In this chapter, we'll embark on an exciting journey of painting 'After the Storm,' where you'll learn to capture the essence of light, atmosphere, and depth using just three colors. I've chosen a large canvas for this project, stretched on sturdy wooden frames and triple primed with gesso, ready to bring our scene to life. With a big bucket of water and a towel for wiping off, we're all set. I'll guide you through the process with a selection of brushes, each serving a unique purpose. The bristle brush will cover the canvas for the block-in, while the synthetic Rosemary & Co. brush will handle the finer details like the rim of the boat and dune grasses. This lesson is all about simplicity and effectiveness, focusing on monochromatic techniques to avoid muddy colors. By using a single brush for the majority of the work, you'll learn how to maintain clarity and vibrancy in your painting. Whether you choose acrylics for their durability or oils for their classic appeal, this scene offers a rewarding subject with its dynamic composition and the opportunity to explore soft-edged brushwork and sparkling impasto highlights. Let's dive in and enjoy the creative process together!
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Mix blue, yellow ochre, and white to create a subdued ocean color. Avoid using too much blue or green to maintain harmony with the rest of the painting. Apply this base color to the ocean area, ensuring it complements the overall color scheme.
Add Wave Details
Start with a darker base and add small amounts of blue and white. Paint over the top, leaving some dark green lines to represent waves. This creates depth and movement in the water.
Create Soft Transitions
Gradually add more white and blue to the mixture, softening the transition between the ocean and the mountain. Aim for a seamless blend without a hard edge.
Add Foam Details
Mix a touch of white with the existing blue-grey to create a subtle foam effect. Apply this along the ocean's surface to suggest foam without making it too stark or bright.
Pro tipMaintain a subtle color balance to ensure the ocean complements the rest of the painting.
Embark on your painting journey by selecting a large canvas and choosing between acrylics or oils, with acrylics offering durability for expansive works. As you begin, focus on capturing the mood of the scene with a limited palette, using colors like ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a cohesive and atmospheric piece. Consider the evolution of your painting by comparing earlier versions and experimenting with different formats to enhance the composition.
As you paint, pay attention to the character and age of elements like boats, which add intrigue and contrast to your work. Use complementary color schemes to draw the viewer's eye and explore painterly techniques to develop your skills. Manage your painting process by starting with a light sketch and working from the background to the foreground, maintaining soft edges by working wet into wet.
Incorporate variety through texture, color, and value, and use techniques like softening edges with a dry brush to prevent a uniform look. Regularly clean your brushes to maintain their quality and ensure smooth blending, especially in areas like mountains where avoiding outlines is crucial. With each step, challenge yourself to explore new techniques and enhance your painting's depth and interest.
Points to remember
Choose a large canvas and consider acrylics for durability.
Capture the mood with a simple, monochromatic color scheme.
Introduce atmospheric perspective by adjusting values for depth.
Focus on a specific painting challenge to enhance your skills.
Use a spray bottle to keep acrylic paint wet for smooth blending.
Always wet your brush before using acrylics to prevent drying.
Apply paint while the surface is wet for consistent value.
