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 15Foreground Building and Details

Why is the building undercoated with a grayish-brown color?

The building is undercoated with a grayish-brown color to add warmth to the foreground, which complements the overall warm feel of the painting. Even though the building will have purplish shadows, the brown undercoat helps maintain this warmth. For more insights, you can visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What is the purpose of using larger brush strokes in the foreground?

Larger brush strokes are used in the foreground to help create a sense of depth in the painting. By contrasting larger strokes in the foreground with smaller ones in the background, the painting achieves a more dynamic and realistic depth. You can explore this technique further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What brush is used for the foreground details and why?

A number 8 filbert brush is used for the foreground details because it allows for larger brush strokes, which contribute to the sense of depth in the painting. This choice of brush helps transition from detailed background work to broader strokes in the foreground. More details can be found at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How are shadows treated in the foreground building?

Shadows in the foreground building are treated with soft edges to avoid sharp shadows within shadows. This approach ensures that the shadows remain subtle and realistic. For more on shadow techniques, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

How do planes facing the sky differ in color?

Planes facing the sky are painted slightly lighter and bluer as they reflect the sky. This subtle color variation helps enhance the realism of the painting. To learn more about this technique, check out https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/61-Safe-Harbour.

What additional details are added to the foreground building?

Additional details such as a sign with a slightly different color, red flowers in a planter box, a dark interior for the doorway, curly wrought iron, and a bit of greenery are added to create shape variation and carry through the theme of red accents. These details add interest and complexity to the painting. Discover more about these 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.