Painting from Imagination

 The key to painting imaginary subjects is to hold onto the dream image as long as possible, even if it’s hazy and tentative. Then you work like crazy to find analogues in the real world, and gather references of any kind. Be like a sponge, and “f…

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Review of Da Vinci’s New Synthetic Paddle Brushes

Paddle brushes allow artists to have tactile contact with their surface by movement through the wrist, allowing them to work with greater control across large surface areas. The sturdy design also ensures brush longevity. Da Vinci has released their own new paddle brush range, with three bristle types available in three sizes – 40, 60, and 80 mm. In the following article, I describe their unique properties, test out the functionality of their innovative ergonomic handle design, and use them to apply acrylic paints, gesso, and mediums with a variety of effects.     Review of Da Vinci’s New Synthetic Paddle Brushes The History of the Da Vinci Company The Da Vinci brush company was founded around 1890 in Germany and remains based in Nuremberg to this day. Their long-standing ethos has been “to produce the best brushes in the world”, covering everything from artists’ and cosmetic brushes to dental brushes. The name Da Vinci doesn’t come from a personal link to the Renaissance master, but was chosen to enhance brand recognition and give an assurance quality after the company trademarked the name ‘Leonardo Da Vinci’ in 1952. Today, Da Vinci manufactures about 6 million brushes annually, with the Paddle …

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The Visibility Retreat: A Game-Changer for Your Jewellery Business (podcast episode)

In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is
joined by Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, and Emma René to introduce something
brand new: the first-ever Jewellers’ Visibility Retreat, happening this
September in Brighton, England.

This intimate, in-person, three-day event is designed for jewellery
business owners who are ready to get seen, connect deeply with their brand,
and confidently attract customers, just in time for the busy Christmas
sales season.

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Sandra Cavanagh: Transposing Thought and Feeling

Sandra Cavanagh won the Oil Award in Jackson’s Art Prize this year with her work Death of Hector II. In this interview, she discusses finding form in current events, feeling bereft when not working, and the fast dab of an unexpected decision. Above image: Sandra’s painting studio     Josephine: Could you tell us about your artistic background? Sandra: I grew up in Argentina, within a deeply patriarchal and conservative culture, where democracy was imperilled by coups d’état, terrorism, and military rule. I witnessed the uncertainties of life in a police state where unchecked uniformed authority inevitably causes a breakdown of trust in the institutions of government. Early on, I cultivated an interest in a courageous, opinionated art, and to date, social injustice, violence, and gender inequality continue to drive the narratives developed in my work. Most recently, I’ve focused on the use of myth to comment on sociopolitical issues. The work evokes ancient and current power structures and the stresses these cause. I’m interested in the enduring nature of cross-generational stories in popular media and their use to contextualise public and private elements of our lives through the ages. I read Social Sciences at the University of Belgrano in …

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Overcoming Obstacles: How Jane Taylor Built a Thriving Jewellery Business (podcast episode)

Jess talks with fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor, to talk about her
creative journey into jewellery making. From childhood badge-making to
running her own boutique jewellery store in Godalming, UK. Jane shares
about the winding road that led her to jewellery. From early experiments
with polymer clay, to leaving an apprenticeship in search of creative
freedom, to building her own brand and shop that’s now part of a thriving
creative hub.

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The Jewellers Visibility Retreat: How our In-Person Experience Can Help You Get Seen and Grow Your Jewellery Business

Join us for a transformative three-day, in-person retreat by the sea,
designed to help jewellers step into true visibility, grow their brand with
clarity, and finally feel seen. From expert-led sessions to a professional
mini brand shoot and a powerful community experience, this is your moment
to break through and move your business forward.

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