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 9Color Blocks and Play Area
Apply Cadmium Orange
Start by applying cadmium orange to your canvas. Spread it as thin as possible to create a smooth base layer. This will be the first block of color in your painting.
Add Permanent Rose
Next, apply permanent rose next to the cadmium orange. Think of it as buttering bread, spreading it evenly across the surface. This will create a vibrant contrast with the orange.
Incorporate Magenta
Continue by adding magenta to your canvas. Fill in the area, blending it slightly with the adjacent colors to create a harmonious transition. This will enrich your color palette.
Create a Play Area
Designate a section of your canvas as a 'play area' for experimenting with colors. Add more magenta and permanent rose here, allowing yourself to explore different color interactions.
Experiment with the Angle Chisel Blender
Use the angle chisel blender to remove color and reveal layers underneath. This tool can be used for sketching or creating unique textures. Spend 10-15 minutes experimenting with this technique in your play area.
Pro tipUse the angle chisel blender to reveal underlying layers and create interesting textures.
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.
