As most of us will contend, preparation is key to producing successful artwork – and essential for developing new skills and building confidence, especially when faced with unexpected problems or a change of plans half artist, Steve Strode heads the feature section of this month's issue with his top ten tips for preparing for a summer of painting landscapes that will brim with originality and assurance. Although he demonstrates his own five-step approach to painting, he encourages you to develop your own working practices before you set foot outdoors. Boosting confidence can be achieved in several ways, from studying the methods of artists you admire and focusing on producing small paintings, to setting yourself a project, or painting in your garden if painting in view of passers-by is one step too far. As Steve concludes: ‘Practice breeds experience, and experience breeds confidence. Don't be afraid to ‘fail'; think of it as just feedback. Don't be discouraged by your initial efforts; stick with it. Develop your skills and kit and, come the summer, you'll be more prepared for painting in the great outdoors.'
