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 11Variety in Shapes and Shadows
Why is it important to vary the exit points of shapes in a painting?
Varying the exit points of shapes in a painting adds more interest and variety, preventing the composition from becoming monotonous. By ensuring that elements like clumps of trees or roads exit at different points, you create a more dynamic and engaging scene.
How can you add more interest to big, long shapes in a painting?
To add more interest to big, long shapes in a painting, you can break them up into smaller, varied sections. This technique prevents the shapes from becoming uninteresting and helps maintain the viewer's attention. Starting to think about these variations early in the painting process can be beneficial, even if some areas will be painted over later. Explore more techniques for creating engaging compositions at
Why is it beneficial to think about shape variety early in the painting process?
Thinking about shape variety early in the painting process helps set the foundation for a more interesting and dynamic composition. Even if some areas will be painted over later, planning for variety ensures that the overall structure of the painting remains engaging.
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.
