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Skill Development
This Category contains blogs about skill development by Art-Marco


Art-Marco Review : Enthusiasm in Art a personal review of the web site www.art-Marco.com
Written by the artist as a personal review of the web site www.art-marco.com Art-Marco is a personal art website showcasing handcrafted charcoal, pastel, watercolour and acrylic work. Why review your own site? Self reflection is never a bad thing. I have often said to my children, “If you can look yourself in a mirror and feel you have done your best, at whatever you set out to do, then you can do no more and satisfaction will follow. More importantly other people’s reviews,
Mark East
Dec 17, 20255 min read


Remembering David Bowie: The Eternal Icon and the Birth of MyEyecon “Stardust”
Creating the MyEyecon “Stardust” in pastel and charcoal plus a look at the laws in the UK and US when artists use a celebrity’s image.
Mark East
Dec 9, 20257 min read


Creating the Eyecon “The Stinging Policeman”
It started with a late-night scroll through concert footage—sweat-slicked performers, crowds lost in adoration. I sketched the eye first, my preferred approach, letting the persona emerge organically. Hours blurred into dawn; charcoals smudged, pastels built depth. When it was finally finished and I stepped back, I felt two things at once: pride and unease.
Mark East
Dec 5, 20253 min read


Creating Stunning Portraits: The Eyecon Singer Edition
Looking for a dynamic and striking way to showcase a subject using pastel and charcoal on black paper? Art tutorial, by Art-Marco
Mark East
Nov 23, 20254 min read


The Eyecon Range Continues to Expand: New “Actor” and “Athlete” and now “Gorilla” Pastel Portraits
Breaking Tradition: New Substrates, Reverse Workflow
For the first time, I stepped away from my trusted Clairefontaine Pastelmat and embrace
Mark East
Nov 12, 20252 min read


How to Create a Stunning Charcoal Portrait of a Blue-Eyed Cat: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Untitled
Discover how to create a lifelike charcoal portrait of “Persil,” a blue-eyed cat, with this step-by-step tutorial!
Mark East
Oct 16, 20255 min read


“Cat”: A Pastel Eye & Fur Texture Tutorial
Learn how to bring a cat’s gaze to life: a step-by-step pastel drawing tutorial showing how to build texture, light, and reflection
Mark East
Oct 7, 20253 min read


“Lioness” : Wildlife Eyecon Mixed Media Artwork by Marco
Lioness Eyecon Series Number 2
Mark East
Oct 1, 20256 min read


When a portrait is not just a likeness but an act of remembrance - Group Captain Paddy Hemingway. The Last of the Few.
Group Captain Paddy Hemingway - The Last of the Few ( Image Courtesy of the RAF) RECENT UPDATE I have decided to release 10 A4 Giglée Prints and 5 A3 Giglée Prints of the Artwork detailed below. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE RAF BENEVOLENT FUND. THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER AND WILL NOT BE REPEATED SO SHOULD YOU WISH TO SUPPORT THE BENEVOLENT FUND AND PURCHASE ONE OF THE PRINTS PLEASE CLICK HERE. PRINTS COST £30 Exc Postage & Packaging Capturing a Legend in Charcoal and
Mark East
Sep 21, 20254 min read


Recreating Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler: Acrylic Beach Dancing Tutorial & Tips”
Learn how to recreate Jack Vettriano’s iconic The Singing Butler as Beach Dancing in acrylics. Explore transformative twists, sky techniques
Mark East
May 15, 20256 min read


Overcoming the "Heinz 57" Dog Portrait hurdles
Is this a Norfolk Terrier a Norwich Terrier or a Border Terrier? Why is it important to know? Creating a dog portrait in mixed media.
Mark East
Mar 22, 20254 min read


Eyecons Series: How to Create an Elephant Eye Artwork with Charcoal and Pastel – Art-Marco Tutorial
Discover the Eyecons series by artist Marco, starting with an elephant eye inspired by Leopardsong Game Reserve.
Mark East
Feb 5, 20258 min read


Who was the artist Adrian Hill?
Discover the life and work of Adrian Hill, a pioneering TV artist and war sketcher. Learn about his influential books and iconic sketches.
Mark East
Feb 4, 20253 min read


Coping with Pet Loss: Remembering Your Faithful Companion Through Custom Art
Have you recently lost a beloved pet—a loyal dog, cat, or other faithful companion—who was more like family than just an animal?
Mark East
Jan 15, 20255 min read


How Abstract Art Enhances Your Bedroom: Ideas & Inspiration
Explore how abstract art can transform your bedroom’s mood and decor with calming, striking pieces — plus tips on choosing the right style.
Mark East
Jan 12, 20255 min read


Learning Watercolour Techniques from Thomas Girtin’s Morpeth Bridge
Discover Thomas Girtin’s watercolor techniques through a step-by-step guide to painting Morpeth Bridge. Perfect for watercolor newcomers
Mark East
Nov 12, 20245 min read


Have you ever thought who taught Leonardo Da Vinci to paint ?
Have you ever thought who taught Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Rembrandt or Vemeer?
Mark East
Feb 14, 20244 min read


Fun in the Poppy Field.Learning from Monet. An art tutorial
I paint for fun, the challenge and the enjoyment and I improve my technique from Masters like Monet. Whilst I sell some of my finished paintings, I don't lose any sleep if they don't sell. For me this art tutorial “Fun in the Poppy Field” is more about constant improvement. We can all learn from the masters and Monet is one of the best. If what I produce expands my knowledge and others can learn from it then that gives me the confidence to keep going. We all learn by example
Mark East
Jan 22, 20247 min read


Everyone can draw and everyone can paint.
Let me start by saying up front, everyone can draw and everyone can paint. The problem is how much time you are gong to put into practicing and honing your newly found skills.
You will read about cool and warm colours, perspective, composition all of which will put you off right from the start. Well don't be, it happens to all of us. I retired some 3 years ago, I hadn't painted since junior school and that was with my fingers and hand , according to my 89 year old mother.
Mark East
Jan 4, 20246 min read


Learning to paint in watercolour? Should you copy the masters and what can it teach you?
I retired from business three years ago and decided to follow my goal of converting my home office into an art studio. I had promised...
Mark East
Jan 2, 20244 min read
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