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 3Brushwork and Time Constraints
Why did you choose to use large brushes for this painting?
I chose to use large brushes because the canvas was fairly large, about 18 by 20 inches, and I was painting outdoors with limited time. Large brushes allowed me to cover the canvas more quickly, which was essential given the time constraints.
How did the time of day influence your painting technique?
The painting was done at the end of the day, with the sunlight just finishing its path over the mountains. This limited my time to about an hour, which pushed me to paint quickly and use vigorous brushwork. The time constraint encouraged expressive and dynamic brushwork, which you can explore further at
What effect does painting 'against the light' have on the artwork?
Painting 'against the light' or 'contour' creates strong contrasts between light and dark areas, resulting in a dynamic and visually striking painting. This technique offers great opportunities for contrast, enhancing the overall impact of the artwork.
How can setting a time limit improve your painting skills?
Setting a time limit, like giving yourself just one hour to complete a painting, can help you break out of your comfort zone and encourage expressive, vigorous brushwork. It forces you to make quick decisions and focus on the essentials, which can lead to beautiful, dynamic results. To explore this method further, check out the lesson 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.
