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.
Begin by sketching the big shapes of the scene. Focus on capturing the overall composition without getting bogged down in details.
Observe the Beach Slope
Pay attention to the line at the base of the rocks. Ensure it has a slight curve or angle to reflect the slope of the beach, which adds important information about the beach's shape.
Add Ocean and Waves
Sketch the ocean coming in with some waves. This will help establish the movement and flow of the water in your composition.
Include Shadows and Archway
Add shadows cast by trees to give depth to the scene. Finally, sketch in the archway, as it is a significant feature of the composition.
Pro tipEnsure the line at the base of the rocks has a slight curve to accurately depict the beach's slope.
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.
