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.
Use a mixture of more than half blue, a little bit of white, and a tiny touch of red. This will create a color that is darker than the sky but lighter than the ocean. If the color is too dark, add some white to lighten it up.
Adjust the Color Tone
Add a little bit of red to the hill color to make it go a little more purple. This can add depth to the color.
Prepare the Paint Consistency
If the paint is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out. This will help in applying the paint smoothly.
Paint the Hill Edge
Start on the tape and wriggle along to create an interesting, realistic edge. Avoid making it too smooth, as that can look childlike.
Fill and Smooth the Hill
After creating a nice crisp edge, fill in the whole space right down to the tape. Paint over the tape to ensure full coverage. Use a slightly thinner layer and smooth it out more to help it dry properly for the behutakawa tree.
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.
