Carla's Collectables

Prelude to Painting Improvement, by Edward Swann (Hardback, 1974)

Name: Prelude to Painting Improvement, by Edward Swann (Hardback, 1974)
Brand: Carla's Collectables
Price: 12.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£12.00 GBP

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Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This hardback classic serves as the perfect introduction to developing your drawing and painting skills. Swann's practical approach covers essential techniques across three core mediums: pencil, charcoal, and colour wash with charcoal. The book delivers clear instruction and actionable tips to help you progress confidently. The structured lessons build your understanding of fundamental artistic principles while encouraging creative exploration.

sold as seen - please see photos for detailed visual description

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Let's Vogue

If you're reading this then you obviously appreciate all things vintage. Did you know I also sell both men's and women's vintage clothing and accessories through my Vinted store "carlacollects"

Whether you're a seasoned vintage fashion enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of retro style, my Vinted store specializes in pre-1980s fashion and is the perfect place to curate your collection. From elegant cocktail dresses to bohemian maxi skirts, the possibilities are endless. Mix and match pieces from different eras to create a look that is uniquely you.

Follow the link : https://www.vinted.co.uk/member/228380252-carlacollects

About Me

My love affair with the 1950s and 1960s began back in my teenage years. While others were chasing trends, I was diving headfirst into the music, the style, and the lifestyle of those eras. Fast-forward a few decades, and nothing’s changed—I’m still a self-confessed vintage addict (and happily so!).

In 2015, I opened my Etsy shop to share my passion with others. Ten years, countless treasures, and thousands of happy customers later, I’ve decided it’s time to branch out and take the next step—building my own little corner of the internet dedicated to all things mid-century and retro.

Whether you’re a fellow collector, a nostalgic soul, or just someone who loves a one-of-a-kind find, I’d love for you to take a look around. There truly is something for everyone—and if you don’t see what you’re after, just ask. Chances are, it’s tucked away in my stash or waiting patiently on my ever-growing “to-do list.”

Art is Like Marmite

If you're in the market for some art that's as unique and quirky as you are, look no further than ArtislikeMarmite. My mixed media, mono prints, collographs, and linocuts will hopefully add a touch of weird but wonderful to your space.

From the punk rock "Knickers" series to nautical, and nature-inspired prints, I'm hoping there's something for all tastes. Go ahead, treat yourself to a piece (or two, or three) - you'll either love it or hate it...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As of 01 February 2026, I have made the decision to sell my art somewhere other than Etsy and have closed the 'shop'. Please bear with me while I research different platforms. In the meantime some of my art can be viewed on Facebook. Thank you for your patience🙏

Follow the link:- https://www.facebook.com/artislikemarmite

A wee selection of reviews from my previous Etsy shop

Noelle W

Delivered early, very well wrapped, as described.

Delivered early, very well wrapped, as described. Hide

Reviewed Product

Vintage Ibizan Guacho-type male souvenir/folk doll in tr...

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Susie H

Beautiful. Thank you. Reviewed 2 items together. Much appreciated the careful packaging and swift delivery.

Beautiful. Thank you. Reviewed 2 items together. Much appreciated the careful packaging and swift delivery. Hide

Reviewed Product

1960s R Dakin & Co Dream Pets: Fish n Chips cat

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Susie H

So carefully wrapped and packaged..absolutely love the items. Arrived quickly. Thank you.

So carefully wrapped and packaged..absolutely love the items. Arrived quickly. Thank you. Hide

Reviewed Product

1960s R Dakin & Co Dream Pets: Spike the dog

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Andrew C

Incredibly well, carefully packaged item. The wall plaque is beautiful and and slight age related "flaws" we very clearly visib... Read More

Incredibly well, carefully packaged item. The wall plaque is beautiful and and slight age related "flaws" we very clearly visible in the pictures, however been a 60+ year old hand made ceramic thing these only add to it. Delivery very fast. Will order again from this seller. Hide

Reviewed Product

1960s Handarbeit C1282H Handiwork German ceramic lady wa...

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Ann O

Pleased with greetings card- many thanks

Pleased with greetings card- many thanks Hide

Reviewed Product

Selection of American mid-century Get Well cards

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Aisha S

I love these masks they look so beautiful.

I love these masks they look so beautiful. Hide

Reviewed Product

Pair of vintage African hand-crafted wooden zebra, & gir...

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Carole B

The pattern arrived first thing Friday morning, 13/09/24. The condition is virtually new, for a vintage pattern, I've nearly fin... Read More

The pattern arrived first thing Friday morning, 13/09/24. The condition is virtually new, for a vintage pattern, I've nearly finished the favourite bolero, just completing the edgings. Thank you so much. Hide

Reviewed Product

1970s Twilleys Double Gold 5896 crochet pattern for tops...

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Mrs S

absolutely delighted with the item excellent quality and excellent service many thanks Sylvia

absolutely delighted with the item excellent quality and excellent service many thanks Sylvia Hide

Reviewed Product

Vintage ceramic overall/dungaree-clad pig piggy bank

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Mrs S

Item as described, very pleased with it. Glad seller mentioned the sizing on her website. Fits perfectly. Would buy from sel... Read More

Item as described, very pleased with it. Glad seller mentioned the sizing on her website. Fits perfectly. Would buy from seller again. Hide

Reviewed Product

Vintage 1980s-style Bon Marché pleated patterned skirt,...

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Melissa P

Amazing new vase to add to my collection. Carla was very helpful and communicative in arranging shipping. The vase arrived caref... Read More

Amazing new vase to add to my collection. Carla was very helpful and communicative in arranging shipping. The vase arrived carefully packaged and was just as described. Great experience overall, thank you! Hide

Reviewed Product

RESERVED for Melissa** 1970s Bernard Rooke modernist stu...

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Debbie B

Exactly as described and pictured. Bought for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary as it's as close as I could get for their... Read More

Exactly as described and pictured. Bought for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary as it's as close as I could get for their original topper. They were so pleased. Hide

Reviewed Product

1960s plastic wedding cake topper/centrepiece

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Liz T

Lovely, cute horse, looks great with my other pull alongs! Thank you, just as shown & very quick delivery x

Lovely, cute horse, looks great with my other pull alongs! Thank you, just as shown & very quick delivery x Hide

Reviewed Product

Vintage wooden pull-along horse on wheels

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Dawn H

Beautiful vintage headscarf, very happy with it. Arrived swiftly and was exactly what I wanted 💕

Beautiful vintage headscarf, very happy with it. Arrived swiftly and was exactly what I wanted 💕 Hide

Reviewed Product

Vintage St Michael daisies on hatched green background p...

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Rebecca W

Great item and super quick arrival. Thank you

Great item and super quick arrival. Thank you Hide

Reviewed Product

DELETE Assorted vintage Enid Blyton books (Softback)

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Bradshaw, C

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!! Thank you dah'ling!

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!! Thank you dah'ling! Hide

Reviewed Product

1950s Edelstein Bavaria "Café" porcelain coffee pot

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Prelude to Painting Improvement, by Edward Swann (Hardback, 1974)