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 3Previous versions and painting evolution
What changes were made to the second version of the painting to improve it?
In the second version of the painting, the values were adjusted to be darker, which made the objects in the painting more accessible and easier to see. This included the mountains, clouds, and the gradation of light through the sky. Additionally, details like the June grasses and the width of the rail on the boat were enhanced to provide more visual interest. For more insights on these improvements, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
How does the use of atmospheric perspective affect the painting?
Atmospheric perspective was used to make the back of the boat appear more distant by adjusting the values to be closer to the light behind it. This technique, combined with the drawing where objects get smaller and thinner as they recede, creates a sense of depth. The front of the boat has more contrast with darker darks to enhance this effect. Explore more about this technique on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
Why did the artist choose different formats for the paintings in the series?
The artist experimented with different formats, such as a square format for a balanced view and a diamond shape for a slightly more elevated frontal view, to suit the composition and enhance the visual impact. These choices were made to explore different perspectives and improve the overall presentation of the subject. Learn more about these artistic decisions at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What is the artist's approach to creating a series of paintings on the same subject?
The artist believes in exploring a subject thoroughly, especially if it has the potential to be successful and sell well. By creating a series, the artist can refine techniques and develop the paintings further, resulting in more advanced and better-developed works. This approach also helps in making a living as an artist. Discover more about this strategy 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.
