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.
Wet the brush and mix a really dark brown gray using blue, red, and a bit of yellow. Avoid any white from other mixtures. Add enough water to make the paint fluid but not too thin, ensuring it covers the canvas without blobs.
Paint the Trunk
Start with a wobbly U shape, pressing down hard and wriggling as you go. The trunk should not be straight but wobbly, reflecting how Behutakawa trunks naturally appear.
Create Tapering Effect
Begin with more pressure to create a thicker line and gradually reduce pressure to make the line thinner as you go. This helps in achieving a natural tapering effect.
Use Proper Brush Technique
Ensure the brush is perpendicular to the canvas and use just the tip of the brush. Avoid angling the brush, as this can create unwanted fatter marks.
Switch to a Smaller Brush if Needed
If thin lines are too tricky, switch to a really small pointy brush. This will help you achieve finer details and thinner strokes.
Add Branches
Paint a few branches at the end, maybe three, and include one that appears broken off. Add a few branches inside the tree itself, using less pressure to achieve thinner lines.
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.
