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 7Design Adjustments for Interest
What design changes did you make to the scene to make it more interesting?
To make the scene more interesting, I adjusted the curve of the drive to be more S-curvy, which enhances the visual appeal and creates a path that invites exploration. Additionally, I enlarged a patch in the background to draw viewers into the painting, creating a sense of depth and intrigue.
Why did you cast a shadow across the foreground of the painting?
I cast a shadow across the foreground to break up a large, bright shape that could dominate the viewer's attention. By creating a big shadow shape that connects with another shadow, the composition pushes the viewer's eye towards the light areas, where details are more visible. This technique helps guide the viewer's focus and enhances the overall composition. For a deeper understanding of this technique, check out the lesson at
How do the changes in shadow and light affect the viewer's experience of the painting?
The changes in shadow and light guide the viewer's eye by creating contrast and directing attention towards the light areas, where details are more discernible. Our eyes naturally seek out light to gather information, so by strategically placing shadows, the composition encourages viewers to explore the illuminated parts of the scene. To explore this concept further, visit 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.
