In this chapter, I invite you to join me on a creative journey alongside the remarkable New Zealand artist Vjekoslav Nemesh. This lesson is a gateway to an exciting world of artistic expression, where you'll learn to let your spirit soar across the canvas. Together, we'll delve into the secrets of Nemesh's unique techniques, honed over 35 years of dedicated painting. As we progress through each stage, you'll discover how to listen to your inner muse and follow its subtle guidance. We'll start by squeezing some Viridian Green onto our palettes, ready to mix with Primary Yellow for a vibrant, luminous effect. By using a palette knife to apply a thin layer of paint, you'll master the 'scrape on' technique, which primes the canvas beautifully without leaving any brush marks. As we spread the green paint across the canvas, a crisscross motion will help blend the colors seamlessly. This lesson is designed to unlock the door to your innate creativity, making it an enjoyable and enriching experience. Let's paint together and see where our creativity takes us!
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Use a canvas with added texture, such as with Atelier Dresser. Ensure the canvas is securely fastened to your easel to prevent movement during painting.
Apply Linseed Oil
Dip the tip of your brush into linseed oil, being careful not to overdo it. Rub the brush onto the canvas, working the oil into the grooves of the texture.
Layer Colors with a Dirty Brush
Use the paint already on your palette, starting with white as a bridge between colors. Rub the brush onto the canvas, transitioning from blue to magenta, and then to warm colors like rose and yellow.
Use Shapers for Texture
After applying the paint, use shapers to manipulate the texture. Move the shapers over the canvas to blend colors and create interesting effects.
Experiment and Relax
Allow yourself to be relaxed and disconnected, not overthinking the process. Enjoy the act of painting and let the brushstrokes show naturally.
Pro tipUse white as a bridge between colors to create smooth transitions.
Embark on your painting journey by laying a vibrant foundation with a mix of Viridian Green and Primary Yellow. Use a palette knife to achieve a smooth, brush-mark-free base, and blend with a crisscross motion to ensure even coverage. As you progress, experiment with catalyst wedges to add texture and depth, pushing layers to create a dynamic background.
Enhance your painting's depth by layering with linseed oil and introducing semi-abstract elements. Use shapers to manipulate textures and forms, and apply realistic leaf layers to add contrast and dimension. When painting the koru, use a combination of white, yellow, and green to create a balanced and harmonious focal point.
Conclude your painting with a dirty brush exercise to explore color transitions and texture manipulation. Draw inspiration from natural patterns and light sources to enrich your artwork. Remember to photograph your process to capture and reflect on successful elements, and don't shy away from using your fingers for unique effects.
Points to remember
Use a palette knife for a thin, even layer without brush marks.
Brush in opposite directions to the lines to create texture and depth.
Use linseed oil to smoothly apply layers and create depth.
Extend leaves all the way down to avoid them appearing as if they are floating.
Use the tip of your shaper to easily correct any mistakes by brushing them off.
Use white as a bridge between colors to create smooth transitions.
Photograph your painting process to catch successful elements you might miss during painting.
Avoid over-brushing to maintain lively and dynamic details.
