(If you would like to attend a workshop in glazing oils over a monochrome underpainting, click here.)

Going through my old sketchbooks once again, I decided to work up one of my drawings. You can see the sketch here. I thought that I’d change it a little and add a narrative element, hence the little monster appearing out of the top of her head. I’ve  long been a fan of the work of Mark Ryden in the States with his slightly disturbing paintings (he invented the meat dress long before Lady Gaga) and other artists/illustrators with bags of imagination who like to have fun with their work. (I discovered another one , since befriended on Facebook; Leslie Ditto).

Although glazing with acrylics gives a pretty good approximation of oils, the results are always that little bit rougher. On the upside, it’s far less likely to be smudged as you try to get in close for detailing. I’m always dragging my cuffs across the work, then dragging my cuffs against the kitchen presses; sofa; my family; other passers-by, etc. Stay away from me if I’ve been painting… My preferred acrylic medium is the Windsor & Newton Galeria Matt medium (I use matt to reduce shine for scanning and photography). I also bought myself a bottle of the Windsor & Newton Artists’ matt medium but it’s far too viscous, so I don’t use it much.

Once again, I’m not impressed by the scans delivered by this Brother All-in-one A3 leviathan. Come back Canon, all is forgiven.

I’d better stop as I can see this is just turning into a litany of complaints! Do get in touch if there’s anything you’d like me to write about. Have a monster week.

‘Mathilde and her Monster’ Acrylics on panel. 8″ x 10″

Denise has the original in the Doorway Gallery, so if it takes your fancy, contact her by email or call on +353 (0)1 7645895