Tropical Island

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

As we embark on this tropical island painting journey, we'll transform a 14-inch square linen canvas into a vibrant paradise using a palette of Phthalo blue, brilliant magenta, phthalo yellow light, and titanium white. With the help of a gloss medium varnish and a trusty bucket of water for brush cleaning, we'll dive into an easy five-step process that captures the essence of a serene island retreat. This chapter will guide you through creating a dynamic design that balances dark and light areas, ensuring a slightly lighter composition to avoid splitting the scene. We'll breathe life into the island with additional trees, giving it an aged, timeless feel, and add a charming bungalow to evoke relaxation and enjoyment. You'll learn to craft swishy clouds in just two steps and create inviting tropical waters that beckon you to dive in. The palm trees will sway with life, and I'll guide you through each step, allowing you to explore and incorporate these elements into your own work. Together, we'll keep moving forward, opening new doors, and embracing the curiosity that leads us down new artistic paths.

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

"Club Tropicana" 14x14" Acrylic on canvas by Richard Robinson

Step 3Adding and blending clouds

Prepare the Cloud Color

Mix white with a touch of blue to create a soft cloud color. This will ensure the clouds have a natural look and blend well with the sky.

Apply Clouds with a Palette Knife

Use a palette knife to apply the mixed color onto the canvas. Smoosh the paint flat onto the surface, creating a swishy, dynamic feel.

Blend the Cloud Edges

With a brush that has started to dry, gently soften the edges of the clouds. This will create a more natural transition into the sky.

Add Texture and Interest

Flick some paint upwards to add texture and interest to the clouds. Ensure the clouds are not symmetrical to avoid a balanced, scale-like appearance.

Enhance Atmospheric Perspective

Lower clouds on the horizon should have more blue and be smaller and flatter. This creates atmospheric perspective, making them appear further away.

Adjust Cloud Lighting

Brighten the edge of the clouds to suggest sunlight. This will add depth and realism to your painting.

Pro tipAlways check your brush for clean colors before applying it to the canvas to maintain the purity of your hues.

← Step 2: Painting the sky Step 4: Painting the ocean →

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your tropical island painting journey by establishing a thoughtful design concept, balancing light and dark areas to create a captivating composition. Begin with the sky, using a smooth gradient of blues and magentas to set the scene. As you progress, blend soft clouds into the sky, ensuring they appear natural and dynamic.

Move on to the ocean, carefully crafting the transition from deep to shallow waters with a harmonious blend of blues and greens. As you paint the island and beach, focus on contrast to highlight the sandy shores against the darker sky. Incorporate rocks and caustic lighting effects to add depth and realism, enhancing the illusion of clear, tropical waters.

Finally, bring your island to life with palm trees, a charming hut, and subtle details like seagulls and shells. Pay attention to shadows and reflections to maintain consistency in lighting, and use fine brushwork for the finishing touches. Sign your masterpiece with pride, knowing you've captured the essence of a serene tropical paradise.

Points to remember

Create a focal point with the highest contrast and sharpest line.
Use a lot of paint with acrylics for smooth transitions.
Check your brush for clean colors to maintain hue purity.
Keep your arm stiff and rotate from the shoulder for straight lines.
Use blurred edges to suggest motion in foliage.
Position shadows to the left if the sun is slightly to the right.
Use small, thin strokes to mimic subtle reflections in water.
Sign your painting in a spot that complements the composition.