In this chapter, we'll explore the captivating scene of 'The Dancing Pine' at Lake Ohau, a subject that offers a delightful challenge and a rewarding experience for any painter. This lesson is designed to guide you through creating a harmonious painting that feels united, not just through color, but through the repetition of shapes that echo the swishy, dynamic form of the tree. You'll learn how to manipulate your palette for ease of use, ensuring each color has the same consistency for smoother application and mixing. As we paint, we'll delve into capturing the unique character of each element, from the expressive branches of the pine to the majestic mountains, which I've artistically relocated to enhance the composition. By adjusting lighting and shadow, you'll discover how to direct the viewer's attention and bring your painting to life. With just five steps, I'll lead you through this process, helping you add those crucial finishing touches that can elevate your work. Embrace your artistic license, and let's create a piece that sings with unity and character.
Step 12Painting the Sky
Mix the Sky Color
Create a lighter, cooler color for the sky by combining white, a little ultramarine, and some of the greys you have mixed. Ensure this color is lighter than the mountain but not as light as the snow.
Decide on Edge Sharpness
Choose whether you want crisp or soft edges for the sky. Use crisp edges around mountain peaks for definition, and softer edges near the tree to avoid visual competition.
Paint the Sky
Apply the sky color with your brush, making sure to soften the mountain edge near the tree. This will allow the tree to stand out as the focal point without competing with a sharp edge behind it.
Clean and Reload the Brush
Use a paper towel to wipe off any dark color picked up by the brush. Reload the brush with the light sky color before continuing to paint.
Adjust Brush Strokes
Consider your mood when applying brush strokes. Energetic feelings might result in angular shapes, while a relaxed mood could lead to swishy, rounded strokes.
Soften Edges Near Canvas Edge
Soften the edges as they approach the edge of the canvas. This prevents the viewer's eye from being drawn to hard edges, helping to guide the eye around the canvas.
Summary & key takeaways
Embark on your painting journey by preparing your materials and surface with care. Begin by ensuring your paints have the right viscosity using walnut oil for adjustments, and prepare your canvas with a light coat of yellow ochre. Sketch your composition with ultramarine, focusing on dynamic shapes and the unique character of the tree to set the stage for your painting.
As you progress, pay attention to the balance and movement within your composition. Use vibrant colors and dynamic shapes to create depth and interest, and carefully position elements like the red cabin to draw the viewer's eye. Block in the big shapes to establish the foundation, and use atmospheric perspective to create a sense of distance and depth in your mountains.
In the final stages, refine your details and focus on light and shadow to bring your painting to life. Use a limited palette to maintain color harmony, and apply your brushstrokes with intention to create texture and interest. Soften edges where needed to guide the viewer's eye, and add finishing touches to highlight the tree as the focal point of your lively and dynamic composition.
Points to remember
- Use walnut oil to adjust paint viscosity without yellowing.
- Synthetic brushes provide smoother strokes and less paint scraping.
- Exaggerate tree features to emphasize its unique character.
- Place the red cabin slightly off-center for a warm spot of interest.
- Vary the size and direction of diagonal shapes for dynamism.
- Use a size 12 brush to efficiently cover large areas with the darkest darks.
- Reload your brush frequently to maintain color purity and prevent muddiness.
- Soften the mountain edge near the tree to make it stand out as the focal point.
