After spending four months exploring New Zealand in my camper, I returned home to Waipu with a desire to connect with my community. This led to the creation of my Sip Laugh Paint class, where we dive into the joy of painting together. Our first project, 'Langs Beach,' is designed to be accessible for beginners, allowing everyone to leave with a piece they can be proud of. This chapter will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful 8x12" acrylic painting on canvas, inspired by the serene beauty of Langs Beach. You'll learn to mix colors like Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, and White, with clear, step-by-step instructions and pauses for you to catch up. Midway, we take a fun break with a 'Doodle Dash,' encouraging you to unleash your creativity. This lesson is not just about painting; it's about enjoying the process, sharing laughter, and discovering your artistic potential. So, gather your supplies, invite a friend, and let’s embark on this creative journey together, making art and memories along the way.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Mix yellow and white with your previous color to create a greener and lighter shade. This will add the effect of sunlight on the tops of the tree clumps.
Use a Filbert Brush
Select a filbert brush to apply the paint. Its shape is perfect for creating nice curvy shapes that mimic natural light patterns.
Apply Thicker Paint
Apply the paint with a thicker consistency to make it stand out and glisten. Use a light touch to place the paint in small clumps on the tops of the tree clumps.
Create Arcs and Ridges
Push the brush into the paint to create ridges, making little arcs along the top. This technique enhances the natural look of light hitting the trees.
Add Interest Inside Dark Shapes
Add a few spots of light inside the darker areas of the tree clumps for added interest, but keep it minimal to maintain contrast.
Clean Your Brush
Wash your brush thoroughly after applying the light to keep it clean and ready for the next step.
Embark on your painting journey with confidence, knowing that each stroke you make is unique and adds personal character to your artwork. Begin by selecting the right brushes for broad strokes and detailed work, and embrace the individuality that comes with your painting. As you mix colors, aim for the perfect sky and cloud hues, and remember to care for your brushes to maintain their shape and effectiveness.
Create dynamic landscapes by drawing hills with varied heights and interesting lines. As you paint the sky and clouds, experiment with brush techniques to achieve the desired textures and effects. When painting the hills and ocean, focus on color mixing to create depth and realism, and use gentle brushstrokes to add mist and light to your scene. Secure your canvas and remove tape carefully to preserve your work.
Finish your masterpiece by painting the beach, shadows, and the iconic Pahutukawa tree. Let your imagination flow with a quick Doodle Dash activity, and enjoy the creative process. Remember to let the background dry before adding final details, ensuring your tree stands out vibrantly. With each step, embrace the joy of painting and the unique story your artwork tells.
Points to remember
Use a flat brush for broad strokes and a Filbert brush for the Pahutukawa tree.
Mix half blue and half white for the sky, and mainly white with a bit of blue for clouds.
Regularly clean and dry your brush to prevent paint from drying in the ferrule.
Add a little wiggle to the lines of your hills to make them more interesting.
Keep your brush wet to ensure smooth paint application for the sky.
Use twisting brush strokes and ease off the pressure to create sunlight effects on hills.
Ensure the ocean color is darker than the hills to create depth.
Hold your canvas securely while removing the tape to prevent any unintended movement.
