Clyde Olliver DVD by Graham Eccles and Val Burnett published by Odyssey Videos. Price 20.00 available from www.odysseyartvideos.com

Clyde Olliver is an artist and teacher specialising in creating large panels using slate. Whole slate, stitched on pieces or shards create texture and movement in his work. Listen to what he has to say about his work, his working methods and reference.

Aspects of Flower Painting in Oils DVD by Pamela Kay, published by APV films. Price 27.95 incl Vat and p&p. available from www.apvfilms.com

Pamela paints various flowers in her studio. She offers many tips whilst painting and I certainly have a better grasp of oil painting after watching this DVD. It is feasible to have a go after watching Pamela. She also takes her paints outdoors to Sissinghurst’s white garden and paints there. Whilst the subjects are arranged by eye, they are still quite formal still-lifes. I love the way Pamela thinks about reflections and colour and how she builds up a painting. This is excellent for beginner to intermediate oil painters.

In conjunction with the Anglia television series, this DVD includes two discs and includes the complete 7 part TV series. Watch Hazel on location as she travels and stops to paint and meets other artists, both beginners and accomplished. Since Hazel is the most enthusiastic painter I know, what you get from this is an urgency to paint. It’s not so much detailed instruction as watching Hazel and being completely inspired to pick up a paint brush. She completes many sketches throughout the course of the series.

Drip. Dot. Swirl. 94 Incredible Patterns for design and Illustration by Von Glitschka, hardback, published by How Books (FW Media) in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-1-60061-134-6, price 24.99 from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

This is a fantastic book for all those looking for a ready-made resource of patterns. 94 original vector patterns are included in a multitude of styles to suit all needs. As a bonus, the DVD also includes an additional 12 patterns. 10 artists have contributed to the book, offering a good mix. Mainly contemporary style with a few retro designs. It’s ideal for beginners and advanced users too, the vector designs are easy to use and manipulate. The uses are endless for creative websites, blogs, altered art and much more.

Pouring Transparent Watercolor DVD with Jean Grastorf, published by North Light. ISBN 978-1-60061-677-8, price 29.99 US dollars from www.fwbookstore.com

In this wonderful art workshop DVD, Jean Grastorf, demonstrates her pouring technique. This is an interesting approach to watercolour painting. Jean is an innovative artist, one whom I admire and she is interesting to listen to. I learned a new technique from this DVD, and new techniques are always welcome to prevent an artist’s work from becoming stale. I think this is well worth watching.

Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner DVD by Mark Willenbrink, published by North Light. ISBN 978-1-60061-679-2, price 24.99 from www.fwbookstore.com

In this DVD, Mark shows simple steps for success in watercolour. It’s easy when you try to paint in watercolour for the first time , to be completely put off by the unpredictable nature that makes watercolour so wonderful. Follow the instructions and paint along with Mark to achieve two finished paintings that will encourage you to further experiment with watercolour.

Stephen demonstrates the different qualities of acrylic paint and shows you how to use them to create a landscape painting. You can apply this process to your own painting to make vivid paintings.

Jean Littlejohn Maker Profile DVD, price 20.oo from www.odysseyartvideos.com

I highly recommend this video about textile and fibre artist Jean Littlejohn. It gives such an amazing insight into Jean’s way of working that is essentially unique to her. You’ll extract so much from this. Looking at Jean’s sketchbooks and the way she puts her embroidered and embellished pieces together is so fascinating.

This is a bargain. Twenty minutes with Geoff Kersey might save you so much wasted time. Geoff has an easy way of presenting his art. He guides you through painting a bluebell wood, ensuring you grasp the essentials. I really enjoyed this DVD and it gave me the confidence to attempt a scene I would not normally attempt.

Jean Draper Maker Profile DVD by Odyssey Videos. Price 20 GBP from www.odysseyartvideos.com

I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD. Jean Draper produces work of such distinction. The embroideries are founded in the techniques of the past, but she interprets these and brings something new to them with her dazzling work. It is so interesting to learn some of her thought processes and see how she puts together an exhibition and how individual pieces are put together. I loved seeing Jean’s sketchbooks – wow! Worth buying the DVD for this alone.