In this chapter, I invite you to join me in the studio as we explore the captivating beauty of Mount Manaia, a dormant volcano that stands majestically over Whangarei Harbour in Northland, New Zealand, where I call home. This iconic landmark has been a source of inspiration for me, and despite having painted it numerous times, I am continually drawn to its allure, striving to capture its essence more fully with each attempt. Together, we'll delve into the process of transforming a photograph into a vibrant painting, using our knowledge and artistic license to bring the scene to life. You'll learn how to harness the benefits of studio painting, such as consistent lighting, which allows us to maintain control over the light on our canvas and avoid the exaggerated contrasts often found in photographs. We'll also discuss how to compensate for these contrasts by understanding outdoor lighting conditions. While studio painting may lack the spontaneity of plein air work, it offers the opportunity to plan and refine our compositions, ultimately leading to a polished final piece that conveys the spirit of this remarkable location. Let's embark on this artistic journey and capture the timeless beauty of Mount Manaia together.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Recognize the benefits of painting in the studio, such as constant lighting. In the studio, you can control the light on your painting, avoiding glare and ensuring the subject's lighting remains unchanged.
Acknowledge Photography Limitations
Be aware that photographs often exaggerate contrasts, making darks too dark and lights too light. Compensating for this requires experience and understanding of outdoor lighting conditions.
Consider Weather Impact
Appreciate that outdoor painting offers dynamic lighting changes, like sun breaks through clouds, which can highlight unique aspects of a scene. These fleeting moments can add drama and interest to your work.
Plan for Studio Painting
Use studio time to plan and refine your work with sketches and small studies. This preparation can lead to a more polished final piece, though it may lack the spontaneity of outdoor painting.
Capture the Spirit of a Place
Aim to convey the essence of a location in your painting, even when working indoors. A skilled painter can evoke the spirit of a place, despite not being physically present.
Pro tipControl studio lighting to avoid glare and maintain consistent lighting on your subject.
Embark on your painting journey by understanding the unique advantages of both studio and outdoor settings. While the studio offers controlled lighting, allowing for consistent work, outdoor painting captures the dynamic essence of natural light. Use your studio time to refine your compositions and sketches, ensuring that your final piece conveys the spirit of the location, even if painted indoors.
Begin your painting with strong compositional sketches, focusing on tonal values to create depth and interest. Simplify your values to maintain clarity and use a limited palette to streamline your color mixing process. As you progress, pay attention to the subtle shifts in color and value, ensuring that each element of your painting contributes to a cohesive whole.
As you add the final touches, focus on the details that bring your painting to life. Use your brushstrokes to express texture and movement, and carefully adjust colors to capture the light and shadow play across your scene. Remember, your brushstroke is your signature, so let it reflect your unique style and vision.
Points to remember
Control studio lighting to avoid glare and maintain consistent lighting on your subject.
Limit the number of values in your sketch to create a strong tonal base and enhance the composition.
Avoid mixing values on the canvas to maintain clarity in your tonal range.
Mix larger piles of base colors to serve as parent colors, allowing easy adjustments for variations.
Use phthalo blue to cool down your sky color when needed.
Squint through your eyelashes to reduce color intensity and focus on checking values accurately.
Use ultramarine blue for a warm sky color to add variation and interest.
Avoid overdoing highlights; focus on one major highlight with a few supporting ones.
