Step-by-step painting guide

Safe Harbour

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn to paint this beautiful harbour scene, step by step. Welcome to the beautiful medieval village of Yvoire in France. Apparently it closes completely in the winter (Yvoire, not France) but while we were there it was warm, beautiful and begging to be painted. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this ideal harbour scene quickly and easily in acrylics. Designing with big shapes, inventing warm light, creating atmospheric depth and painting reflections are all demonstrated in the video. 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
"Safe Harbour" 11 x 13" Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Safe Harbour" 11 x 13" Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 10Painting the Background Buildings

How do you start painting the background buildings in the Safe Harbour painting?

To start painting the background buildings, begin on the left with a toning grey, which is a light grey. As you move to the right, particularly around the dome, make it slightly darker by adding blue and a tiny bit of red. This creates a smooth gradation. For more details, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What is important to remember about the shape of the domes in the painting?

When painting domes, it's important to ensure they are symmetrical across their center line. The specific shape isn't crucial as domes come in various shapes and sizes. For more guidance, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

Why should you avoid too much contrast in the background buildings?

Avoiding too much contrast in the background buildings is crucial because excessive contrast can bring the area forward in the painting, which is not desired for a background. Keeping the contrast low helps maintain the background's position. Learn more about this technique at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How should you depict light and color on the dome in the background?

On the dome, make the left side lighter and warmer where the light is hitting it, and the right side should reflect the bluer sky. This approach helps maintain the light source consistency, which is from the top left. For further details, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What is the role of filbert brushes in painting the background?

Filbert brushes are useful for creating smooth gradations and rounded shapes, like the top of foliage in trees. Their fine edge, especially when new, aids in adding subtle details. Discover more about using brushes at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How can you keep the background colors subtle and less contrasting?

To keep background colors subtle, use a toning grey to grey out colors and reduce contrast. For instance, a warm roof should be a grey warm, not a vibrant red or orange. Similarly, trees should be a greyed, subtle green. More tips can be found at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What is a simple way to grey out colors in the painting?

A simple way to grey out colors is by using their complementary color. For example, adding red to green will grey it out. This technique is facilitated by using a simple palette of primary colors. Explore more techniques at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

Summary & key takeaways

As I reflect on our journey through painting 'Safe Harbour,' I am reminded of the importance of laying a strong foundation with initial sketches and studies. These early steps are crucial for understanding composition, values, and color schemes, setting the stage for a successful painting. By taking the time to explore different ideas and refine them into a detailed cartoon, we ensure that our final piece is well thought out and cohesive.

Throughout the painting process, I emphasized the creative freedom that distinguishes painting from photography. By making thoughtful design changes, such as adding a sailboat for focus or adjusting the castle's shape for balance, we can enhance the visual interest and emotional impact of our work. These decisions, along with subtle color adjustments, help to create a dynamic and engaging scene.

I hope that as you continue your painting journey, you embrace the flexibility of your chosen medium, whether acrylics or oils, and experiment with techniques like creating background gradients and transferring drawings. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to express your unique vision and bring your painting to life.

Points to remember
  • Start with thumbnail sketches to explore composition ideas.
  • Use black and white, grayscale, and color studies to understand values and color schemes.
  • Embrace the differences between painting and photography for creative expression.
  • Make design changes to create a clear center of interest.
  • Adjust colors to add warmth and vibrancy to your painting.
  • Use acrylics for background gradients, even when painting in oils.
  • Transfer drawings accurately using graphite or the grid method.
  • Experiment with filbert brushes for versatile strokes and effects.