Join me as we embark on a creative journey to capture the enchanting beauty of a lakeside scene in New Zealand. With a 12 by 24 inch Frederick's Ultra Smooth Canvas as our starting point, we'll explore the vibrant world of impressionistic painting. Using M. Graham & Co oils, including ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow light, and plenty of titanium white, we'll bring this light-filled landscape to life. Our tools will include a variety of brushes, primarily size 12 bristle flats, a rigger for fine details, and a synthetic flat for those finishing touches. To begin, we'll sketch out the scene with a touch of Gamsol. This chapter will guide you through designing an inviting composition and painting with freedom, employing a range of fun techniques. Whether you're stuck indoors or simply seeking a new artistic challenge, this lesson offers a rewarding opportunity to enhance your skills and enjoy the process of painting a colorful, impressionistic masterpiece. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Blend the shadow colors where they meet to create a soft edge. This allows the dark areas to merge together and remain mysterious, avoiding drawing the eye. Reserve sharp edges for areas where light meets dark to emphasize contrast.
Apply Dark Colors First
Lay down the dark color first before lightening it. This prevents the area from becoming muddy, as darkening a lighter color can lead to muddiness.
Reflect Sky Colors
Introduce a touch of blue into the shadow areas to reflect the sky. This adds interest without significantly altering the value, and can be applied to foliage as well.
Extend Shadow Areas
Continue adding darks into the bases of bushes and clumps, brushing down to create a grassy texture. Adjust the color slightly while maintaining soft edges to keep the darks cohesive.
Shadow the Beach Line
Extend the beach line with a blue-gray tone to keep it in shadow. This prevents confusion between light areas and maintains the focus on the intended light-dark contrasts.
Pro tipStart with dark colors and lighten them to avoid muddiness in your painting.
Embark on your painting journey by immersing yourself in the vibrant scenery of Kinloch, capturing its essence through photo editing to enhance your references. Begin with an initial sketch, focusing on the big shapes and ensuring an interesting composition by avoiding central placements. Pay attention to the light and shadow play across the scene, setting the stage for a dynamic painting.
As you block in the background, use a playful approach with your brush and palette knife to establish foundational colors and textures. Gradually build up the scene by adding reflections and shadows, using vertical strokes to create realistic water effects. Introduce warm autumn colors and subtle contrasts to bring life and depth to your painting.
In the final stages, focus on adding texture and detail with chunky paint and varied brushstrokes. Use a palette knife for dynamic effects, and ensure your colors remain vibrant by cleaning your brushes regularly. Add final touches to the trees, rocks, and reflections, maintaining interest and variety throughout your composition. Let your personal style shine through as you incorporate techniques from artists you admire.
Points to remember
Boost saturation in photos to capture vibrant colors.
Break curves into straight angles first for easier sketching.
Avoid glare by painting in the shade and wearing a black top.
Use vertical down strokes for realistic water reflections.
Keep darks thin to prevent muddiness when layering colors.
Start with dark colors and lighten them to avoid muddiness.
Ensure vertical strokes for reflections to maintain water's surface.
Mix paint directly on the canvas for dynamic textures.
