A Walk to the Lake

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn to paint this beautiful impressionistic scene, step by step. Stuck indoors with time on your hands? Take a walk with me to a beautiful lake in New Zealand. Along the way you'll discover the joy of painting in a colourful impressionistic style using large brushes and loads of paint. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this light filled scene. Designing an inviting scene, painting with freedom, and a variety of fun techniques are all demonstrated in the video. 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

A Walk to the Lake - 14x14" Oil on Canvas

Step 1Composition and Scene Description

What makes the scene Richard Robinson is painting particularly special?

The scene Richard Robinson is painting is particularly special because it naturally composes itself very well, which is not common for outdoor scenes. He mentions that it has a beautiful lead-in with a little stream, making it almost ready to frame as is.

Step 2: Edge Treatment and Contrast →

Summary & key takeaways

As I reflect on our journey through 'A Walk to the Lake,' I am reminded of the beauty that lies in simplicity and the power of thoughtful composition. We began with a scene that naturally lent itself to a compelling composition, with a stream leading the eye into the painting. My goal was to enhance this natural beauty by playing with light, color, and contrast to create a dynamic and engaging piece.

Throughout the process, I emphasized the importance of edge treatment and the balance between warm and cool colors. By softening certain edges and enhancing others, we created a painting that draws the viewer's eye to the most important elements. The use of large brushes and time constraints pushed us to embrace expressive brushwork, capturing the fleeting light of the day.

I hope you take away the joy of experimenting with color saturation and the courage to make design adjustments that enhance visual interest. Remember, painting is as much about personal expression as it is about technique. Trust your instincts, and let your creativity guide you.

Points to remember

Use soft and sharp edges to guide the viewer's focus.
Contrast warm and cool colors for depth and interest.
Large brushes help cover the canvas quickly under time constraints.
Increase color saturation to reflect what the eye perceives.
Adjust the scene's elements to enhance visual interest.
Soften edges to control where the viewer's eye is drawn.
Tone the canvas to add vibrancy and shimmer.
Mix colors on the canvas for unexpected results and texture.