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 2Painting popularity and color scheme
Why has the 'After the Storm' painting been so popular?
The 'After the Storm' painting has been very popular because it captures not only the image of the boat but also the mood of the scene. Richard Robinson took a series of photos of the boat on the beach, which inspired the painting. Its popularity is also reflected in the successful sale of prints over the years. You can explore more about this painting's appeal on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What is the color scheme used in the 'After the Storm' painting?
The 'After the Storm' painting uses a simple and effective color scheme that primarily involves two colors: ultramarine blue and burnt sienna. A little bit of yellow ochre and white are also added to the mix. This creates a monochromatic feel that enhances the mood of the scene. For more details on this color scheme, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What mood does the 'After the Storm' painting aim to capture?
The 'After the Storm' painting aims to capture the mood of a misty morning with low, soft light, creating a monochromatic feel. Richard Robinson was inspired by the scene during an early morning jog, which adds to the painting's emotional depth. To learn more about how this mood is achieved, check out the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
How old is the 'After the Storm' painting?
The 'After the Storm' painting is about 12 years old. Despite its age, it remains one of Richard Robinson's favorite works due to its ability to capture the mood and simplicity of the scene. For more insights into this painting, visit the 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.
