HELLO SKETCHING FRIENDS!
I hope you are well and making big plans for summer. I am slowly making preparation for my month long trip to Europe this coming July. It will be my first time visiting Munich, Toulouse and Bordeaux! Super excited to catch up with my urban sketching family during the Urban Sketching symposium in Toulouse. This is an annual meet up that I will try not to miss. It will be a one week of non-stop sketching, chatting and feasting. I cannot wait to try authentic food from southern France.
This month’s post is about my current obsession with cling wraps. Yes it is a very flimsy and yet a very versatile material for artists. I have been using it to create all kinds of exciting surface textures on paper. I use this approach to disrupt the paper surface and also push the boundaries of watercolour. The results can be very unpredictable and that is precisely the reason why I like to working this way. I just never know what I will get when cling wrap kisses the wet paper. You just need to play, push and pull, and the possibilities are infinite. Watch in wonder and get ready to be surprised!
A few thoughts as you experiment with cling wraps.
Follow your curiosity and LOOK for new shapes and surface textures.
PATIENCE. Let the paint dry thoroughly before you peel off the cling wrap. (Crispy edges)
Peel off after a few minutes if you want a more mottled look. Timing is key for the look that you want.
Try on different type of paper surfaces. I work mostly on smoother hot pressed paper and the subtle textures resonate more with me.
Cling wrap is also a brush/applicator?
Try multi-pigment or highly granulating paints.
Watch out for the amount of water you use. WETNESS is a key consideration.
You can use the textures positively on objects or negatively for the background.
Here are a few process images of how I prepared the background before laying more coloured shapes to create an impression of wild plants and orchids.
I hope you have enjoyed watching the video demos I created for you. Don’t worry be too concerned about making mistakes. See them as your creative opportunities to learn. Remember to enjoy the happy colour mess that will unfold. Please share with me how you have incorporated the cling wrap into your own creative practice too. Have a wonderful week ahead until we ‘meet’ in June!
RECORDED WORKSHOP WITH ART TOOL KIT (Recorded on 7th Feb)
Don’t worry if you missed this online workshop that I taught in February. You can now purchase, watch the recording and practice along with me. Click here to watch the recording
1. Art, Food & Culture Retreat (Hanoi, Bac Ha & Sapa, North Vietnam)
Date: 8-17th December 2026
Open to everyone, regardless of background, this program offers slow, responsible travel with like-minded individuals. We emphasize immersive cultural experiences by providing a comprehensive exploration of Vietnamese culinary history and food culture. This meticulously curated journey delves into the Art, Food, and Culture of North Vietnam. I will be teaching 8 specially crafted art workshops during our retreat.
Click here for more information.
2. Art, Food & Culture Retreat (Hoi An, Central Vietnam)
Date: 19-28th February 2027
For all who would like to experience slow, responsible travel with like-minded people. The emphasis is on immersive cultural experiences while enjoying a deep exploration of Vietnamese Culinary History and Food Culture. 10 days filled with 8 exciting art workshops to help you capture the beauty of Hoi An. Last few spots left!
Click here for more information.
3. Art, Food & Culture WORKSHOPS & RETREATS in Australia.
Join me for a hands-on workshop in the heart of Sydney. This session focuses on my signature approach to expressive linework and vibrant storytelling through sketching. You will learn to capture the city’s unique architectural rhythm and light using rapid, insightful techniques. Do also check out our retreats in Sydney and Tasmania for a more immersive experience!
WORKSHOP DATES: 28th, 29th & 30th August 2027
Click here for more information (Sydney Workshop)
Click here for more information (Sydney - September Retreat)
Click here for more information (Tasmania - September Retreat)
