Step-by-step painting guide

After the Storm

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

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.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
After the Storm 2
After the Storm 2

Step 24Ocean painting and color balance

What colors should I use for painting the ocean in this lesson?

In this lesson, you should use a combination of blue, yellow ochre, and white to paint the ocean. This combination helps to create a subtle partnership between the colors, ensuring the ocean blends harmoniously with the rest of the painting. For more detailed guidance, you can explore the lesson further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How can I ensure the ocean doesn't stand out too much in my painting?

To ensure the ocean doesn't stand out too much, it's important to use subdued colors that blend well with the rest of the painting. Start with a dark base and gradually add small amounts of blue and white, leaving some dark green lines for the waves. This approach creates a soft transition that merges with the background, avoiding any hard edges. For more techniques on achieving this balance, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

Why is it important to avoid using a 'white-white' color in the ocean?

Avoiding a 'white-white' color in the ocean is important because it can make the area jump out too much, disrupting the subtle balance of the painting. Instead, mix a little white with the existing blue-grey to create a softer, more integrated look. This helps maintain the harmony of colors throughout the painting. For additional tips on color balance, check out https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How do I create the appearance of waves in the ocean section of the painting?

To create the appearance of waves, paint over the top with a mix of blue and white, leaving a few lines of the dark green visible. This technique gives the impression of waves without creating harsh lines, contributing to the painting's overall subtlety. For more insights into painting ocean waves, you can learn more at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What technique is used to blend the ocean with the mountain in the background?

The technique used to blend the ocean with the mountain in the background involves creating a soft transition by gradually adding blue and white to the ocean colors. This method ensures there are no hard edges, allowing the ocean to merge seamlessly with the mountain. For further exploration of this technique, visit 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.