Step-by-step painting guide
A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson
From the online lesson The Red Sailboat · Download the printable PDF
In this chapter, we'll embark on a vibrant journey to capture the essence of a striking red sailboat anchored against the turquoise waters of a tropical paradise. This scene, with its vivid contrasts and serene setting, offers a rewarding challenge for any painter. We'll be working on a 12x16 inch board, primed and ready for your creative touch. Using a mid-grey plastic palette, I'll guide you through the selection of synthetic brushes, primarily flats and a few angles, down to the long rigger brush for those intricate details that bring the rigging to life. The lesson unfolds in six manageable steps, starting with preparing your canvas by sealing the base layer with an acrylic medium. This crucial step ensures a smooth, stress-free painting process. You'll learn to spotlight the background, build translucent water, and make that red sailboat pop with punchy color and crisp details. Whether you're using acrylics or oils, this chapter will enrich your skills and inspire your artistic journey. Let's dive in and explore the beauty of this scene together, one brushstroke at a time.
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
Choose a 3/4 inch rosemary angular brush for this part of the painting. Wet the brush to prepare it for painting the water.
Opt to paint the water before the boat. This approach allows you to focus on the background and save the focal point for later.
Embark on your painting journey by preparing your canvas with a solid base layer, sealed with an acrylic medium for a smooth start. As you build your composition, focus on creating depth by subduing the background and using vibrant colors for your focal point, the red sailboat. This contrast will guide the viewer's eye and bring your subject to life.
When painting the water, use a mix of blues and greens with horizontal strokes to capture its natural flow and movement. Pay attention to light and shadow to add depth and realism. As you move to the boat, apply vibrant, saturated colors with confident strokes to make it stand out against the serene backdrop.
Throughout the process, keep your paints workable by maintaining moisture on your palette and canvas. Use varied brush techniques to add texture and interest, and don't forget to seal your layers to preserve your work. As you add the final details, focus on the big shapes and angles, ensuring your painting captures the essence of the scene.