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 9Mountain drawing and personal story
What is the name of the mountain mentioned in the lesson?
The mountain mentioned in the lesson is called the Whangarei Heads. It's a well-known landmark in the area because it can be seen from almost anywhere. If you're interested in painting this scene or learning more about it, you can explore the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
Can I paint a different mountain instead of the Whangarei Heads?
Absolutely! While the lesson mentions the Whangarei Heads, you can choose to paint any mountain that you are familiar with or that inspires you. The important thing is to capture the essence of the landscape you want to depict. For more tips and guidance, check out the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/215-After-the-Storm.
What personal story does Richard share about the mountain?
Richard shares a personal story about hiking to the top of the rocky pinnacle of the Whangarei Heads with his kids. They climbed to the very top and enjoyed an amazing panoramic view, which left a memorable impression on them. To hear more about Richard's experiences and painting techniques, visit 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.
