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 14Light Values and Brushwork
How should I handle the temptation to create a pattern with brush dabs?
It's common to feel tempted to make a pattern with your brush dabs, but it's important to focus on adding variety instead. Patterns can result in uniform dabs that are the same size and spacing, which reduces the painting's interest. Instead, try to vary the shapes and sizes of your brushwork to create a more dynamic and engaging composition.
What should I do to add variety to my painting?
To add variety to your painting, focus on varying the shapes, sizes, and colors of your brushstrokes. Avoid making uniform patterns, and instead, look at the big shapes of light and shadow in your scene. Try to capture these shapes in a painterly way, ensuring that not all shapes are the same. You can explore more techniques for adding variety at
How can I effectively use light values in my painting?
When working with light values, it's important to observe and capture the big shapes of light you see in your scene. Use a variety of colors and thicknesses of paint to represent these light areas, and don't be afraid to mix paint directly on the canvas for unique effects. For a deeper understanding of using light values, check out the lesson at
What is the benefit of mixing paint directly on the canvas?
Mixing paint directly on the canvas allows you to achieve effects that are difficult to replicate with pre-mixed colors. This technique can add depth and interest to your work, as the colors blend naturally and create a more dynamic appearance. You can
How can I create painterly shapes in my work?
To create painterly shapes, focus on capturing the essence of the shapes you see rather than getting caught up in detail. Squinting can help you see the larger shapes of light and shadow, which you can then translate into varied, expressive brushstrokes. For more guidance on creating painterly shapes, visit
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.
