Jonathan Newey
Demonstration - "A Painting Inspired by Nature using Acrylic Paint"
Tuesday 8th April 2025, 2.00 - 4.00pm, in the Pavilion
Around 36 members and guests were enthralled by this demonstration featuring a side view of the head of a tiger. Jonathan brought a prepared and primed board with an outline drawing of the subject. A photograph (roughly the same size as the painting) provided the necessary detail in terms of colour, texture, highlights and accuracy. However, Jonathan only used the photograph as a basis for the painting which is his interpretation of the subject based on many years of experience. He talked throughout the demonstration which engaged the (very quiet) audience. It was amazing to watch the seeming ease with which the image of this very difficult subject appeared - slowly at first and then with accelerating detail and accomplishment.
I remember some of the points made by Jonathan during the demonstration which are valuable advice for anyone contemplating this sort of subject; my apologies if any of this detail is not totally correct! So, in no particular order:
- Paint the background first because it will not be easy (or even possible) to paint up to the edge of the subject later. This background is White Jesso with a splash of Payne's Grey but it could have been vegetation in dull colours and out of focus.
- The background should not include any colours used for the subject because this will reduce the overall impact. This subject uses only four colours (which I think were Payne's Grey, Titanium White, Yellow Ochre and Burnt Umber).
- Water with acrylic paint makes it transparent. A tiny quantity of water may be required to get some effects but always dry the handle of the brush before use.
- Don't use black. Get the effect with an alternative dark instead. Jonathan uses Daler Rowney Payne's Grey acrylic ink which is strong and close to black. Note that some Payne's Greys are not suitable because they contain too much blue.
- A stay-wet palette is essential because undiluted acrylic dries quickly. The palette he recommended could keep the paint usable for up to a week minimising waste and allowing continuation (more layers) later. Acrylic retardent in neutral colours is available to slow drying - very useful if you need to blend colours on the board.
- Keep all old (partly damaged) brushes which can be splayed (by stubbing on a firm surface) to get hair effects. The paint consistency and pressure has to be just right so it needs some experimentation. Jonathan uses synthetic hair brushes which are lower cost. Brushes don't last long with acrylics however careful you are to keep them clean.
- Build up the picture with multiple layers, each layer adding a bit more detail. Only 3 to 4 were used in this demonstration (time limited) but he regularly uses 4 to 6 layers. Neat acrylic paint has the advantage of readily permitting overpainting. Any whiskers should be painted last. Load the brush with as much paint as possible first.
- Darks first and lights on top (in later layers) is a general rule.
- A glaze can be used as required in some areas between layers to add colour without removing detail (the underpaint must be completely dry). The glaze is made by adding a touch of the required colour to a neutral retardant thinner. Experiment first to get this technique to work for you.
- Always brush towards you, never away. The former makes for smooth controlled strokes. The latter can easily cause brush stutter and uneven irregular marks.
- Rest the palm on something firm to ensure a steady hand and good brush control. Don't breath when doing the most sensitive work.
- Have a rag handy at all times to instantly remove a mistake while the paint is wet - you have to be quick.
Report by Martyn Worman
Some photographs of the demonstration follow.
From "About the Artist" on Jonathan's website:
Jonathan Newey is an award winning artist with over 25 years of experience in both drawing and painting. Born in Reading, England, he comes from a long line of artists in his family. He has extensive experience in a wide range of mediums and subject matter, but specialises in drawings and paintings inspired by nature.
Jonathan has over 20 years experience as a teacher and lecturer and has taught in local and national adult education colleges. He has also taught in various countries around the world such as Greece, Cyprus, Spain, France and Italy.
Jonathan is a member of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and has been selected for their 'Wildlife Artist of the Year' exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London, for 7 years. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally and has paintings in various collections both at home and abroad.
See more of Jonathan's work on his website
Jonathan Newey is an award winning artist with over 25 years of experience in both drawing and painting. Born in Reading, England, he comes from a long line of artists in his family. He has extensive experience in a wide range of mediums and subject matter, but specialises in drawings and paintings inspired by nature.
Jonathan has over 20 years experience as a teacher and lecturer and has taught in local and national adult education colleges. He has also taught in various countries around the world such as Greece, Cyprus, Spain, France and Italy.
Jonathan is a member of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and has been selected for their 'Wildlife Artist of the Year' exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London, for 7 years. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally and has paintings in various collections both at home and abroad.
See more of Jonathan's work on his website