Tracy Butler Art

28 January 2016

Introduction to Traditional Media: Acrylics

I've written my final article in the series Introduction to Traditional Media for Tuts+.

I've loved every minute of writing all five of them, and hope to do more in the future - I'll keep you up to date.

Tiger Bright

This last one is on acrylics, and can be read here.

25 January 2016

Bluebell Stroll


Bluebell Stroll. Oil on canvas.

Scotland explodes with colour in the spring, not with cherry blossom, but with bluebells. The countryside, in amongst the woods and trees, is awash with blue and purple. It's an amazing sight.
This painting is of a wood near where I lived in Glasgow in Pollok Country Park. It is also the park where some of Outlander was filmed.

The original painting has now sold, but you can find prints and greetings cards on Etsy and Folksy.

22 January 2016

Local Art Club Demonstration

I was asked to demonstrate painting in chalk pastel at an art club, and found it a very nerve racking experience.

I decided to work on another howling wolf (I'll be posting its progress later on) as I feel very relaxed with the subject as I figured work working while others watched could be a bit uncomfortable. I realised that I would have to talk as I painted too.

My set up at the demo - I even brought my own easel.

I really enjoyed it. Only a few had worked in chalk pastel before and as a result I had a lot of questions which was brilliant. The time flew, and I had a lot of positive feedback. I was even happy with the result.

It was a good experience.

19 January 2016

Acers in Autumn

Acers in Autumn. Chalk pastel on mount board.

I lived for many years in South Korea, and it had 4 very distinct seasons. I have never experienced cold like I did in the winter. Spring was beautiful with cherry blossoms everywhere. Summer brought stifling humidity and typhoons (which were really scary). Autumn was stunning with warm, comfortable weather and every autumn colour you can imagine on every tree; burgundies, bright reds, oranges, golden yellows all set against cloudless blue skies.

I spent a lot of time in Gyeongiu, Korea's original captial, amongst it's temples and monuments painting and drawing. What a pleasure. This is where I worked on the original pastel painting of acers in autumn.

The original painting has sold, but prints and cards are still available on Etsy and Folksy.

15 January 2016

National Trust for Scotland Commission

I was commissioned to paint the house and gardens at the Scottish National Trust's Greenbank Garden by the Trust as a gift for their retiring manager...

I had forgotten how much I love architecture. Watch this space for more architecture paintings...

12 January 2016

Scottish Highland Cow

Highland Cow, chalk pastel on board

If you are not from Scotland, Highland Cows are an unusual sight. They are huge, hairy (very), long horned (at all sorts of angles), come in a reddy brown blonde colour or black and rarely seem to move. I often wonder how they see (their hair falls over their eyes), but the calves are super cute.

This painting has sold, but you can buy prints and greetings cards through my shops on Etsy and Folksy.

I plan on doing a series of paintings. Watch this space.

8 January 2016

Koi Carp

Koi Carp painted using chalk pastel on pastel paper.

I've just sold this painting. I'm sorry to see it go, I have to admit.

12 December 2015

New Paintings

Here are a couple of new watercolours I have been working on... You can find out more about them at my Etsy shop.

Japanese Irises

Autumn Stream

27 November 2015

Notelets for sale online

I have decided to combine my greetings cards into groups and sell them as notelets.

This way customers can buy selections of 5 cards at a cheaper price than buying 5 individually - you can still buy them separately.

You can find them in my shop.