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

Step 7Acrylic painting techniques

How can I create a spotlight effect in acrylic painting?

To create a spotlight effect in acrylic painting, you need to work quickly and have a lot of paint ready. This prevents the paint from drying while you mix more. Using a large amount of paint helps achieve a look similar to oil painting. For more details, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

Why do you spray water on the canvas and palette?

Spraying water on the canvas and palette helps keep the paint wet, allowing for easier blending and longer working time. This technique is essential for maintaining the paint's moisture, especially when working with acrylics. Learn more about this technique at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What type of acrylic paint is recommended for longer working time?

Italia Interactive Acrylics are recommended for a longer working time. They are designed to stay wet longer, making it easier to create blends and soft edge effects. For further insights, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How does the amount of paint affect drying time in acrylic painting?

Using larger blobs of acrylic paint can slow down the drying time compared to using small daubs. This helps maintain the paint's wetness, allowing for more extended blending periods. Discover more about this technique at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What is the difference between interactive white and impasto white acrylics?

Interactive white acrylics have a longer drying time, suitable for background work, while impasto white dries faster and thicker, ideal for elements you want to stand out, like a boat. This technique helps create depth and dimension in your painting. Explore this further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

How can you make certain elements of a painting stand out more?

To make elements like a boat stand out, use impasto white acrylics, which dry thicker and catch light, creating shadows and a three-dimensional effect. This contrasts with using flat paint for backgrounds, enhancing depth. For more tips, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

What is a technique to add depth to a painting?

One technique to add depth is using flat paint for background elements and thicker, impasto paint for foreground elements. This contrast helps create a sense of depth on a two-dimensional canvas. Learn more about creating depth at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.

← Step 6: Painting process and edge management Step 8: Brush preparation and painting order →

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.