Step-by-step painting guide

Park Lane

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson Park Lane · Download the printable PDF

In this chapter, we're diving into the fascinating world of color harmony, a concept often discussed but rarely mastered. Our journey begins with a practical tool: the gamut mask. By visiting my online page, you can access this tool to create unique color schemes for your paintings. The process is straightforward, with instructions readily available, and any uncertainties can be clarified by clicking on the helpful question marks. The beauty of the gamut mask lies in its simplicity; you define a shape, and your palette is limited to the colors within it, naturally fostering harmony. This technique, inspired by the renowned artist James Gurney, allows you to simplify and unify your color scheme, enhancing the coherence and mood of your artwork. We'll also focus on using a two-value statement to distinguish between light and shadow, simplifying complex scenes and establishing a clear visual structure. By the end of this chapter, you'll be equipped with a powerful method to achieve color harmony in all your future paintings, transforming your approach and elevating your art to new heights.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
"Park Lane" 10x10" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson
"Park Lane" 10x10" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson

Step 6Mixing Colors Using Gamut Mask

Step 6 — Mixing Colors Using Gamut Mask (video frame from the lesson)

Choose Dominant and Secondary Colors

Select the dominant color, which is orange in this case, and then choose one or two secondary colors. This will help guide your color mixing process.

Identify Vibrant Colors in the Gamut Mask

Examine your gamut mask to find the most vibrant colors. Here, the most vibrant color appears to be a dull yellow-orange, similar to yellow ochre.

Mix Yellow Ochre Values

Mix white into yellow ochre to create five different values of this color. These values should correspond to the five-value limited study.

Create Blue Violet

Mix ultramarine blue with magenta to create a blue violet. This is the next major color in the gamut, opposite the orange.

Grey Down Blue Violet

Use cadmium orange to grey down the blue violet, as it is the complement of blue violet. Then add white to raise the value.

Pro tipAlways test a small amount of your color mix first to see how it will work out.

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your painting journey by simplifying the landscape and achieving color harmony. Begin with a two-value statement to distinguish light and shadow families, and use a gamut mask to limit your color palette, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious color scheme. Choose a resource photo with large, simple shapes to focus on color relationships, and develop a visual concept that excites you, guiding your artistic decisions.

As you progress, create Notan sketches to define dark and light shapes, ensuring a dynamic and balanced composition. Conduct limited value studies to explore depth with three to five values, and experiment with gamut mask variations to discover unique color interactions. Prepare for your final painting by selecting your favorite color study and setting up your materials, including toning your canvas with a warm acrylic grey for enhanced color harmony.

During the painting process, apply colors methodically from dark to light, focusing on the center of interest and edge control to guide the viewer's eye. Add highlights and details with restraint to maintain balance, and use texture to enhance depth. Complete your painting with final touches, signing your work to mark it as your own. Remember, each step is an opportunity to explore and express your creativity.

Points to remember
  • Use a gamut mask to limit your color palette and achieve harmony.
  • Choose a photo with large, simple shapes to focus on color harmonies.
  • Link dark shapes to dark shapes and light shapes to light shapes for visual unity.
  • Keep your values separate on the palette to maintain simplicity in your study.
  • Mix more paint than you think you'll need to avoid running out mid-painting.
  • Darken the top of the chimney to make it stand out against a lighter background.
  • Ensure reflected light colors are lighter than the surrounding shadows to accurately depict light effects.
  • Remember that taste equals restraint when applying highlights.