In the Studio with Louise Luton: Inspiration, Materials and Advice for GCSE & A-Level Art Students

I'm here to help with some advice for students.

Are you studying GCSE or A-Level Art and looking for real-world inspiration?

I’m Louise Luton, a professional artist who swapped the classroom for the canvas. In this post, I’m sharing my journey, what materials I use, who inspires me, and how I turn sketches into vibrant oil paintings. Whether you’re creating coursework or just love painting, you’ll find loads of helpful tips inside.

📚 What’s Inside the Guide:

🎨 My Artistic Journey – From teacher to full-time professional artist
🖼️ How My Work Has Evolved – From landscapes to wildlife
🧠 Where I Find Inspiration – From Wiltshire skies to African safaris
🧴 Materials I Use and Why – Oils, sketchbooks, pigments, and more
🦁 The Story Behind My Wildlife Work – Including a special lion painting
✏️ Sketchbooks & Drawing Tips – Why experimentation matters
🎓 Advice for GCSE & A-Level Students – Getting inspired with any materials
🧵 Artist Influences – From Michelangelo to Monet and Turner
💡 Creativity, Light & Process – What keeps me painting
📥 Download the Visual PDF – Take it with you for coursework or sketchbook work
✅ Final Thoughts – A message of hope and encouragement

Inside the the studio with Louise Luton by Louiseluton

f you’d like to keep this resource for your coursework, sketchbook, or just a boost of inspiration when you need it, you can download the full illustrated guide as a PDF. It’s packed with colourful visuals, quotes, and extra insights I hope you’ll love. Just click below and keep it handy!

Whether you’re just starting out or already developing your own style, remember that being an artist is about showing up, experimenting, and letting your creativity grow. I hope my story and process help you feel excited about making your own work. Keep sketching, keep painting, and keep discovering what makes your art unique.