大象传媒 Arts - Get Creative - How to become a rock artist

How to become a rock artist

Paintings can come in all shapes and sizes and artists have used all manner of materials on which to create their masterpieces. While some create on traditional canvas, others use hardboard or bits of driftwood to capture their creativity. But if searching for inspiration has got you stuck between a rock and a hard place, why not paint on a pebble?

Pebble painting was the subject of much discussion on Simon Mayo's 大象传媒 Radio 2 Drivetime programme after a listener wanted clarification on the difference between a rock and a pebble. She was entering a pebble painting competition and didn't want to be disqualified. Simon invited pebble artist Denise Scicluna onto the programme to offer her top tips on the unusual past-time.

Natasha Newton's pebbles

"It's very cheap, all you need is some rocks, a paint brush and some paint," Denise said.

Lisa from Lancaster's pebble painting

The first thing to do is choose your pebble. Those with a smooth surface work well. And if you don't fancy digging up your plants looking for a suitable candidate, you can buy bags of pebbles from garden centres.

The best paints to use are a waterproof craft paint or acrylic. Ideally you should use two layers to make sure the colour is thick enough and then varnish your finished piece to make it shiny but also to protect the painting.

Anne Sanders started painting pebbles last year

When it comes to what you want to paint it, use your imagination. Denise suggests trying insects, faces, houses, cars, birds or design your own patterns.

Steve and Katy Johnson painted pebbles for their wedding guests

Sometimes a pebble's shape lends itself to a particular image. It might remind you of a ladybird or a leaf, sparking your imagination.

It's something fun to do as a family and your finished project could be given as gifts, used as paperweights, garden ornaments or, as a couple of Simon's listeners did, used as place names for guests at their wedding.

If you have painted a pebble, or feel inspired to give it a go, why not take a picture and share it with us on social media, using #bbcgetcreative.