Paint light, atmosphere and depth, with only 3 colours! Follow me one brushstroke at a time as I take you through the process of creating a large acrylic painting which has all the hallmarks of an oil painting. Learn to create large gradations, soft edged brushwork and sparkling impasto highlights. Good design, accurate drawing, passionate brushwork and a variety of fun techniques are all demonstrated in the video. Enjoy! Oils are fine for this lesson too.
Step 12Color mixing and commission story
How do you create a darker shade when blending colors?
To create a darker shade when blending colors, you can add more blue to your mixture. As you move outwards in your painting, gradually add blue to darken the color, but do so very slightly to avoid ending up with an overly intense blue. For more detailed guidance on color blending, you can visit the lesson sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What should you do if you run out of paint while blending?
If you find yourself running out of paint while blending, simply add a little more of the colors you're working with, such as blue and white in this case. This will help you continue blending smoothly. For more tips on managing your paint supply during a session, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
Why is it okay to paint over the sand dune edges?
It's okay to paint over the sand dune edges because you will be working back up into it later. This technique allows for smoother transitions and blending in your painting. For more insights into this approach, visit the lesson sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
How can you grey down a color in your painting?
To grey down a color in your painting, you can add a bit of bensina to your mixture. This helps to reduce the intensity of the color, making it more subdued. For more techniques on adjusting color intensity, explore the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What is the main focus of this painting in terms of color?
The main focus of this painting is more about greys than intense colors. By using techniques like adding bensina to grey down colors, the painting achieves a more subtle and nuanced palette. To learn more about the color focus of this painting, visit the lesson sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
Summary & key takeaways
In this chapter, we embarked on a journey to capture the serene yet powerful aftermath of a storm, using a large canvas and the versatile medium of acrylics. I chose acrylics for their durability, especially for a piece meant to withstand the test of time above a fireplace. This painting, 'After the Storm,' is a testament to the beauty found in simplicity and the emotional depth that can be conveyed through a limited color palette.
Our exploration of the painting's evolution highlighted the importance of adjusting values and experimenting with formats to enhance the visual impact. By focusing on atmospheric perspective and compositional techniques, we created a sense of depth and guided the viewer's eye to the focal point. This process not only refined our technical skills but also deepened our understanding of how to convey mood and emotion through art.
As we conclude this lesson, I hope you take away the joy of painting subjects with character and history, like the old boats that tell stories of their own. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to explore new techniques and express your unique artistic voice. Keep challenging yourself with specific goals in each painting session, and let your passion for art guide you to new creative heights.
Points to remember
- Choose acrylics for large paintings to avoid cracking over time.
- Use a limited color palette to enhance the mood of a scene.
- Adjust values to create depth and focus in your painting.
- Experiment with different formats to find the best composition.
- Paint from life to capture light and detail accurately.
- Establish the horizon early to guide the rest of the composition.
- Work wet into wet with acrylics for soft edges and smooth blends.
- Spray water on your palette to keep acrylics workable longer.
