Visual & Decorative Arts Blog

Watercolour painting is one of the oldest techniques known to humankind and it takes a great deal of skill to master. This week's blog gives an introduction to where watercolours came from, how their use started to become popular across the world and some of the great masters to look out for.

So often people look at a picture – the end-product of an artist’s endeavour – for the form and content, and do not focus on the technicalities. A knowledge of the methods, techniques and materials and how they interact provides an invaluable insight into the art of different periods and styles as well as a better understanding of the individual artist.

Intricate, beautiful, detailed, charming and nostalgic – this selection of illustrated 2017 calendars are a delight to behold. From beloved children’s characters like Miffy and Elmer or the nostalgia of Rupert Bear and the Moomins, to the wonderful Art Deco fashion drawings from the Courtauld Gallery’s collection, there’s something for everyone.

As well as our beautiful calendars, we also produce a range of diaries and year planners, perfect for organising your work and life. The week-to-view desk diaries feature plenty of space for noting down appointments, with an image on every spread; while the super slim, month-to-view year planners are handy to have on the go, each with a delightful image gracing their cover. From Catalina Estrada's stunning and intricate designs to endearing Moomin antics, there is something for everyone. Below is a quick s

This week it’s the turn of our photography calendars to take the spotlight. From spectacular visions of the night sky to historical London or great sporting moments in football, here are 10 of our best photographic calendars.

As well as our beautiful calendars, we also produce a number of advent calendars, perfect for the approaching holiday season. From Erté’s stylish designs to familiar faces like Paddington Bear, there is something for everyone, regardless of age. If you fancy spreading the festive cheer early, they can also make great gifts for friends and family – so you can all relish in the countdown to Christmas together. Below is a quick summary of a few of our favourites, but be sure to check out our full range to find the perfect one for you.

We produce a varied range of beautiful calendars featuring all kinds of artworks – from contemporary Steampunk pieces to Tove Jansson's (1914–2001) Moomin illustrations and the paintings of L.S. Lowry (1887–1976). Each year we try to expand on our selection to make it even better, so here’s a rundown of our new calendars and diaries for 2017.

Have you recorded the process of your artwork? Show others how it's done! Get your work shown in How to Paint Made Easy, a new book we're working on that will provide advice, tips and inspiration to the budding artist.

Like previous books we've done (check out How to Draw Manga Made Easy and Drawing Basics Made Easy, as well as Dragon Art, Gothic Art and Fantasy Art), we want an exciting and fresh range of artwork, which is why we're putting this call out.

Our visually stunning art calendars feature a fantastic collection of works from prominent and beloved artists. Here’s a rundown of 10 of our best 2017 wall calendars featuring work from 20th-century artists.

Our gothic and fantasy art calendars are always exciting. There’s something for everyone, from enchanting fairies to awesome steampunk, with informative text or poetry alongside each piece – so you can learn a little every month too! Here’s a rundown of 10 of our best 2017 wall calendars featuring art both magical and fantastical.