Art Through Symbols: Fire

We are drawn to flame like moths by our innate survival instincts – but we are mesmerised by fire far beyond its simple ability to light our way, cook our meals, or warm our bodies. The ember embodies the spark of new life, and the inferno the destruction of another, with ideas on communication, foolishness and power found in between. The Art Through Symbols series explores the interpretation of symbols throughout art history – be they cultural, religious, folkloric, or personal. Each article analyses a series of artworks before detailing an art-making tutorial inspired by the symbol for you to try.     Art Through Symbols: Fire Interpreting Fire     “A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke.” – Vincent Van Gogh The elemental force of fire can be essential for our survival, but it is also one of the greatest threats to it. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the dramatic lighting conditions brought by flame in a darkened room have inspired countless artists to render in chiaroscuro. The motif of a single candle carries a more romantic, calming, or reflective feeling than the …

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Rococo Techniques for Painting and Drawing

In this article, I explore the techniques of the Rococo painters by examining the stylistic choices in their idyllic works. Through the patronage of the French aristocracy, artists like Watteau, Boucher, Fragonard, and Vigée le Brun formed the flamboyant imagery that we know Rococo for today. Then I demonstrate how to create your own Rococo works in painting and drawing media. Articles in the Techniques Series define the meaning and context of art making processes and give practical tutorials on how to work with them.     Rococo Techniques for Painting and Drawing Definition: Rococo describes the opulent ornamental style of late Baroque art and architecture popularised by the French aristocracy. The word originates from the French for rock or broken shell – ‘rocaille’, referring to artificial shell-covered grottos. In fine art, it appears as a distinctive collection of overwhelmingly sweet aesthetic choices – from pastel blues and pinks to floral flourishes, theatrical costuming, powdery skin, and flirtatious gatherings.   What is the Effect of Rococo? Rococo didn’t just populate the paintings of its time, but flooded whole rooms, furnishings, and ceilings with swirling patterning. It’s a movement of loud luxury, communicating the wealth and status of those with the …

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Your Roadmap To Growing Your Jewellery Business in 2026 with Jessica Rose (podcast episode)

In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, award winning
entepreneur Jessica Rose dives into what it really takes to grow a
jewellery business once you’re three or more years in. If you’ve moved past
the experimentation phase and are ready to build something profitable,
sustainable, and strategically focused, this episode is your roadmap.

Jessica explores the core pillars that help jewellers transition from busy
and functioning to thriving and scalable, sharing her own experiences –
wins, mistakes, and moments of truth along the way.

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