In twenty five odd years of painting and modelling I've picked up the odd bit of knowledge the hard way. I thought some people would appreciate a little helping hand so they don't have to make the same mistakes as I did along the way.

I don't claim these are the absolute best way of doing things, but they are my best way and work for me. If anyone's got anything to share or teach me, please drop me a line because you never stop learning!

1) Painting surface. I have a cutting mat covered in newspaper that is taped down at the edges so it doesn't slide about. My wrist rests on a large padded foam support that allows me to hold the brush steady for long periods without discomfort.

2) Water. I use two old coffee jars for my water - one has water with detergent (washing up liquid, bubblebath, shampoo etc..) and one is clean water. When I rinse my brush it goes in the detergent water first and then in the clean water. It helps keep the brush in good condition longer and means you don't have to change your water between sessions. You also have clean water available for diluting paint or ink.

3) Mixing palette. Piece of cardboard wrapped in clingfilm. That's it, easy. Change the clingfilm when it's too manky.

4) Pre-Mixing your own colours. Using old empty paint pots I have built up a large collection of the colours I use every day. Starting with the most commonly used (I think it was the 'European Flesh' tones I did first) I have built up to about a hundred or so over time. The amount of shades in each colour type depends on the colour - in 'European Flesh' I have Universal Flesh Undertone (a very deep reddish brown), Euro Flesh Base, Euro Flesh 1st Midtone, Euro Flesh 2nd Midtone, Euro Flesh Highlight and then Citadel's Elf Flesh. I would rarely use all the layers for any one figure, but it's available for use with darker or lighter toned subjects. Most of the brown leather colours are simple three shade jobbies. It really does save a hell of a lot of time and you can still mix up the layers for more subtle effects. I wrap the pots with masking tape and label them with a colour swatch painted on the front (it helps when you want to mix more of the colour at a later date) and stack them up on the desk.

5) Less is more. Don't be tempted to overwork it with too many layers and stages. Sometimes there's just no need and it'll wreck the effect. Stop when it looks good.

6) Chair. If you're going to be sat at the desk for a while you will want to be comfortable and well supported in the lower back. It sounds obvious, but once you get to my age looking after your spine is easily as important as hoarding Wether's Originals, keeping kids off your lawn and complaining about the size of Wagon Wheels.

If anyone wants any more they can't see here, drop me a line via the link on the order page and there's a very slim chance I might not ignore you.