In this chapter, we'll explore the captivating scene of a tree on the river bend, inspired by the Rangiteiki River in New Zealand. This lesson is all about capturing the essence of what you love most in a scene and bringing it to life on canvas. We'll start by designing our painting in greyscale, focusing on the elements that truly speak to us, like the beautiful tree and the enchanting dappled light. I'll guide you through the process of using AI as a creative tool, showing you how it can help flesh out your design and save time while still allowing you to gain valuable experience. Whether you choose to incorporate AI or prefer a more traditional approach, the choice is yours—do what brings you joy. As we paint in oils, we'll embrace the alla prima technique, enjoying the freedom of completing the work in one session. You'll learn how to manage background and foreground elements, use light and shadow to create depth, and add finishing touches with precision. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a stunning painting that captures the serene beauty of the river bend, and you'll have expanded your artistic toolkit in the process.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
'The River Bend" 10x1" Oil on Board by Richard Robinson
Step 2Digital Sketching and Design Adjustments
Adjust the Tree Structure
Make the tree bigger and thicker by using a single trunk instead of two. Curve the trunk to create interesting shapes and add character to the tree.
Create Balance with Multiple Trunks
Split the tree into several trunks to achieve balance. Connect these trunks with a bush to unify the dark areas into a single piece.
Enhance Foliage Cohesion
Make the foliage more cohesive by thickening and darkening it at the top. This creates the effect of the tree emerging into the light.
Modify the Background
Change the background from a cliff to a hill. Lighten it and add reflections of the sky, along with overhanging backlit leaves.
Incorporate Dappled Light
Use dappled light to create atmosphere. Allow light to filter onto the tree and reflect off the water, illuminating parts of the tree while maintaining contrast with darker areas.
Embark on your painting journey by thoughtfully analyzing your reference photo and planning your composition. Transform the panoramic view into a square format that suits your canvas, and make artistic adjustments to elements like trees and light to capture the essence of the scene. Focus on what you love most about the scene, allowing other elements to play a supporting role.
As you progress, use digital tools and AI to explore variations and refine your design. Begin your painting with a solid block-in, establishing perspective with a carefully placed horizon line. Embrace the freedom of landscape painting, where slight variations add charm, and focus on capturing the larger composition before diving into details.
Bring your scene to life with thoughtful use of color and brushwork. Create depth with atmospheric perspective, and use reflections and light effects to add realism. Pay attention to textures and transitions, ensuring each element harmonizes with the overall composition. As you add final details, remember that subtlety and balance are key to achieving a cohesive and captivating painting.
Points to remember
Highlight areas where light comes through to capture the essence of the scene.
Curve the trunk to add character and create interesting shapes.
Position the horizon line slightly below the halfway point on your canvas to establish perspective.
Paint the background first to focus on the larger composition before adding details.
Mix more color than you think you'll need to ensure consistency and save time later.
Leave spots of the darkest color showing through to represent shadows under the bushes, adding depth and dimension.
Use only horizontal and vertical strokes when painting reflections in water to maintain realism.
Brush down to create the soft edge of the hill, enhancing the light effect.
