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 14Foreground Boat and Reflections

Why does the front of the boat get lighter in the painting?

The front of the boat gets lighter because it is curved and is turning towards the light. Understanding how light interacts with objects helps create a more realistic depiction in your paintings. You can explore more about light and its effects on objects at the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How can you create the impression of details on the deck of a boat?

You can create the impression of details on the deck of a boat by adding small elements like bits, rollers, rollicks, seats, and battens. These little touches suggest complexity and realism without needing to paint every detail. For more tips on adding realistic details, visit the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What is the purpose of painting a water line on the boat?

The water line on the boat is painted to indicate where the color of the paint changes underneath the boat. This area is often treated with anti-fouling paint to prevent growth on the hull. Learn more about painting techniques and details like this at the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How do you paint the reflection of a dark boat in clear water?

When painting the reflection of a dark boat in clear water, you can see down into the water and even the shadow of the boat on the lake bottom. It's important to paint the shadow with a soft edge to maintain realism. For more guidance on painting reflections, check out the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How should the reflection of fenders be painted if they are at an angle to the water?

If the fenders are at an angle to the water, their reflection should be painted at the opposite angle. Additionally, making the fender highlights slightly wiggly can enhance the realism. For more techniques on painting reflections, visit the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What happens to the size of ripples as they get closer to you in a painting?

As ripples get closer to you in a painting, they appear slightly larger. This effect helps create a sense of depth and realism in the water. For more insights into painting water and ripples, explore the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

Why is the mooring buoy in the distance painted smaller and grayer?

The mooring buoy in the distance is painted smaller and grayer to create a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. Objects further away appear smaller and less saturated. Discover more about painting perspective at the sales page: 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.