In this chapter, I invite you to join me on a journey to Cathedral Cove, a stunning natural wonder that offers a perfect blend of challenge and inspiration for any painter. We'll focus on loosening up our painting techniques, a task that's often easier said than done. Together, we'll explore the five keys to achieving a fresh, painterly look without losing the essence of realism. This lesson is designed to be interactive and engaging, as it includes a pre-recorded livestream with student questions and answers. You'll have the opportunity to paint along with me, stroke by stroke, and you can pause and replay the session as needed. We'll delve into creating expressive and abstract brush strokes using acrylics, testing just how gestural and painterly we can get. As we transition from smaller to larger canvases, we'll adjust our brush sizes and paint quantities to maintain that expressive quality. So, grab your favorite beverage and a cookie, and let's enjoy the experience of a live workshop together!
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Combine the shadowy color with a lighter tone to create a half light. Use this mixture for the planes of the rocks that aren't directly in the sun. Adjust the mixture if it appears too light.
Consider Edge Sharpness
Use sharp edges to define the form of rocks in your painting. For softer subjects like clouds or trees, apply softer edges. Pay attention to the edges as you work on different objects to convey their form effectively.
Pro tipUse sharp edges to emphasize the form of rocks, while softer edges suit clouds and trees.
Embark on your painting journey by embracing gestural strokes and expressive brushwork. Begin with a magenta wash to set a vibrant undertone, then sketch the composition with an eye for the scene's big shapes and natural curves. As you block in the darks, remember to keep your acrylics moist and workable, establishing a strong tonal foundation for your piece.
As you progress, explore the infusion of light and color variations. Use complementary colors to mix vibrant grays and allow natural blending on the canvas for painterly effects. Maintain texture and vibrancy by letting some canvas show through and using a variety of brushes and techniques to add depth and interest.
In the final stages, focus on adding shadows, light balance, and reflections to bring your painting to life. Use impasto techniques to create dynamic waves and reflections, and employ a palette knife for intriguing textures. Balance gestural strokes with detailed work to achieve a harmonious blend of abstraction and realism.
Points to remember
Upsize brushes and paint quantity on larger canvases to maintain expressiveness.
Use a thin magenta wash as an undertone to enhance blues and greens.
Ensure the line at the base of the rocks has a slight curve to depict the beach's slope.
Use complementary colors instead of black to mix more colorful grays.
Allow some canvas to show through for color vibration and added interest.
Use a new brush when changing major color areas to keep colors clean and vibrant.
Spray acrylics with water regularly to keep them workable and maintain soft edges.
Use a palette knife to add texture and depth to your painting, enhancing its visual interest.
