In this chapter, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey into the world of oil painting, a medium I've cherished and taught for the past 15 years. My own adventure began in my early 20s with a commission from a schoolmate, leading me to create a large canvas that sparked my passion for painting. Over a decade ago, I developed this program for a summer school, and this lesson marks the very first step in that journey. Here, we'll focus on mastering the art of color blending, a crucial skill to prevent the common pitfall of muddy colors. Many students struggle with this, but together we'll explore techniques to maintain vibrancy and clarity in your work. We'll start with a limited palette of five colors—titanium white, permanent magenta, rose madder, cerulean blue, and chrome orange hue—providing a versatile foundation for your creativity. This scene is a rewarding subject, offering both challenge and inspiration, as you learn to listen to your inner muse and let your spirit soar across the canvas.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Guided Painting 1" Oil on Canvas 20x20" by Nemesh
Step 12Adding Details to Mountains
Blend Dark Colors
Blend dark colors carefully to suggest a sunset or sunrise over the mountains. Add a little bit of blue by dabbing gently to create depth. Be cautious with color mixing to avoid muddying the colors.
Add Distance with Blue and White
Add more blue to the mountain, then mix in white to give the impression of distance. This combination will make the mountain appear further away.
Use Fingers for Detail
Don't hesitate to use your fingers to apply a touch of white, especially in areas needing subtle highlights. Your fingers can provide a delicate touch perfect for this task.
Apply Snow with a Palette Knife
Clean your palette knife and use it to apply a little bit of snow on the mountain tops. This will brighten the mountains and create a sense of depth, making them appear behind the foreground.
Pro tipUse your fingers for delicate highlights; they're perfect for subtle touches.
Embark on your painting journey by selecting a versatile palette of five colors and preparing your canvas with care. Use quality brushes and tools to ensure a smooth and enjoyable painting experience. As you begin to apply paint, focus on the natural properties of your materials, allowing the texture of the canvas to enhance your work.
As you progress, experiment with blending techniques to create smooth transitions and gradients. Use circular movements and keep your tools clean to maintain color purity. Explore the dynamic interplay of colors by layering and blending magenta, chrome orange, and cerulean blue, and use dry brushing to add softness and depth.
Finally, let your creativity flow by adding details and textures to your painting. Use shapers to carve out shapes and create abstract effects, and don't hesitate to use your fingers for delicate highlights. Embrace the freedom to experiment and refine your work, whether you're painting mountains or exploring abstract compositions. Enjoy the process and let your unique artistic voice shine through.
Points to remember
Use only five colors to begin: titanium white, permanent magenta, rose madder, cerulean blue, and chrome orange hue.
Apply five layers of gesso for a smooth painting surface.
Incorporate texture in the final gesso coat to add depth.
Use small circular movements and clean the palette knife frequently for smooth blending.
Leave a gap of white between colors to prevent muddiness during blending.
Use a dry brush to gently crisscross over the paint for soft cloud effects.
Experiment with both hard and soft shapers to see how they affect paint removal and application.
Distant objects in landscapes are lighter, while closer ones are darker.
