Join me on a painting adventure to one of my favorite spots, Point Lobos in California, where the beauty of nature unfolds in a breathtaking coastal scene. In this chapter, we'll explore the art of capturing the stunning impressionistic view using big brushes and the powerful technique of contre-jour lighting, or 'against the light.' This method, favored by the French and renowned galleries, creates a dramatic effect by positioning the primary light source behind the subject, resulting in striking silhouettes, glowing highlights, and atmospheric depth. As we paint, you'll learn to control values to balance high contrast, ensuring subtle variations in dark areas and avoiding harshness in the brightest spots. This approach not only enhances mood and mystery but also brings a sense of depth and warmth to your landscape. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced painter, I'll guide you step by step through this process in oils, though it's perfectly adaptable for acrylics. In just two hours, you'll have a beautiful coastal painting, or you can choose to expand your vision into a larger masterpiece. Let's pay homage to Mother Nature's generosity and bring this scene to life with glowing light and vibrant colors.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Point Lobos" 20 x 47" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson
Step 1Design and Composition Planning
Choose Your Drawing Tool
Select a drawing tool such as a brush dipped in Gamsol with burnt sienna, a pencil, or charcoal. This will be used to sketch the initial design on your canvas.
Focus on the Main Element
Decide on the main element of your composition. If it's a tree, position it centrally and ensure it occupies a significant space to emphasize its importance in the scene.
Create a Sense of Motion
Incorporate diagonals and off-balance elements to convey motion. Use varied angles and slopes to avoid symmetry, which can make the composition static.
Enhance Light and Atmosphere
Plan for a beautiful sun glow to infuse the scene, highlighting the golden quality of light in the atmosphere. This will add depth and warmth to your painting.
Differentiate Foreground and Background
Ensure clear separation between foreground and background elements. Use the foreground to lead the viewer's eye into the scene and highlight the atmospheric qualities of the background.
Refine the Cliff's Base
Depict the base of the cliff with a subtle curve to reflect the viewpoint from above. This small adjustment can significantly enhance the realism of the scene.
Balance Headland Prominence
Decide which headland will be the focal point and push the other into the background. This will help in showcasing the atmospheric beauty without overcrowding the composition.
Iterate Your Design
Experiment with different design sketches and digital tools like Photoshop to refine your composition. Adjust elements like headland prominence and foreground details to achieve a balanced design.
Pro tipUse diagonals and off-balance elements to create a sense of motion in your composition.
Embark on your painting journey by thoughtfully planning your composition. Begin with a sketch using your preferred drawing tool, focusing on the main elements like a prominent tree or a striking headland. Incorporate dynamic diagonals and off-balance elements to infuse motion into your scene. Consider the play of light, especially the sun glow, to add warmth and depth, and ensure a clear distinction between foreground and background to guide the viewer's eye.
As you lay down the initial layers, use thin applications of paint to allow for adjustments and layering. Establish your background with warm tones, and gradually build up the foreground elements with careful color transitions. Use walnut oil for thicker applications, especially in areas capturing the sunlit turquoise of the ocean. Pay attention to atmospheric effects, varying shadow shapes to avoid repetition and enhance realism.
In the final stages, focus on detailing and enhancing textures. Use a combination of brushes to create realistic water effects and foam, maintaining a clean brush to prevent unwanted color mixing. Add depth with reflections and subtle color transitions, and utilize impasto techniques to emphasize focal points like the foreground tree. As you finish, ensure your glowing areas are vibrant and your distant trees add depth and contrast, completing a dynamic and atmospheric scene.
Points to remember
Use diagonals and off-balance elements to create motion in your composition.
Apply initial layers thinly for easy adjustments and layering.
Use walnut oil instead of solvent for thicker paint applications.
Avoid repetitive patterns in shadow shapes by varying their forms.
Keep your brush clean while detailing foam to prevent unwanted color mixing.
Gradually darken the color as you work outward from the center to create a glowing effect.
Vary the size and angle of your brushstrokes to create a natural look for distant trees.
Use impasto technique to create texture, making the tree the focal point of the scene.
