Art Studio Update – April / May 2026
Secret Work, Paper Experiments & A Finished Piece
Here we are again - and it’s nearly May.
The weather is finally picking up here in Ireland. It’s been a fairly soggy year so far, so we’re due a bit of a break at last. With that small lift in the air, I’ve been taking stock of what’s been happening in the studio lately.
And the truth is… quite a lot - even if much of it has been secret.
Working Quietly Behind the Scenes
I’ve been working away on a number of pieces over the past few weeks, but many of them have had to stay under wraps. That’s the nature of personal work sometimes - gifts, private pieces, and projects that can’t be shared just yet.
In the future, I hope there will be less secrecy and more opportunity to share the progression of my work as it unfolds. That’s certainly the aim.
For now, I can say this:
- One private piece is complete
- And the painting I created as a gift for my niece is also finished
She has absolutely no idea about it, which makes it all the more exciting. I’m really looking forward to packing it up and sending it off to her.
Painting on Paper – A Shift in Process
This particular piece was created on heavy, acid-free mixed media paper, using mainly acrylic paint, with details added in watercolour and acrylic pen.
I’ve always liked to use materials quite organically - choosing what works in the moment rather than sticking rigidly to one medium. It’s all about the effect I’m trying to achieve.
To finish the piece, I used:
- a UV protective varnish
- followed by a cold wax medium to polish the surface
The result is a soft, organic sheen - almost like waxed leather - which I really love. It protects the painting without the need for glass, though it does remain more delicate and prone to scratching.
Because this is a gift for a young person, I decided to frame it behind perspex, without a mount - more like a poster style. It felt like a practical choice for something that might be moved around a bit over time.
Rethinking Materials: Canvas vs Paper
It’s interesting - I like the finished piece very much, but it’s not quite in the style I would usually choose.
Working on paper has affected me in ways I didn’t fully expect.
In the past, I worked mostly on board and canvas. I often painted directly onto the surface, sometimes with only a light base layer. Looking back now, I can occasionally see the board showing through older pieces - something I really don’t love these days. At the time, I suspect it was partly down to budget and making do with what I had.
Now, my process is much more considered.
I’ve recently built up a small collection of high-quality mixed media papers, including some bamboo paper for acrylic and watercolour work, and I’ve been experimenting to see what suits me.
There is something freeing about working on paper, there's lots of it for a start - but also something different. It changes how I approach the work entirely. I certainly don't attack it physically as I might a canvas if you know what it mean. With the paintbrush. I seem to glide the paint on. It doensn't feel as physical a process or a chaotic painting on board or canvas can be. It's a more delicate base.
Just for now, I’ve decided:
- Paper for personal and experimental pieces
- Canvas for larger works and pieces intended for sale
I want to keep things simple and clear for future buyers, and canvas still feels like my natural home - especially deep canvas, where framing becomes optional and the piece can stand on its own. Who knows though a collection of miniatures could materialise should I ever feel the time is there....ha!
Trying New Techniques (or Not… Yet)
An artist friend recently suggested painting on paper but mounting it onto board first. I also came across a video demonstrating how to “stretch” paper over a surface.
It’s an interesting idea, and one I may explore in time. See what you think..
But for now, I’m choosing not to overcomplicate things.
It’s challenging enough to move forward with the ideas I already have without adding entirely new processes into the mix. I know myself - and I know that too many variables can take the wind out of my sails.
Still… never say never. A u-turn is always an option.
More Work… Still Under Wraps
There is another finished piece sitting quietly in the wings, along with one more in progress to accompany it.
Which, I realise, makes it sound like my entire life is one big secret.
I promise - once these pieces find their homes, I’ll be able to share them properly.
Back to the Easel (and the Admin…)
Right now, I’m about to return to a small painting of my cousin’s dog - another personal piece that I’m looking forward to getting stuck into.
That said, there is a fair amount of admin calling for attention at the moment.
I always find it difficult to fully relax into painting when I know there are urgent tasks waiting in the background. It’s not always easy to wear both hats at once.
Still - no more whinging. I have it good, and everything is ticking along.
Onward.
Catch Up on Previous Posts
I’ll link the full Art Blog here so you can catch up on anything you might have missed.
And a small apology - I didn’t get around to sharing last month’s post with my email subscribers. I’ll do better this time.
Thank you for reading, as always.
Until next time, take care,
Amanda
