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.
Use a number 10 long flat synthetic brush and a number 4 ivory long flat synthetic brush for this painting. These brushes will help you achieve the necessary detail and texture.
Mix and Apply Dark Values
Mix blue and burnt sienna to create a neutral grey for the darkest parts of the boat. Ensure this dark value is not as dark as the foreground to maintain depth. Spray lightly and wipe to keep the paint workable.
Block in the Boat
Carefully block in the boat, paying attention to the drawing for realism. Notice the complex structure, such as the thickness of the sides and the angles, which are crucial for a realistic appearance.
Add Subtle Variations
Switch to a smaller brush to work into the block-in. Look for subtle variations in color and contrast, such as slightly lighter and bluer areas, to enhance the seat and other details.
Maintain Angles and Perspective
Keep in mind that horizontal angles are slightly tilted due to the boat's resting position. Adjust vertical lines to about 5 degrees to the left for accuracy.
Apply Impasto Technique
Use impasto white for highlights, applying thick paint with a light touch to maintain texture. Build up to the strongest highlights, starting from darker areas and working towards the light.
Create Highlights and Texture
Add more white and a touch of blue to create highlights on the seat. Drag the paint lightly to add texture, ensuring it catches the light in certain areas.
Enhance Form with Light Spots
Add light spots on the top and side of the boat to suggest form and depth. Use a clean brush with normal white to create a glow around the highlight area.
Pro tipFor straight lines, keep your arm locked and rotate your body to achieve a smooth motion.
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.
