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Month: November 2025

Inside the Sketchbook of Yiwei Xu

Yiwei Xu is a Chinese-born artist based in London and Kent whose work explores the sensory power of nature and the peace found in its impermanence. In this article, we take a look inside her vivid and expressive sketchbooks, where she finds freedom in unhindered self-expression. Yiwei discusses how her sketches evoke memories, the tactile process of selecting her materials, as well as her philosophy of approaching creativity without being bound by the burden of expectation.     Inside the Sketchbook of Yiwei Xu Sketchbooks used to be my biggest comfort zone in my practice. There are no limitations, no specific methods to follow, no standard of what’s right or wrong – I’m free to mess things up. Flipping open a sketchbook, I don’t have to be skilful or professional; the only thing I need to think about is being myself – what I want to see, what I want to record, what I care about. During that time, my sketchbooks were full of random, personal subjects.     I don’t have a specific preference when choosing sketchbooks, but I do enjoy picking one in person. That way, I can feel the texture of the paper and imagine the feeling …

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Jackson’s Art Prize 2026

Submissions to Jackson’s Art Prize 2026 are now open! The competition returns for the eleventh year to find the best in emerging art. Artists working in any two-dimensional technique are invited to enter, and stand the chance of winning a First Prize of £6,000 plus £2,000 in art materials. This year sees 31 awards, an exciting Guest Judging Panel, the opportunity to exhibit at two London exhibitions, and an Early Bird entry price of just £5. Read on for more details on this year’s competition, and bookmark this page for future reference. ENTER HERE   Contents Awards and Prizes Dates and Deadlines Entry Fees Guest Judging Panel Exhibitions FAQs Resources     Awards and Prizes There are 31 awards to be won, including First Prize, five Jackson’s Choice Awards, eight Material Awards and Runners Up, the Student and Amateur Awards, the People’s Choice Award, and six Judge’s Choice Awards selected by our Guest Judging Panel   First Prize £6,000 £2,000 Jackson’s art materials A filmed interview in your studio An invitation to sit on the Guest Judging Panel for 2027 Exhibited at Bankside Gallery   Guest Judge’s Choice Awards (x 6) £1,000 Jackson’s art materials Invited to exhibit at Bankside …

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Sponging Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking

Using sponges for painting may initially bring back memories of using poster paint in primary school, but they’re also a valuable tool for artists working in painting, drawing, and printmaking. In this article, I explore the sponging technique by looking at examples from antiquity to Dutch botanical painting, as well as Degas’ prints. Articles in the Techniques Series define the meaning and context of art making processes and give practical tutorials on how to work with them.     Sponging Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking Definition: Sponging is the application of paint or ink to a surface using a sponge. This could be a natural sea sponge or a manufactured one.     What is the Effect of Sponging? Sponging adds texture to paintings by printing the impression of the sponge onto the surface. Sea sponges generally have defined holes which will appear when dabbed onto a painting. Whereas manufactured sponges have tiny holes which make the sponged mark appear more unified. The artist may manipulate a sponge by cutting it into a particular shape for their purposes, or compress or twist it in their grip to make a specific printed mark.     Sponges may also be swiped …

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