Sometimes the melody whispers while the words steal the show. In Doug Swinton’s latest article, “Design Before Execution,” he dives into the balance between structure and spontaneity — how design lays the foundation, but composition decides who takes the spotlight. Whether it’s a street scene or a still life, it all starts with a solid plan…

No one ever shows the ones that didn't make the cut, but there sure are a lot of them. And they are necessary to achieve success.

The 60/30/10 Split. This is a great technique to capture balance and visual interest in a colour scheme. This can be used not only for paintings but also logos, brands, interiors, graphic design, websites and more.

Is using AI to help you paint cheating? From paintbrushes to photoshop read on Doug's point of view when using technology to help you paint.

See Doug Swinton's top 3 written and video posts. From impact to value, we have found these got the highest engagement.

Get your creative juices flowing when you're stuck in painter's block with these 10 tips and exercises.

Where does intuition come from? Intuition comes from experience. The more you practice something the more your subconscious will take over.

From its portability and water solubility to its versatility across surfaces and opacity levels, gouache offers unique benefits for artists

Explore the "what if" factor. Embrace your unique inspirations and push boundaries to craft your art.

It takes a special breed of human to go forth and see what's out there with no idea of what’s ahead.

How to cool or warm colours when you're painting. Tips and tricks on how to use white.

Don't get married to your painting. Sometimes you have to know when to give up and start over.

Explore the dynamic relationship between figures and landscapes through 10 insightful observations.

10 things to keep in mind that will help you make a foreground work in a painting.

Learn about preferred colours from a survey of 2500 people. Doug shows the results and says what he thinks about them.

Discover the art of brushwork with our comprehensive guide to different types of paint brushes. From flat to round, find the perfect tool.

Unlock the secrets of painting edges with these 10 expert tips!

The five dominations of painting. Learn what makes a painting interesting to look at.

Unlock the beauty of rock scenes with our expert tips. Experience the power of eliminating detail from your painting.

Discover the secrets of putting more zip in your paintings. Learn about the power of shadows, playing with light, and complimentary colours.