In this chapter, I invite you to join me in creating a captivating painting titled 'After the Storm.' We'll be working on a large canvas, ideally 36 by 48 inches, which allows us to capture the full impact of the scene with expressive brush strokes and a dramatic presentation. I've chosen to use acrylic paints for this project, as they are less prone to cracking over time compared to oils, making them a durable choice for large paintings. The setup includes a big bucket of water, a towel for wiping off, and a large palette made from painted wood. For brushes, I've selected a few key ones: a bristle brush for the block-in, a synthetic Rosemary & Co. brush for the majority of the work, and a small pointy one for signing. This lesson is all about painting light, atmosphere, and depth with only three colors. You'll learn to create large gradations, soft-edged brushwork, and sparkling impasto highlights. We'll focus on good design, accurate drawing, passionate brushwork, and a variety of fun techniques. This scene is particularly rewarding because it allows us to explore the subtle interplay of light and shadow, capturing the serene aftermath of a storm. Let's dive in and enjoy the process together!
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Select a large canvas, ideally 36 by 48 inches, to capture the full impact of the painting. This size allows for expressive brush strokes and a dramatic presentation.
Select Your Medium
Opt for acrylic paints for this project. Acrylics are less prone to cracking over time compared to oils, making them a durable choice for large paintings.
Pro tipAcrylics are a great choice for large paintings that will be displayed in environments with fluctuating temperatures, as they resist cracking and fading.
Embark on your painting journey by choosing a large canvas and durable acrylic paints, setting the stage for expressive brushwork and a dramatic presentation. Embrace the simplicity of a limited palette, focusing on ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and white to capture the mood of the scene. As you progress, reflect on previous works to identify areas for improvement, such as enhancing depth through darker values and experimenting with different compositions.
As you paint, select subjects with character, like an aged boat, and utilize complementary colors to create visual interest. Pay attention to light and reflection, using warm colors to depict natural warmth without overpowering the scene. Focus on broad, expressive brushstrokes to add dynamism, and use crisp edges to draw attention to focal points. Simplify complex scenes by concentrating on large shapes and maintaining a cohesive composition.
Throughout the process, manage your materials wisely by keeping paints wet for smooth blending and soft edges. Start with the landscape to establish a background, then move forward in layers, ensuring each element integrates seamlessly. Use techniques like the 'painting into a couch' to maintain soft edges, and apply color gradually to preserve subtle gradients. Regularly assess your work for edge variety and maintain brush cleanliness to ensure longevity and performance.
Points to remember
Choose a large canvas and acrylic paints for durability and expressiveness.
Use a limited palette to capture the mood and simplicity of the scene.
Select subjects with character and use complementary colors for interest.
Focus on large shapes and expressive brushstrokes to simplify complexity.
Keep paints wet for smooth blending and soft edges.
Start with the landscape and work forward in layers.
Apply color gradually to maintain subtle gradients.
