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.
Mix a combination of blue, red, and a little white to create the dark areas. Apply these darks first to paint around them effectively.
Create Subtle Gradations
Mix a color that is in between your current tone and the brightest highlight. Add a touch of blue to tone down the orange, creating a subtle gradation up to the strongest light.
Use Excess Paint Wisely
If you accidentally mix too much paint, remember that it's okay. You can use the excess paint on other parts of the canvas or for future projects.
Add Texture with a Palette Knife
Use a palette knife to create interesting textural effects on the canvas. This adds depth and interest to the painting.
Experiment with Flicking Paint
Add more water to your paint and flick it onto the canvas for a random textural effect. This can make the painting more dynamic and engaging.
Refine with White Highlights
Add a little more white to your mix and drag it off to the side of the brush. Use a test stroke to ensure the right amount before applying it to the canvas for fine lines.
Balance Gestural and Detailed Work
Be gestural in less critical areas, but slow down and focus on detail where it matters. This balance will help the painting come together as a semi-abstract, semi-realistic piece.
Pro tipUse a palette knife to add texture and depth to your painting, enhancing its visual interest.
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.
