As we embark on this painting journey at Shelly Beach, you'll find yourself immersed in a process that combines the timeless charm of plein air painting with the innovative tools of digital and AI technology. We'll start by capturing the essence of the scene outdoors using gouache on a watercolor pad, a trusty companion I discovered years ago in France. This thick, 100% cotton paper is perfect for outdoor work, as it's pre-stretched and tensioned, ensuring your painting surface remains stable and warp-free. The scene itself offers a rewarding subject, with its interplay of warm light and cool shadows, inviting us to explore a simple yet expressive design. You'll learn to visualize the overall composition, focusing on the warm light filtering through where the tree meets the background hill, and using diagonal lines to draw the viewer's eye into the depth of the painting. This chapter will guide you through each step, from traditional techniques to modern digital enhancements, allowing you to choose which elements to incorporate into your own artistic practice. Let's embrace curiosity and open new doors together, as we paint our way through this beautiful landscape.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Shelly Beach" 12x24" Acrylic on Linen by Richard Robinson
Step 13Painting the Rocks and Shadows
Adjust the Shadow Colors
Mix a little blue into the shadow areas to tone down the punchy color. This will create a more natural and balanced look in the shadows.
Refine the Tree Trunk
Start with an orange base and gradually work outwards, making the colors slightly darker and cooler as you move away from the sun. Be careful when adding white to orange, as it can cool down the color and reduce its saturation.
Smooth Transitions
Create smooth transitions by layering light orange over darker areas. This may require several layers to achieve a seamless blend. Consider using zinc white for a less opaque effect if needed.
Add Cooler Grey Highlights
Mix a cooler grey for the top side of the branches. This will complement the warm tones and add a dynamic contrast to the painting.
Warm Up the Branch Undersides
Enhance the warmth on the undersides of the branches with lighter tones. This will emphasize the light source and add depth to the painting.
Incorporate Sky Holes
Wash your brush and mix white, yellow, and a touch of magenta to create sky holes. Adjust the color to match the sky behind the tree for a realistic effect.
Add Moss and Highlights
Introduce some green for hanging moss and add highlights on the tree and foliage. This adds texture and interest to the scene.
Darken the Rocks
Darken the rocks slightly to create a middle value between the foreground and background. This adjustment will help them stand out and add depth to the landscape.
Pro tipMix colors beside your first color on the palette to see the transition before applying it to the painting.
Embark on your painting journey by visualizing the overall composition of your scene. Begin with a simple and expressive design that captures the essence of Shelly Beach. Focus on creating a dynamic contrast between the warm foreground rocks and the cool background, using swishy diagonal lines to guide the viewer's eye and enhance depth. Simplify the background to allow the warm light and tree to stand out, setting the stage for a captivating focal point.
As you progress, pay close attention to the interplay of light and shadow. Analyze your photo references to decide which lighting elements to emphasize, adjusting values to reflect atmospheric perspective. Position the tree trunk against a lighter background for high contrast, and use dynamic lighting shapes to highlight your center of interest. Simplify the background further to ensure the tree's branches and foliage are the stars of the show.
Finally, bring your painting to life with vibrant colors and textures. Prepare your canvas with a warm base coat and sketch your composition lightly. Use bold, painterly strokes to paint the sky, headland, and beach, ensuring smooth transitions and soft edges. Capture the essence of the beach with textured brushwork and subtle reflections in the water. Let your creativity flow as you experiment with different models and perspectives, and embrace the organic development of your painting.
Points to remember
Contrast the warmth of the rocks against the coolness of the background for a dynamic composition.
Enhance the contrast between warm and cool areas to make the focal elements stand out more strongly.
Simplify the background to allow the tree's branches and foliage to stand out without competing for attention.
Ensure shadows fan out towards the sun, as this creates a realistic depiction of light and shadow.
Always lay out more paint than you think you'll need, as it's easier to return it to a jar than squeeze it back into a tube.
Sketch lightly with a pencil to prevent graphite from showing through the paint.
Use a lot of paint and keep it wet with a spray bottle for smooth transitions and soft edges.
Keep your palette wet to maintain the paint's workability, especially when blending large areas.
