In this chapter, we'll explore the enchanting scene of a mountain stream in New Zealand, a perfect subject to delve into the art of orchestrating light and shade. This lesson is designed to help you master the technique of bending light to your will, rather than merely copying what you see. By focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, you'll learn how to spotlight the center of interest in your painting, a skill that will elevate all your future works. We'll walk through the process step by step, starting with the foundational design of your shapes, ensuring they have variety and guide the viewer's eye. You'll discover the importance of working from darks to lights, using thin to thick paint, and how to apply your lights with thick, expressive brushwork. As we reach the finishing touches, I'll encourage you to engage in a dialogue with your painting, listening to what it needs to feel complete. This approach not only enhances the realism but also allows your intuition to shine. Whether you're using oils or acrylics, this lesson promises to be a rewarding journey, leaving you with a beautiful depiction of a mountain stream and newfound confidence in your artistic expression.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Use a brush dipped in liquid with a little ultramarine or a pencil for the initial sketch. Choose based on your preference, as the shapes are simple and large.
Position the Horizon Line
Place the horizon line just above halfway on your canvas. This is a false horizon line because the actual horizon is hidden behind the mountains.
Sketch the Mountains
Draw the mountains above the horizon line. Focus on capturing their general shapes rather than specific details.
Add Trees
Include a roundy tree and some pointy trees in your sketch. The specific types don't matter; aim to capture their general shapes.
Vary Shapes for Natural Look
Vary the shapes in your composition to avoid repetition and create a more natural look. Randomness in shapes and spacing helps avoid a man-made appearance.
Plan the Lighting
Think of the lighting as a 'light sandwich': shadow in the foreground, light in the middle, shadow in the background, and light on the mountain. This creates a balanced and dynamic lighting effect.
In this lesson, you embarked on a journey to capture the serene beauty of a mountain stream. Begin by identifying the key elements that captivate you the most in the scene, and let these guide your artistic decisions. By focusing on these elements, you can effectively lead the viewer's eye to the most captivating parts of your painting. Use shape and light design to enhance these focal points, creating a harmonious composition that draws the viewer in.
As you progress, pay close attention to lighting techniques. Capture various lighting conditions through photographs and use them to orchestrate a composition with alternating light and shadow. Soft shadows in the foreground subtly guide the viewer's eye to the center of interest, enhancing the overall focus and composition. Incorporate a variety of shapes and forms to maintain interest and direct the viewer deeper into the scene.
Prepare your canvas carefully, ensuring it is primed and toned for the painting process. Use a range of materials and tools to bring your vision to life, from the initial sketch to the final details. As you block in darks and build up the riverbed, focus on creating depth and dimension through layers and soft edges. Finally, refine your painting by enhancing reflections, adding light to mist, and balancing the sky and mountain edges to create a dynamic and engaging landscape.
Points to remember
Focus on the key elements you love most about the scene.
Use soft shadows to subtly guide the viewer's eye to the center of interest.
Incorporate a variety of shapes to keep the painting engaging.
Prepare the canvas with an acrylic undercoat and a toned base.
Use Liquin as a painting medium to enhance flow and drying time.
Avoid drawing attention to areas where dark meets dark.
Use down strokes or side strokes to create reflections in still water.
Focus on achieving nice soft edges first, refine details later.
