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.
"Club Tropicana" 14x14" Acrylic on canvas by Richard Robinson
Step 6Blending water and adding rocks
Mix Sky Colors
Mix a very tiny touch of phthalo blue into a lot of white, adding a small amount of yellow. The yellow is strong, so add it sparingly. This mixture should be very close to the sky color, allowing for a smooth transition.
Blend the Water
Work the color down while the paint is still wet to achieve a smooth finish. Mix enough paint initially to avoid remixing. Gradually add more blue and a touch of yellow to darken the color slightly, aiming for a similar but darker shade.
Darken the Water
Continue to darken the water by adding more blue, being cautious with the yellow. Use a big brush for easier blending and to maintain wet paint for smoother transitions.
Add Rocks
Mix some blue with a touch of yellow to create the shadow color for the rocks. Vary the size and shape of the rocks for a natural look, avoiding uniformity. The rocks should create a zooming effect, drawing the eye to the center of the image.
Soften Rock Edges
As the rocks approach the shore, make them smaller and less distinct by lightening the color. Soften the edges while the paint is wet, using a big soft dry brush. Clean the brush frequently to prevent muddiness and maintain soft edges.
Pro tipUse a big brush for blending large areas to achieve smoother transitions and maintain wet paint.
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.
