The Raw Umber Blog
Hints and tips about drawing and painting, plus news from Raw Umber Studios.
More Halloween-Themed Reference Images! 🎃
Wednesday 28 October, 2026
A little Halloween inspiration! 🎃 Take a look at our latest reference images, captured by our talented photographer Trixie, featuring wonderful costumes, spooky characters and a very cute four-legged guest! Read more ...
Mark Chen Wins the Raw Umber Studios Prize for Portraiture at the British Art Prize 2026
Friday 23 October, 2026
We headed to London for the British Art Prize 2026, where we were delighted to present Mark Chen with the Raw Umber Studios Prize for Portraiture.
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The Winner of the Raw Umber Studios Paint Off 2026
Friday 9 October, 2026
In June 2026, seven amazing artists game to our studios in Stroud to paint a portrait from life. Read on to learn who the winner was. Read more ...
More Reference Images-October 2026 🎃
Wednesday 7 October, 2026
A little October treat! Our latest reference images are here, featuring Rosario, Imogen, Nathalie and Alan and Nikoletta . Read more ...
Floral Still Lifes by David Shevlino
Saturday 15 August, 2026
Watch David Shevlino paint two floral still lifes using big, bold strokes. Read more ...
More Reference Images -June 2026
Monday 10 August, 2026
Our July 2026 reference photos feature the lovely Keridwyn, Nettle and Naomi, with a varied selection of poses and reference images to draw, paint and work from.
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Lizet is at the National Portrait Gallery!
Friday 3 July, 2026
We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful tutor Lizet Dingemans, whose work is currently on show at the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award. Read more ...
Touching Earth by Cornelia Hernes
Saturday 30 May, 2026
Watch Cornelia Hernes paint 'Touching Earth' and listen to her discuss the inspiration behind it, and the techniques she uses. Read more ...
Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition 2026 | Raw Umber Award Winner
Monday 11 May, 2026
Raw Umber Studios is delighted to award the 2026 Raw Umber Studios Prize at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition to Hillary Butterworth for her portrait Aimee. Read more ...
