In this chapter, I invite you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of water lilies, drawing inspiration from the timeless works of Monet. We'll be working on a 12 by 14 inch canvas using acrylics, specifically the Italia Interactive colors, which offer the flexibility of a longer drying time, allowing for painterly wet-into-wet effects that are typically associated with oils. This makes them perfect for capturing the delicate gradations and soft edges of our subject. The colors we'll be using include ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, Bordeaux or alizarin, yellow ochre, arilamide yellow light, and titanium white. These choices will help us achieve the vibrant yet subtle hues of the water lilies and their surroundings. As we progress, you'll learn to create sparkling impasto highlights and explore various brush techniques with long flats, synthetic brushes, and a palette knife. We'll also use a spray bottle for keeping the paints workable and for adding unique effects. This lesson is designed to enhance your skills in good design, accurate drawing, and passionate brushwork, applicable across all mediums. Whether you're using acrylics, oils, or another medium, this scene offers a rewarding exploration of color, light, and reflection.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Add white to your palette and mix it with a touch of yellow ochre to create a light grayish green. This color should be lighter and slightly greener than the dark base on your canvas. Consider the direction of the sunlight and apply this mixture to the side of the trees that would be lit up, using varied vertical and horizontal brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
Add Sky Reflections
Switch to a clean, wet brush to prevent paint from drying in the ferrule. Begin adding lighter blue to the sky area, starting with a darker shade at the top and gradually adding more white as you move downward to create a gradient effect. Incorporate soft, vertical strokes to suggest sky holes in the trees, imagining where they might naturally appear.
Enhance Sky and Water
Use more phthalo blue than ultramarine to keep the sky vibrant and blend while the paint is still wet. Avoid overblending to maintain visible brushstrokes. Add a touch of bright yellow to warm up the sky, and then dip back into darker blue for contrast. Lightly whisk this across the water to create a sheen of light, suggesting distant water reflections.
Refine Tree Reflections
Add a little more light to the reflection of the tree on the lit side, using soft brushstrokes to maintain gentle edges. Consider adding a touch of light to the top of the tree as well, ensuring the reflections are consistent with the light source.
Pro tipWet your brush before use to prevent paint from drying in the ferrule, ensuring smoother application and easier cleaning.
Embark on your water lily painting journey by first establishing a clean and vibrant background. This sets the stage for your composition and allows you to capture the natural reflections of trees and sky in the water. Utilize techniques like painting upside down to achieve realistic reflections, inspired by the works of Monet.
As you progress, focus on layering and creating depth with varied brushstrokes and color mixes. Use a combination of vertical and horizontal strokes to mimic the reflective qualities of water, and gradually introduce lighter tones to highlight the effects of sunlight. This will add texture and interest to your painting.
Finally, bring your water lilies to life with thoughtful placement and attention to detail. Use impasto techniques to add dimension to the lily pads and flowers, and ensure your composition maintains a balance of light and dark to evoke a serene atmosphere. Experiment with different styles and techniques to develop your unique artistic voice.
Points to remember
Paint the background first to keep colors clean and simplify the process.
Use vertical and horizontal strokes to create a reflective surface.
Wet your brush before use to prevent paint from drying in the ferrule.
Turn your canvas upside down to enhance the reflection effect.
Avoid creating uniform patterns by using natural references for water lily placement.
Use thick, impasto paint to create a three-dimensional effect on the lily pads.
Apply thick impasto paint for water lilies to create depth and realism.
Mix colors lighter and more vibrant to counteract acrylics drying darker and duller.
