In this chapter, I invite you to explore the exhilarating world of expressive brushwork alongside the esteemed New Zealand artist John Crump. As we delve into this workshop, you'll witness three captivating demo paintings that beautifully illustrate John's mastery of a painterly style developed over more than four decades. This lesson is designed for every artist who dreams of painting with a loose, impressionistic flair. We'll focus on selecting the right tools for the job, starting with size 12 brushes that are perfect for most of your painting needs. Opt for brushes with square tips and long bristles that can hold plenty of paint, enabling you to create long, expressive strokes that bring your canvas to life. While small brushes have their place for intricate details like twigs or building features, they can slow you down when covering large areas. By the end of this chapter, you'll gain insights into achieving a sense of freedom and joy in your painting, capturing the essence of your subject with bold, confident strokes.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Apply a thin layer of background color to suggest a misty effect. Keep the mixture dry to avoid a thick buildup of paint. This will provide a soft backdrop for your trees without overpowering them.
Shape the Tree
Adjust the tree's shape as you paint, straightening any awkward bends. Use the tree as a model, but feel free to interpret its form to suit your composition. This flexibility allows you to create a more natural and pleasing tree shape.
Add Foliage
Apply foliage with a bit more color on one side to suggest wind effects over time. Feather the edges to create a soft transition and allow some areas to remain sharp for contrast. Lightly suggest gaps to add depth and interest.
Incorporate Light and Shade
Introduce light areas on the tree to enhance its form and visibility. Adjust the misty background if needed to highlight the trunk. This back-and-forth adjustment helps achieve the desired effect.
Paint Grass and Foreground
Start with shadows in the grass, using white and gold ochre for highlights to achieve a straw-like color. Strengthen the color in the foreground for warmth and texture. Keep the strokes broad and simple to convey a natural, unkempt look.
Pro tipKeep your paint layers thin to maintain control and avoid overworking the painting.
Embark on your painting journey by selecting the right tools and materials. Choose large brushes with square tips for expressive strokes and a smooth artist's palette for effective color mixing. Opt for a canvas that enhances your brushwork, such as a fine, smooth surface that showcases your expressive style.
As you begin painting, focus on establishing the composition with dark tones and gradually build up to midtones and highlights. Use a variety of techniques, like the sawtooth method, to soften edges and maintain a harmonious balance in your work. Pay attention to the interplay of light and shadow, ensuring depth and movement in your scenes.
Throughout your painting process, remain flexible and open to adjustments. Whether you're painting rocks, mountains, or trees, continually assess the design and make changes to enhance the overall composition. Keep your brushwork purposeful, and remember that each stroke contributes to the expressive quality of your painting.
Points to remember
Use large brushes for most of your painting to maintain speed and expressiveness.
Avoid touching the sides or bottom of the dipper with your brush to keep the medium clear.
Opt for a fine canvas to enhance the visibility of your expressive brush strokes.
Keep darks thin and lights with more body to create depth and allow easy adjustments.
Mix paint directly with your brush for a quicker and easier blend, maintaining a clean canvas.
Keep your paint layers thin to maintain control and avoid overworking the painting.
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