Hi to all, I've just been running through everyone’s comments and am amazed and grateful for all the positive reviews and feedback

I ran across a question someone had about the watercolour techniques I use for pieces such as the Perched Dragon, and Small Dragon. So I thought I would just share some tips and methods I employ to get the most from my watercolours.

1. I add only a little water to the paint (just enough to soften it up and get it onto the brush) making it much thicker and easier to control on the paper.

2. I don’t wet the paper too much, if I do, it’s only ever the area that I am planning to paint at the given time. I usually start with the foreground or focal piece of the image first, let it dry, and then add the background in later. This just gives more control and prevents your paint running everywhere.

3. To thicken up the paint I sometimes use milk or even toothpaste with water (only a little of each substance is added and only to light colours).

4. For highlights (the white texture dots) I use thick white watercolour paint, gouache, or white ink. You can even use whiteout (i.e. liquid-paper), but remember to use a small stick or toothpick instead of a brush as the stuff dries and stiffens very quickly.

5. When finishing off a piece I use felt-tips to sharpen up some of the darker edges.

6. I always paint darks on lights, not the other way around, and I let the last layer dry completely before adding the new one.

7. And lastly, to speed up the whole process I employ the use of my handy hairdryer. Man I love that hairdryer!

I will be adding more and more tips and such as time goes by, so if you have specific questions please post them.