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 28Sand texture and dribbles

How should I approach painting with oils in terms of light and dark values?

When painting with oils, it's recommended to start with your darkest darks and move through the values towards the lighter ones. This approach helps in building depth and dimension in your painting. For more detailed guidance, you can visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What technique can I use to soften hard edges in my painting?

To soften hard edges, you can dip your finger in water and gently smooth out the paint. This technique helps in creating a more seamless transition between different areas of your painting. For further exploration of this technique, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How can I create a realistic transition between different values in my painting?

Creating a realistic transition involves working back and forth between different values of the bands in your painting. This method helps in achieving a smooth and natural look. For a deeper understanding, you can explore more at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

Why should I add a little more blue to certain areas of my painting?

Adding a little more blue to certain areas can create variety and enhance the impression of light bouncing off the surface, such as the top of sand waves. This technique adds form and dimension to your painting. To learn more about this approach, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How does the color of sand change as it comes forward in a painting?

As the sand comes forward in a painting, it not only gets darker but also warmer. This is because the blue light bounces off less in the foreground, revealing more warm tones. Adding a bit more burnt sienna can help achieve this effect. For more insights, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What should I consider when painting the shadow from a boat?

When painting the shadow from a boat, it's important to consider its softness and darkness. The shadow should be darker in certain areas to reflect the light conditions accurately. For more detailed techniques on shadows, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

Why is it recommended to start with smaller paintings before attempting larger ones?

Starting with smaller paintings is recommended because they are less intimidating and mistakes are easier to fix. As you gain confidence, you can work your way up to larger paintings, which can be more challenging. For more tips on painting sizes, explore the lesson 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.