Step-by-step painting guide

California Cliffs

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Paint Californian coastal cliffs at sunset! Continuing with the previous workshop’s theme of coastal cliffs at sunset, this time we learn to invent our own beautiful sunset lighting effect from a midday reference. Tricky, but can you do it!? Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this inspiring sunset beach scene. Painting a large glowing light effect, translucent water, atmospherics and simplifying complex structures 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
"California Cliffs" 13 x 13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"California Cliffs" 13 x 13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 16Painting the water and reflections

Why do you use a purplish grey in the shadow areas of the painting?

In this painting, a purplish grey is used in the shadow areas because when you have warm lights, you tend to get cooler shadows. This creates a balanced and natural look in the painting. If you're interested in exploring more about color theory in painting, you can check out the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

What should you do if you forget to paint a shadow in your scene?

If you forget to paint a shadow, you can simply wipe out the area and paint the shadow in. It's important to remember key elements like shadows to maintain the realism of your painting. For more tips on correcting mistakes in your artwork, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

How should the shadow change as it moves over the water in the painting?

As the shadow moves over the water, it should become a little bit darker and bluer. This change in color helps to depict the natural interaction between light, shadow, and water. To learn more about painting realistic water and reflections, check out the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

What color should the shadow be where it meets the dark base of the water?

The shadow should be really quite dark where it meets the dark base of the water. This helps to create depth and contrast in your painting. For a deeper understanding of creating contrast in your work, you can explore the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

How does the color of the water change as it moves closer to the shore?

As the water moves closer to the shore, it becomes greener and a little bit lighter. This color transition reflects the natural changes in water depth and the influence of the surrounding environment. For more details on painting realistic water scenes, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

What color should the water be where the sky is reflected rather than the rock?

Where the sky is reflected in the water, it should be a lighter blue. This color choice helps to distinguish between different elements in the scene and adds to the realism of the painting. To learn more about capturing reflections in your artwork, you can view the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/72-California-Cliffs.

Summary & key takeaways

In this California Cliffs painting journey, I aimed to guide you through capturing the majestic beauty of cliffs bathed in warm sunlight. From preparing the canvas to applying the final details, each step was designed to help you understand the nuances of color, light, and composition. I hope you found the use of Cobra water mixable oils and the techniques for mixing greys and vibrant sun glows both enlightening and enjoyable.

As you painted the cliff face and explored the interplay of warm and cool tones, I encouraged you to observe and exaggerate color differences to bring your painting to life. The subtle shifts in color and the glowing effects were key to achieving depth and drama in your work. I trust that these techniques have enriched your painting skills and inspired you to see the world with an artist's eye.

Remember, painting is as much about the journey as it is about the final piece. I hope this lesson has not only improved your technical skills but also deepened your appreciation for the art of painting. Keep experimenting, observing, and most importantly, enjoying the process.

Points to remember
  • Use a brush for sketching to maintain fluidity in your composition.
  • Vary shapes and angles to create a dynamic composition.
  • Mix your own oranges for a cleaner, vibrant sun glow.
  • Apply walnut oil lightly to achieve a glowing effect.
  • Keep separate brushes for light and dark colors to avoid muddying.
  • Paint the cliff face first to set the foundation for the painting.
  • Exaggerate warm and cool color differences for visual interest.
  • Use color modifiers to transition smoothly in glowing areas.