The Raw Umber Blog
Hints and tips about drawing and painting, plus news from Raw Umber Studios.
Image Library Update: Search Our Images By Keyword
Monday 29 December, 2025
Now we've got over 800 videos and nearly 3,000 high quality reference images for you to draw and paint from, we're making it even easier to find what you want. Read more ...
Gift Vouchers
Thursday 11 December, 2025
Did you know we offer gift subscriptions? You can buy 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions in GBP, USD or EUR. They're the perfect present for your artistic friends and family. Read more ...
More Reference Images - Christmas 2025
Tuesday 9 December, 2025
We've collated our favourite Christmas photographs from the archives, and added some new ones too.
Read more ...
Alla prima painting of a sheep
Sunday 7 December, 2025
In our latest video, Lizet Dingemans starts with an acrylic block-in for speed, and then uses oils to paint a sheep, with a focus on how to create the effect of contrasting textures. Read more ...
More Reference Images - December 2025
Saturday 6 December, 2025
We've added yet more reference images to our image library.
Read more ...
Raw Umber Challenge December 2025 - The Christmas One
Friday 5 December, 2025
Enter our December challenge by painting a work on the theme of Christmas Read more ...
The Winner of the Public Vote for Raw Umber Studios Paint Off 2025
Thursday 27 November, 2025
The votes are in! Read on to find out the winner of the public vote for this year's Paint Off Read more ...
The Winner of the Raw Umber Studios Paint Off 2025
Wednesday 22 October, 2025
In August 2025, ten amazing artists game to our studios in Stroud to paint a portrait from life. Read on to learn who the winner was. Read more ...
Raw Umber Challenge October 2025 - The Haunted One
Saturday 4 October, 2025
Enter our October challenge by painting a work on the theme of haunted Read more ...
More Reference Images - Pirate and a Belly Dancer
Sunday 28 September, 2025
We've added yet more reference images to our image library.
Read more ...
