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 9Painting Water and Reflections

Why should I paint the dark reflections first when painting water?

Painting the dark reflections first helps establish the contrast and depth in the water. This approach allows you to build up the lighter reflections and water details on top, creating a more dynamic and realistic effect. For more insights on this technique, check out the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What should I be aware of when comparing the reflection of a boat to the boat itself?

When comparing the reflection of a boat to the boat itself, notice that the reflection is often a little darker and may have a more orange hue. This subtle difference is important for creating a realistic depiction of reflections in water. You can explore this concept further in the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I simplify the colors in water reflections?

To simplify the colors in water reflections, try to reduce the various colors into one interesting shape that is all the same color. This simplification helps maintain the painting's overall harmony and focus. For more tips on this technique, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

Why is it recommended to use thick paint for water reflections?

Using thick paint for water reflections can make the painting appear more interesting and dynamic. Thick paint adds texture and depth, enhancing the visual impact of the reflections. Learn more about this approach at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How should I approach painting waves to avoid losing the painting's vitality?

When painting waves, it's important to stay loose and focus on big, fluid shapes rather than getting too fiddly with details. This approach helps preserve the painting's vitality and prevents it from becoming overworked. Discover more about this technique at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What is the benefit of twisting the brush while painting water?

Twisting the brush while painting water can create more interesting and fluid shapes, adding movement and life to the painting. This technique helps capture the dynamic nature of water. For further exploration of this method, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

Why is it important to learn about mixing colors yourself in this exercise?

Learning to mix colors yourself is crucial because it helps you understand the relationships between shades and light, which is essential for achieving the right balance in your painting. This exercise encourages personal growth in color mixing skills. For more guidance, check out https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What are the advantages of using oils over acrylics for painting water?

Oils offer the advantage of creating nice fluid blends between colors, which can be more challenging with quick-drying acrylics. This blending capability allows for smoother transitions and more natural-looking water effects. Explore the benefits of using oils in the full lesson 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.