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!
Step 10Initial Sketch and Composition
What brushes does Richard Robinson use for the painting 'A Walk to the Lake'?
Richard Robinson uses long bristle flats in sizes 10 and 12 for most of the painting. He also uses synthetic brushes for painting branches and adding a few details later on.
What medium does Richard Robinson use to thin the paint?
Richard Robinson uses walnut oil to thin the paint, making it easier to flow onto the canvas.
Which colors does Richard Robinson use to start the initial sketch?
For the initial sketch, Richard Robinson uses a mix of ultramarine blue and a little red, along with some walnut oil. This combination helps in sketching out the big shapes on the canvas. You can
How does Richard Robinson determine the placement of the path and horizon in the composition?
Richard Robinson places the curving path not quite halfway up the canvas and positions the horizon or false horizon accordingly. He emphasizes the importance of variety in shapes to make the scene more interesting. For more insights into his composition techniques, visit
Why does Richard Robinson emphasize variety in shapes when sketching the composition?
Richard Robinson emphasizes variety in shapes to avoid monotony and create a more engaging and interesting scene. He points out that many paintings have uniform shapes that make them less appealing, and he aims to create a scene that invites viewers to walk through it. Discover more about his approach to composition at
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.
