, canvas, stencil, brush, painting card deck, acrylic paints and watercolour pencils. It also includes a signed print of ‘Silver Birches’, which is exclusive to the art kit. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far and, with just a limited number of kits available, he plans to develop more in the future. Future kits “Plans for next year include a kit which teaches users how to create reflections using collage with dress patterns and magazine cuttings. From my studio in Marple Bridge I can see the canal through the window and I enjoy recreating the water’s reflections in my mixed-media paintings. “During these past few months, I think many people have reconnected with nature which can only be a good thing. I hope my kits help more people to observe their surroundings and capture the wonder of the natural world through art.”

Studio Visits Due to the latest restrictions, the studio will be closed to visitors until further notice. All work is available to purchase from my website. If you wish to view a particular piece in person please contact Rob to discuss.

This is a view from one of our local walks around Eccles Pike. We can see it from our house, it's a much-loved walk because of the stunning views across Chinley, Whaley Bridge, Chapel and beyond. I used the Inktense watercolour blocks; Baked Earth, Field Green and Charcoal Grey to create a ground on the canvas. Dress patterns create texture in the foreground and sections of newspaper print suggest the patchwork of fields on the hill side. With a dry brush a light skim of white acrylic is applied adding a layer of detail. Picking out the rhythms of the landscape using soft warm pink and pale green thread to mark the field boundaries.

I began this artwork as an experimental piece, feeling free from my usual methods. I felt inspired by the energy and glowing lights of the city. Listening to some of my favourite music I started by making a quick pencil sketch. I'm enjoying the colours that are beginning to emerge. Using Inktense watercolour pencils, darker tones of the background such as Deep Blue and Dark Chocolate contrast with warmer hues of Amber and Chilli Red. A passing taxi provides an interesting stream of light. Turquoise and red acrylic inks enhance the movement further. Trying something new! I've mounted the canvas to a board and positioned nails to stretch thread between. I wanted to explore what qualities this extra dimension would add to my painting. Whereas the thread created interesting lines, I was less happy with the visible nails. So leaving just the outer nails in place I continued stretching the thread across the painting to suggest a pedestrian crossing and the grid-like structure of the city. Finally, to really bring out the vibrancy of the city lights, I've covered the whole canvas in a layer of epoxy resin - something I've experimented with before in my previous pieces of Amsterdam. This high shine finish really epitomises the night time atmosphere. I am really pleased with the result!

I've been feeling inspired by the work of American artist Jeremy Mann. I discovered him on Instagram last year. I love his impressionistic, loose style and his use of brooding, atmospheric colours. Here are the various stages I went through in developing this piece. I wasn't happy with the proportions of my first attempt so whilst still wet I used a wide brush to distress it and form interesting marks to use as a background. Using my 'bark' coloured pencil crayon I re-drew the figure. I've then added some flesh tones using acrylic paint and a wash of Burnt Umber for the darker areas.