In this chapter, I invite you to explore the vibrant world of color mixing and paint application, as we dive into a coastal sketch and a stunning scene from the Dart River Valley. This lesson is a wonderful opportunity to learn about using color, composition, and bold, expressive brushwork. We'll be working with a palette of Winsor & Newton paints, including some of my favorites like Winsor Blue, Venetian Red, and Cadmium Yellow Pale. These colors are powerful and semi-transparent, offering a rich array of possibilities for creating warm darks and subtle tints. As we paint, you'll discover how to use a medium like liquin to enhance your brushwork, ensuring the paint flows smoothly and doesn't stick. The scene itself is a rewarding subject, capturing the beauty and challenge of painting in the great outdoors, where the play of light and the presence of sandflies add a dynamic element to our creative process. Join me in this artistic journey and enrich your painting skills with techniques that bring your work to life.
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 sign your painting while it's still wet. This helps the signature feel like part of the painting and allows for easy adjustments if needed. Ensure the brush has a fine point to keep the signature from becoming too large.
Set Up the Scene
Use a large brush to quickly establish the layout of your painting. Decide on the position of the horizon, considering the beauty of the foreground. Aim for a slightly higher horizon to emphasize the foreground.
Sketch the Mountains
Indicate the mountain ranges like Cosmos Peaks and Rhybe Peaks with loose strokes. Focus on capturing the general shapes without getting too detailed. Adjust the horizon slightly lower to avoid crowding the mountains at the top.
Plan the Foreground
Visualize the foreground elements such as gravel banks, streams, and grass. Consider the composition and how these elements fit into the overall scene. Remember that a little extra planning can enhance the painting.
Pro tipSign your painting while it's wet to easily integrate the signature and make adjustments if needed.
Embark on your painting journey by preparing your brushes and organizing your palette. Begin with a clear plan for your color tones, keeping brushes dedicated to specific colors to maintain purity. As you lay down the foundational tones, remember to establish the darkest darks and lightest lights first, setting a clear tonal range for your painting.
As you progress, focus on mixing colors efficiently and applying them with purpose. Use techniques like softening edges and maintaining clean colors to enhance the vibrancy and realism of your scene. Pay attention to the interaction between elements like sky and sea, and use shadows to add depth and dimension.
In the final stages, add life and movement with small details like seagulls, and ensure every brush stroke contributes meaningfully to the composition. Sign your painting while it's still wet to integrate your signature seamlessly. Stand back to assess your work, making adjustments to tones and details to achieve a harmonious and dynamic piece.
Points to remember
Always dip your brush in medium before using paint to improve its performance.
Keep brushes dedicated to specific color tones to maintain color purity.
Establish your darkest dark and lightest light first to create a clear tonal range.
Keep your brush well-loaded to maintain clean and vibrant colors.
Extend color patterns from initial mixes to keep your palette organized and reduce paint waste.
Ensure your horizon line is level to maintain a balanced composition.
Use a fine-tipped brush to add small, lively details like seagulls to your painting.
Sign your painting while it's wet to easily integrate the signature and make adjustments if needed.
