In this chapter, I invite you to join me at the stunning Taupo Bay, where we'll delve into the captivating world of mood and light in painting. These elements are what often inspire us to pick up a brush, yet achieving a convincing atmospheric effect can be a challenge. With the guidance of New Zealand artist John Crump, who brings 50 years of painting experience, you'll learn how to infuse your work with drama and emotion. We'll explore techniques to manipulate light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that draws the viewer in. One of the first steps is ensuring your paint flows easily, which is crucial for blending and achieving the desired effects. By adjusting the consistency of your paint with a medium like Winsor & Newton Liquin Original, you'll find it more flexible and easier to apply. This simple adjustment can transform your painting experience, allowing you to focus on capturing the essence of the scene. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of mood and light, enriching your paintings with a new level of expression.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Apply a mid-tone color to the cliff, considering the salt in the air that lightens it. Mix in a bit of permanent rose to avoid the cliff becoming too blue or purple. Aim for a rough shape without worrying about exactness, as you can adjust it later when adding the sky.
Adjust for Sea Mist
Lighten the bottom of the cliff to reflect the sea mist, using less blue and adding a touch of gold ochre to slightly gray the tone. This will help convey the misty atmosphere without making the colors dirty.
Introduce Light and Mist
Lightly paint the area where the sun catches the tops of the trees, but avoid chasing the changing light. Use a dry brush to softly blend the mist upwards, darkening the area slightly as it comes closer to the viewer.
Enhance with Subtle Colors
Add hints of purple to the bush areas without making them look dirty. Consider using reds or pinks in the bush to avoid too much green, creating a harmonious and subdued effect.
Pro tipAvoid chasing the light as it changes; decide on a lighting condition and stick with it to prevent a hodgepodge of colors.
Embark on your painting journey by ensuring your paint flows smoothly, using mediums to achieve the right consistency. Begin with a thoughtful sketch, focusing on composition and the placement of key elements. Use shadows and atmospheric effects to guide the viewer's eye and set the mood. As you build your painting, start with dark tones to establish depth, then gradually introduce lighter tones, reflecting the natural play of light and shadow.
As you progress, pay attention to the subtleties of light and color. Use mid-tones and reflected light to add dimension and realism, while maintaining a consistent lighting condition to unify your work. Emphasize the mood by capturing the misty atmosphere and the interplay of light on different surfaces. Adjust elements like rocks and sand to enhance the composition, ensuring each piece contributes to the overall harmony of the scene.
In the final stages, focus on refining details and adding the finishing touches. Use texture and highlights sparingly to maintain clarity and avoid clutter. Sign your painting while the paint is still wet to seamlessly integrate your signature into the artwork. Remember, each stroke and adjustment is a step towards capturing the essence of mood and light in your painting.
Points to remember
Ensure paint flows easily by adjusting consistency with a medium.
Use shadows strategically to lead the viewer's eye and enhance atmosphere.
Start with dark tones to accurately judge overall tone against the canvas.
Avoid chasing changing light; stick with your initial lighting setup.
Lighten areas to suggest mistiness and create a serene appearance.
Use vertical stripes in water to simulate reflections.
Mix a warm sand tone with light grey, cadmium orange, and gold ochre.
Sign your painting while it's wet to embed the signature into the paint.
