In this chapter, I invite you to join me on a journey of rediscovery through the art of quick studies, a technique championed by the esteemed John Crump. Whether you're returning to painting after a hiatus or simply looking to infuse your work with fresh energy, quick studies offer a powerful way to reignite your creative fires. We'll explore three inspiring outdoor locations, each offering dynamic lighting and atmosphere to invigorate your senses and challenge your skills. By setting up with small canvases and imposing a strict time limit of 20 to 30 minutes per study, you'll learn to make swift decisions and embrace spontaneity. This approach encourages bold, expressive brushwork and sharpens your ability to capture the essence of a scene. As you progress through multiple sketches, you'll witness your growth, even if the first attempts aren't perfect. The key is to keep moving, allowing new ideas to flow and your artistic voice to strengthen. This chapter is about embracing the joy of painting and the satisfaction of seeing your skills evolve with each stroke.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Mix a very thin color with lots of liquid. This ensures the paint dries quickly and doesn't interfere with later layers. Brush it out thinly to establish the main areas of color and shadow.
Establish Dark Tones
Apply darks first to give your eye a reference point for the lightness and darkness of tones throughout the painting. Use a mix of Winsor Blue and Permanent Rose, adding a little yellow to reduce purpleness and achieve a pure black.
Add Shadows and Watercolor
Add shadows cast by cliffs and trees, varying the color with a bit of Permanent Rose. Lighten if necessary. Introduce watercolor in the background to enhance the scene.
Maintain Clean Whites
Leave certain areas of the canvas white to represent foam and clean whites. This ensures these areas remain bright and distinct.
Enhance the Sky
Add variety to a flat sky by warming or cooling it slightly and varying the tone. This subtle change adds life to the color without being overpowering.
Shape Islands with Sky Color
Paint the island quickly and adjust its shape using sky color. This method is easier than painting the sky first and then adding the island.
Use Large Brushes for Detail
Work with large brushes like number 12s, which allow for fine lines and detail due to their sharp corners. Reserve smaller brushes for specific details like twigs or signatures.
Create Water Reflections
Leave vertical strokes in water areas to suggest reflections. Avoid mirror-like reflections to prevent them from competing with the main image.
Use Small Brushes Sparingly
Use a small brush like a rig-a-brush for fine details like twigs and branches. Be cautious not to overuse it, as too many details can distract from the overall composition.
Pro tipApply dark tones first to establish a reference point for the painting's tonal range.
Embark on your painting journey by stepping outside and immersing yourself in the dynamic play of light and atmosphere. Set up with a few small canvases and embrace the challenge of quick studies. By imposing a strict time limit, you encourage spontaneity and quick decision-making, allowing your creativity to flow freely. As you complete each sketch, take a moment to reflect on your progress and appreciate the improvement in your technique.
Select a vibrant palette that avoids muddiness and enhances your work. Begin with a well-lubricated brush to ensure smooth application and sketch the main elements of your scene with confidence. Focus on capturing the essence of your subject with bold strokes and thoughtful color choices. Remember, reflections in water require careful tonal adjustments to achieve a realistic effect.
As you choose new scenes, look for elements that inspire abstraction and strong design. Adjust your composition to highlight the center of interest and maintain balance. Apply dark tones first to establish a tonal reference, and use large brushes to create dynamic strokes. Embrace the natural flow of your painting, allowing for sketchy elements and adapting to changing light. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and let your creativity shine.
Points to remember
Set a strict time limit for each sketch to encourage quick decision-making.
Use artist-quality paints for consistent, vibrant colors.
Lubricate your brush with Liquin before picking up paint for smooth application.
Remember that a dark area will appear slightly lighter and a light area slightly darker in water reflections.
Adjust elements like the horizon and rock sizes to fit the composition.
Apply dark tones first to establish a reference point for the painting's tonal range.
Limit your painting time to encourage spontaneity and prevent overthinking.
