I'm quieter and softer, and that’s reflected in my preference for muted colour schemes in my paintings. While bright colours often demand attention, muted tones play a significant yet subtle role in composition. They whisper rather than shout, creating space for emotion, atmosphere, and nuance.

In this article, I want to share the understated beauty and importance of muted palettes—especially if you're more familiar with bold, saturated colours. We'll explore how muted tones can shape mood, enhance storytelling, and work in harmony with value to create depth and cohesion in gouache painting.

The Brushes You’ll Use in My Upcoming MakeHer Workshops

There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens when you find the right tools. The brush that feels like an extension of your hand. The one that holds colour just so, releases it in a perfect sweep, and makes you forget about technique because you’re lost in the joy of creating.

For me, those brushes come from Rosemary & Co — and after years of painting, teaching, and testing, I’ve gathered my favourites into one place: the MakeHer Gouache Set.

Experiencing artworks in person is extraordinary. The vibrant colours, intricate textures, and grand scale create an immersive experience that online exhibitions can't replicate. While convenient, online viewing often misses the full essence of a piece. 

My visit to the Edith Collier exhibition impressed me deeply, surpassing the book's representation (see previous blog). This experience reinforced my belief in promoting physical exhibitions where viewers can discuss, learn, and appreciate the artist's techniques.

Fine art is one of those things that provides so much joy and keeps on giving—to the artist, the viewers, and the collectors. Art spans long periods and brings people together.

Over the past few weeks, I've been immersed in my studio, secretly working on a significant painting for our daughter's milestone birthday. Collaborating with her husband, we've infused the canvas with memories from their favourite travel destinations.

As I have delved into this piece, which I've titled "Colourful Places", I realised how each location evokes a unique palette of emotions. Art, like a bridge, connects the artist to the viewer, transcending physical and cultural boundaries. 

When I meet people and talk with them about my artwork there are generally two questions they puzzle over. How do you pronounce gouache? And what exactly is gouache? Most people are familiar with artworks painted with Oils, Acrylic and Watercolours but not Gouache.

The term “Professional Amateur” may seem contradictory at first glance, but it encapsulates a powerful mindset. Let’s break it down:

 The Professional Amateur:

To be a professional amateur means combining the best of both worlds: