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.
Use a small brush to add dark shadows to the water lilies, considering the light source and how it casts shadows. Focus on the calligraphic feel of your brush strokes, allowing for artistic expression even with a small brush. Add a few more dark accents to enhance the sense of depth and recession.
Apply Thick Impasto Paint
Take inspiration from Monet and apply thick impasto paint for the water lilies. Scoop up a generous amount of paint, swirl it onto the canvas in the right place, and use the right color compared to the surrounding area. This technique helps create a realistic appearance when viewed from a distance.
Add Lighter Highlights
Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of blue to create highlights where the light hits the water lilies. Apply this mixture to create a spotlight effect, enhancing the three-dimensional look of the lilies.
Create Cool Light Reflections
Use a cooler blue tone to add subtle reflections of the sky on the water lilies. Apply the paint with a clump on the end of your brush and let it sit on the canvas without overworking it. Place these reflections sparingly to maintain a natural look.
Add Vertical Reflections and Ripples
Use thin vertical strokes to suggest reeds, making them larger as they approach the foreground. Add darker reflections of these reeds, ensuring they lean in the opposite direction from the actual reeds. Use a medium blue to add ripples, enhancing the water's texture.
Enhance with Thick Impasto Flowers
Apply thick impasto paint for flowers in the shade, using calligraphic brushwork to create a sense of movement. Choose a light pink for flowers in the sun, making them chunky to cast shadows and stand out from the water surface. Add one or two more in the sun to create a cohesive flow through the painting.
Pro tipApply thick impasto paint for water lilies to create depth and realism, ensuring the placement and color are accurate for a convincing effect.
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.
