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Skill Development
This Category contains blogs about skill development by Art-Marco


I want to paint this. Where do I start?
This is not merely a repetition of theory; it is a guide to my approach. I mention artists whose work has impacted me because they possess that special quality. It's the quality every artist aims for. People appreciate their work, but why?
Mark East
7 days ago11 min read


Create your own Online Art Group
Have you ever found yourself gazing at your artwork, questioning whether it truly connects with others? Or perhaps you're yearning for a new perspective to catch details you may have overlooked? This is precisely why having ventured into the realm of online art groups I decided to create the opportunity for you to create your own group. You may for example be at college or in an existing art club but would love to break away and form your own group where you can develop your
Mark East
Jun 34 min read


Is your child a potential art master? Join Art-Club Junior
As a proud parent or like myself a grandparent, it is a joy to sit at home and watch a toddler scribbling away. These early marks on paper may seem simple, but for many of us they are full of meaning, wonder, and promise. But are they? Are you sitting with a potential art master? You may want to share your child’s artwork and your thoughts with other like-minded parents. Not to boast or brag, but to celebrate development, learn from one another, and support children as they g
Mark East
Jun 23 min read


Jackson Pollock - Skill or Unique Talent?
Jackson Pollock’s paintings command high values due to their revolutionary impact on modern art. We are told that his innovative techniques and historical significance drive collector demand. Read the latest essay by Marco on the debate.
Art Club Admin
May 36 min read


My Artistic Journey: From Bob Ross to Custom Commissions
Winter Snow after Bob Ross I started painting after watching Bob Ross produce one of his classics on TV in 2021. It was a rerun, but it sparked my creative juices. Having just retired, I felt it was time to rekindle my passion for a hobby that would challenge me and allow me to create something I hadn’t done in years: a painting. Bob worked extensively in oils, so I set out to gather the necessary tools—paints, solvents, liquin, and more. Much to my wife's chagrin, my first a
Mark East
Apr 53 min read


Day 3 & 4 Update Mastering Charcoal Tutorial : Techniques to Create a Stunning Blizzard Artwork.
The tutorial and charcoal piece shown here are inspired by Skelton’s photographs and Wilson’s paintings, particularly those capturing the ferocious blizzard conditions they endured on the ice. Entitled Blizzard, this artwork is my tribute to those early pioneers of polar exploration.
Mark East
Mar 113 min read


Day 1 & 2 Mastering Charcoal Tutorial : Techniques to Create a Stunning Blizzard Artwork.
The tutorial and charcoal piece shown here are inspired by Skelton’s photographs and Wilson’s paintings, particularly those capturing the ferocious blizzard conditions they endured on the ice. Entitled Blizzard, this artwork is my tribute to those early pioneers of polar exploration.
Marco
Mar 66 min read


Kingfisher Bird Pastel Tutorial with Marco. A step by step guide to Pastel Art
Learn how to create a stunning pastel kingfisher drawing in this detailed “Kingfisher Pastel Tutorial with Marco.” This step-by-step guide covers the materials you’ll need, blending techniques, and expert tips to bring bright bird colours to life in pastel art. Follow each stage from eye building to feather details and finishing touches. Some of the products you will be using are Faber-Castell Pastel Pencils, Cassart Pastel, Zestit and Clairefontaine Pastelmat. I will give yo
Mark East
Jan 317 min read


Painting The Antarctic Silence: A Tribute to Dr Edward Wilson
This blog explores the process and techniques I used and shows below my own rendition of Dr Edward Wilson’s watercolour of McMurdo Sound
Marco
Jan 136 min read


“Cat”: A Pastel Eye & Fur Texture Tutorial
Learn how to bring a cat’s gaze to life: a step-by-step pastel drawing tutorial showing how to build texture, light, and reflection
Mark East
Oct 7, 20253 min read


Painting A Timeless Icon in Watercolour - Land Rover Defender
Land Rover a timeless icon in watercolour by Art Marco. The vehicle in the painting resembles the Land Rover Defender, a direct descendant of those early models. With its iconic boxy silhouette, upright stance, and rugged functionality, the Defender carried forward the DNA of the original Series I, II, and III models.
The Defender became more than just a farm vehicle—it became a global workhorse. From traversing the African savannah to climbing the Scottish Highlands, it p
Mark East
Sep 20, 20252 min read


Recreating Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler: Acrylic Beach Dancing Tutorial & Tips”
Learn how to recreate Jack Vettriano’s iconic The Singing Butler as Beach Dancing in acrylics. Explore transformative twists, sky techniques
Mark East
May 15, 20256 min read


Learning Watercolour Techniques from Thomas Girtin’s Morpeth Bridge
Discover Thomas Girtin’s watercolor techniques through a step-by-step guide to painting Morpeth Bridge. Perfect for watercolor newcomers
Mark East
Nov 12, 20244 min read


Step-by-Step Watercolour Landscape Painting: Alicante Rooftop Vista Tutorial
Learn to paint a watercolor landscape with this step-by-step guide. Discover washes, composition tips, and how to create an Alicante rooftop
Mark East
Sep 7, 20246 min read


Fun in the Poppy Field.Learning from Monet. An art tutorial
I paint for fun, the challenge and the enjoyment and I improve my technique from Masters like Monet. Whilst I sell some of my finished paintings, I don't lose any sleep if they don't sell. For me this art tutorial “Fun in the Poppy Field” is more about constant improvement. We can all learn from the masters and Monet is one of the best. If what I produce expands my knowledge and others can learn from it then that gives me the confidence to keep going. We all learn by example
Mark East
Jan 22, 20247 min read


Everyone can draw and everyone can paint.
Let me start by saying up front, everyone can draw and everyone can paint. The problem is how much time you are gong to put into practicing and honing your newly found skills.
You will read about cool and warm colours, perspective, composition all of which will put you off right from the start. Well don't be, it happens to all of us. I retired some 3 years ago, I hadn't painted since junior school and that was with my fingers and hand , according to my 89 year old mother.
Mark East
Jan 4, 20246 min read
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