Tutorial on how to paint a chalk stream river scene using mixed medium Sennelier products
Jul 08, 2026
I’m delighted to share some exciting news this week – my copy of the SAA Paint & Create magazine has arrived, and I’m thrilled to be featured inside!
I’ve written an 8-page tutorial in the Create section, where I take readers step by step through painting one of my favourite local landscapes: the beautiful River Avon chalk stream. It’s a place I know well and one that has inspired me countless times, so it was a real pleasure to share my process.
Throughout the tutorial, I demonstrate how I combine different mediums, build up layers of colour, and use a variety of brushes and techniques to create depth, texture and atmosphere. One unexpected benefit of writing the article was having to stop at regular intervals to photograph and document each stage. Normally, I become so absorbed in painting that I simply follow my instincts, and afterwards I’d struggle to explain exactly how I achieved a particular effect! It was a valuable exercise in slowing down and reflecting on my own creative process.
Many people ask about the materials I use, and for this project I worked primarily with Sennelier products. I’ve used them for years because they’re wonderfully versatile and consistently high quality. Their oil pastels, in particular, are among my absolute favourites and are a joy to work with.
This experience has also inspired me to think about the future. Over the next six months or so, I’m hoping to launch a series of downloadable online video tutorials, allowing you to paint alongside me from the comfort of your own home. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I’m excited to finally start bringing it to life.
So, watch this space! I’ll be sharing more details as soon as I can, and I can’t wait to take you along on the journey.
I’ve written an 8-page tutorial in the Create section, where I take readers step by step through painting one of my favourite local landscapes: the beautiful River Avon chalk stream. It’s a place I know well and one that has inspired me countless times, so it was a real pleasure to share my process.
Throughout the tutorial, I demonstrate how I combine different mediums, build up layers of colour, and use a variety of brushes and techniques to create depth, texture and atmosphere. One unexpected benefit of writing the article was having to stop at regular intervals to photograph and document each stage. Normally, I become so absorbed in painting that I simply follow my instincts, and afterwards I’d struggle to explain exactly how I achieved a particular effect! It was a valuable exercise in slowing down and reflecting on my own creative process.
Many people ask about the materials I use, and for this project I worked primarily with Sennelier products. I’ve used them for years because they’re wonderfully versatile and consistently high quality. Their oil pastels, in particular, are among my absolute favourites and are a joy to work with.
This experience has also inspired me to think about the future. Over the next six months or so, I’m hoping to launch a series of downloadable online video tutorials, allowing you to paint alongside me from the comfort of your own home. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I’m excited to finally start bringing it to life.
So, watch this space! I’ll be sharing more details as soon as I can, and I can’t wait to take you along on the journey.
