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 20Sand dune color and light effect
What colors are used to paint the sand dune in this lesson?
In this lesson, the sand dune is painted using a combination of white, blue, and a little bit of burnt sienna. This mix creates a neutral grey that is slightly cooler and more blue than brown. You can explore more about this technique on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
How can you adjust the temperature of the sand dune color?
To adjust the temperature of the sand dune color, you can add more blue to make it cooler or more burnt sienna to make it warmer. This flexibility makes the color combination of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue very handy. For further insights, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
Why is it important to spray the painting for a soft edge?
Spraying the painting helps to achieve a very soft edge, which is important for creating a smooth transition in the sand dune. This technique helps avoid leaving little white bits showing through and ensures a seamless blend. You can learn more about this technique on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What should you be careful of when painting wet on wet with a big brush?
When painting wet on wet with a big brush, be careful not to obliterate the details, especially around the base of the dune grasses. It's important to maintain some of the details, which can be painted back in later if needed. For more tips on this technique, check out the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What effect is achieved by using the described painting technique?
The described painting technique creates a nice light effect on the sand dune, which is visually appealing. Spending time to develop this effect enhances the overall painting. To delve deeper into achieving this effect, 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.
