Recent ARTdiscount Blog Articles

Explore a range of interesting art-related features written by our in-house artists, including inspiration how-to guides, fascinating interviews, exciting introductions to new product ranges, and much more.

Newton's colour wheel. Two Colour wheels created using watercolour paints illustrating, warm and cool colours.

A beginners guide; How to use a colour wheel? - ‘Colouring the Nation’

Jul 25, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

This blog aims to clarify why an informed approach to colour mixing will enhance your paintings so you can create more of a convincing, realistic or fantasy landscape, seascape or figurative study

Let's Get Festival Ready!

Let's Get Festival Ready!

Jul 16, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

In this article we are going to look at all the products we sell on our online shop which can help you personalise your clothing and accessories to stand out in the crowd! We have products to use on your wellies, canvas shoes, hats, t-shirts, bags and umbrellas, tents, flags, and to create a personal totem for your group!

Let's Get Festival Ready Part 2

Let's Get Festival Ready Part 2

Jul 16, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

There is sooo much inspiration out there on the high street, this year's fashion trends include back to the late 90’s and early 2000s with the latest Y2K fashion hits, or create your own Psychedelic inspired Wellies! Organic and morphing shapes means anything goes! 

Creating festival accessories- Part 3

Creating festival accessories- Part 3

Jul 16, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

Now that you have created your festival wellies, who doesn't want a coordinating tote bag and water bottle! The flexibility of the products you have bought will allow you to work on all three very different surfaces and still get surprisingly amazing results! Fabric, rubber and plastic!

Embroidered  swallow drawing in an embroidery hoop with a waterbrush wetting an area coloured in with Inktense pencils.

Incredible Inktense! Crafting and Creating with Derwent Inktense blocks and pencils on fabric PART 2

Jul 10, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

We explored the vibrant world of textile art using a blend of traditional techniques and innovative materials like Inktense pencils, blocks, and paints. Join us as we delve into the process of creating textile pieces, combining traditional methods with contemporary tools for a unique artistic expression.

Examples of fabrics painted with Derwent Inktense pencils, paints and blocks. Leaves, birds and a tie dye sample.

Incredible Inktense! Crafting & Creating with Derwent Inktense Blocks, Paints & Pencils on Fabric - Part One

Jul 03, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

In this blog, we’ll explore why Inktense pencils and blocks are an exceptional choice for bringing your fabric creations to life, whether you’re customising clothing, designing home décor, or crafting unique accessories.

Amy Tomlinson, Blackpool based artist stood next to her painted elephant sculpture entitled  'The Clown'.

Artist Interview: Amy Tomlinson

Jun 26, 2024
by
Izzy Latimer

Amy Tomlinson is a Blackpool based artist of whom was involved in Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool with her creation 'The clown'! Amy has recently graduated from Huddersfield University with a degree in Contemporary Art and Illustration, which spurred on a recent focus on sculptural paintings with her degree project 'Miniature painting series'.

 Painted yellow primrose flowers on Hahnemuhle Sugar Cane watercolour paper.

Exploring the Benefits of Hahnemühle Watercolour paper

Jun 18, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

For many years, Hahnemühle has been consistently working towards finding more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to produce paper. In this article, we explore the key features and advantages of their eco-friendly products.

Painted Elephant sculptures all in a row. Sculptures were part of Elmer's Big Parade in Blackpool

Artist Interview: Elmer Trail Artists

Jun 10, 2024
by
Izzy Latimer

Since April, Elmer's have decorated Blackpool's landscape, raising funds and awareness for Brian House! Elmer's Big Parade has encouraged locals to become tourists in their own town, boost creativity and celebrate diversity. We spoke to: Hannah Jayne Lewin, Rachael & Philippa Corcutt and Lucy Hebden to find out what it takes to create an Elmer! 

Inktense half pan watercolour set open on a white piece of paper covered in dandelion and daisy flower heads and leaves with sample colour charts.

NEW Derwent Watercolour Paint

May 30, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

Dive into our blog to discover the vibrant world of Derwent watercolour paints! Perfect for artists of all levels, these high-quality pigments offer smooth applications and stunning results.

A Buyer's Guide to Artists' Pens: Fineliners, Brush Pens, and Alcohol Markers, showcasing various fineliners with different tip sizes.

A Buyer's Guide to Artists' Fineliners, Brush Pens, and Alcohol Markers

May 08, 2024
by
Joseph Short

Technical pens and markers have been a staple of the graphic artist toolbox for many years. In this article, we'll take a look at the wide variety of markers available here at ARTdiscount, and demystify some of the terms and technicalities associated with fineliners, brush pens, and markers.

Artist Naomi Jenkins stood in front of her painting of a tiger.

Artist Interview: Naomi Jenkin

Apr 24, 2024
by
Izzy Latimer

Naomi Jenkin is a Cornwall based pastel artist of whom specialises in creating animal portraits. Her art is heavily inspired by her love of wildlife and the importance of protecting them, which consequently led to Naomi becoming a finalist in the 2022 Wildlife Artist Of The Year!

Artist stood at a Meeden Extra Large Wood Drafting Table Deep Walnut

Meet MEEDEN; Affordable, High Quality Artists Studio Equipment.

Apr 18, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

MEEDEN is a company known for providing high-quality art supplies and tools to artists and enthusiasts. They are committed to inspiring creativity and supporting artistic endeavours through their range of products, which include Easels, Artist Supplies storage drawers, Table Easels, and Artists’ Print rack with castors. 

Everything You Need to Know About Easels

Everything You Need to Know About Easels

Apr 10, 2024
by
Joseph Short

One of the most important investments you’ll make as an artist is your easel. Here's some advice before you take the plunge!

Watercolour painting of a lilac jug with flowers on ARTdiscount watercolour panels.

Product spotlight! ARTdiscount Watercolour panels

Apr 04, 2024
by
Ellie Jakeman

In this blog, we'll dive into the details of how to make the most of our Watercolour Panels, sharing tips, techniques, and inspiration to fuel your artistic endeavours. 

Artist Kim Eshelman sat in front of one of her soft pastel paintings.

Artist Interview: Kim Eshelman

Mar 13, 2024
by
Izzy Latimer

Kim Eshelman is an American contemporary artist of whom specialises in pastel work. Her landscapes are inspired by her hometown in Washington, with references to trees/ponds/skies whilst playing with light. Kim is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies with regularly exhibiting and awards won. Her work is worldwide, including in the Pastel Museum in Saint-Auyale, France.