Step-by-step painting guide

2 Color Simplicity

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn how to capture the essence of any subject with simple light and shadow shapes. Your job as a painter is to simplify what you see and give it your own style. Your style grows of it’s own accord, so the question is, how MUCH should you simplify what you’re seeing? Follow along step by step or use the resource photo to create something more your own. Enjoy!

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
"2 Color Simplicity" by Richard Robinson.
"2 Color Simplicity" by Richard Robinson.

Step 8Painting the Sail and Brushwork Tips

What effect does ultramarine blue have when used in a painting?

Ultramarine blue tends to give you a slightly more grayish blue, which can add depth and subtlety to your painting. For more details on color mixing and effects, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I create a brown color for skin tones?

To create a brown color for skin tones, you can mix a little bit of blue with other colors to take it towards brown and darken it. This technique helps achieve a more natural and varied skin tone. Explore more about color mixing techniques on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What color should I use for the shadow in hair?

For the shadow color in hair, a dark grey with a greeny browny tint can work well. Adjusting the mix to be a little bluer can also be effective depending on the desired look. For more tips on painting shadows, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What brush should I use for painting the sail?

When painting the sail, it's recommended to use a big brush. This allows for broader strokes and helps create a more dynamic and painterly effect. For more brushwork tips, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I make my painting look more artistic and beautiful?

To make your painting look more artistic and beautiful, have fun with your brushwork and avoid making it flat and boring. Embrace a painterly style to add interest and beauty to your work. Discover more about enhancing your painting style at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

Summary & key takeaways

In this chapter, we embarked on a journey to simplify our approach to color by focusing on the concept of two-color simplicity. The idea is to reduce the complexity of what we see into manageable parts, using just two colors to represent light and shadow. This technique not only helps in capturing the essence of the subject but also allows for a more expressive and sophisticated painting style. By practicing this method, I hope you discover the magic of creating depth and light with minimal colors.

Throughout the lesson, we explored various techniques to identify and apply shadow and light shapes, which are crucial for achieving a convincing sense of light in your paintings. We also delved into practical tips for preparing your canvas, mixing colors, and adjusting color relationships to enhance your painting process. These skills are fundamental in developing your ability to see and paint like an artist, focusing on the core elements that make a painting come alive.

I encourage you to continue experimenting with these techniques, sharing your work with the community, and embracing the learning process. Remember, painting is not just about the final product but also about the joy and growth you experience along the way. Keep practicing, and let your unique style shine through!

Points to remember
  • Simplify complex scenes by focusing on two-color simplicity.
  • Use one color for shadows and another for lights to create depth.
  • Practice identifying shadow and light shapes to improve color matching.
  • Prepare your canvas using the grid method for accurate proportions.
  • Mix a large amount of paint initially to save time and maintain consistency.
  • Adjust color relationships by placing shadow and light colors next to each other.
  • Use a neutral-colored palette to better judge the neutrality of greys.
  • Share your work with the community for feedback and encouragement.