Step-by-step painting guide

Hay Bales

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Creating movement with bold brushwork and broken colour. What a lot of paintings lack is movement. Find out how to use bold impressionistic brushwork combined with shimmering broken colour to produce movement in your paintings. In this project we only use two brushes and six colours – nice and simple. Enjoy!

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
"Hay Bales" 11.5 x 13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Hay Bales" 11.5 x 13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 12Building Shadows and Reflected Light

How does Richard Robinson suggest using color for the shadow sides of buildings?

Richard Robinson suggests using a warm color on the shadow sides of buildings, which can enhance the vibrancy of the painting. This approach is part of his technique to create a more dynamic and lively scene, and it can be adjusted according to personal taste. For more insights on this technique, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/59-Hay-Bales.

What colors does Richard Robinson recommend for painting roofs?

Richard Robinson recommends using colors like orange, red, pink, and terracotta for painting roofs, as these are typically warm colors. These choices help to bring warmth and vibrancy to the painting, but he also encourages artists to experiment with their color choices. For further details, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/59-Hay-Bales.

Why does Richard Robinson avoid using very dark black for painting windows?

Richard Robinson avoids using very dark black for painting windows because it would make them stand out too much and disrupt the light and distance effect in the painting. Instead, he uses a warm color to maintain harmony and depth. To explore more about this technique, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/59-Hay-Bales.

How does Richard Robinson create reflected light in his paintings?

Richard Robinson creates reflected light by casting a little orange into the shadow side of structures, such as a tower. This simulates the effect of warm light bouncing off surfaces and illuminating other parts of the scene. For a deeper understanding of this technique, you can visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/59-Hay-Bales.

What is the purpose of using a purplish grey for cast shadows?

Using a purplish grey for cast shadows helps to create a natural and realistic shadow effect, adding depth and dimension to the painting. This choice complements the warm colors used elsewhere in the scene. To learn more about this technique, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/59-Hay-Bales.

Summary & key takeaways

As I reflect on our journey through painting the Hay Bales, I'm reminded of the importance of capturing the essence of a scene, both in its immediate visual appeal and its deeper color dynamics. From the initial block-in to the final details, my aim was to guide you in expressing movement and vibrancy through thoughtful brushwork and color choices. I hope you found joy in exploring how to convey the energy of the wind and the warmth of the landscape.

Throughout this lesson, we delved into the subtleties of brushwork and the impact it can have on the life of a painting. By preparing our canvas with care and sketching with precision, we laid a strong foundation for our creative expression. The choices we made in color mixing and shadow placement were all about enhancing the depth and interest of our composition. I trust that these techniques will empower you to create more dynamic and engaging paintings.

Remember, painting is as much about personal preference as it is about technique. Whether you choose to depict brown or green grass, or how you decide to balance light and shadow, these decisions are what make your artwork uniquely yours. I hope this lesson has inspired you to embrace your creative choices and continue to explore the endless possibilities of painting.

Points to remember
  • Capture the scene's essence with both immediate visual appeal and color dynamics.
  • Use brushwork to convey movement and guide the viewer's eye.
  • Prepare your canvas with gesso for better paint adhesion.
  • Sketch lightly with an HB pencil for accurate outlines.
  • Block in darks first to establish structure and contrast.
  • Mix vibrant shadow colors to add depth and warmth.
  • Use color variations to enhance composition interest.
  • Balance light and shadow to create dynamic compositions.