In this chapter, we'll explore the stunning sunset beach scene at Proctor's Beach, a cherished spot of mine just over the hill from Oceans Beach, near my home. It's not only a favorite painting location but also a delightful place to slide down the sand dunes. The scene we're capturing is from an older photo, which I've painted numerous times, each attempt offering new insights and techniques. In this lesson, I'll guide you step by step through the process of painting this inspiring sunset. We'll focus on creating a large glowing light effect, mastering atmospheric perspective, and employing beautiful brushwork. To start, I moisten the canvas with a little water, allowing the paint to spread smoothly. Using a large brush, I apply acrylics to transition from warm lights to cool darks, capturing the essence of the sunset. This scene is a rewarding subject, offering endless opportunities to experiment and learn, and I hope you'll find as much joy in painting it as I do.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Sunset Beach" 15.5 x 20" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 30Foreground and background separation
Using the Palette Knife
I use the edge of my palette knife to create crisp, sharp lines, and the flat of the knife for broad textural effects. It's important to be aware of where the paint is on the knife and how much paint I'm using.
Adding Highlights
I add impasto highlights to the painting, focusing on areas like the shiny river to create a sense of light and depth.
Creating Depth with Dark Details
I paint a few dark details in the rocks to enhance the sense of depth. Adding a little bit of dark bluish gray at the bottom helps to separate the background from the foreground.
Textural Brush Strokes
I use thick, textural brush strokes in the foreground. The brokenness of these strokes suggests fine detail, enhancing the separation from the background.
Pro tipUsing thick, textural brush strokes can help indicate fine detail and separate the foreground from the background.
As I reflect on our journey through painting 'Sunset Beach,' I am reminded of the magic that comes from capturing the fleeting beauty of a sunset. From the initial toning of the canvas to the final brushstrokes, each step was designed to bring out the warmth and glow of the scene. My goal was to guide you in creating a painting that not only captures the light but also conveys the depth and atmosphere of a tranquil beach at sunset.
Throughout the process, I emphasized the importance of value and color relationships, encouraging you to see beyond the photograph and interpret the scene with your own artistic vision. By focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, and the subtle transitions of color, we were able to create a painting that feels alive and vibrant.
I hope this lesson has inspired you to experiment with your techniques and to trust your instincts as you paint. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to express your unique perspective and to bring a little piece of the sunset into your art.
Points to remember
Toning the canvas can enhance the glowing effect in your painting.
Use an oily mixture for initial sketches to keep them light and flexible.
Pay attention to the lines of receding hills to maintain variety and depth.
Painting light colors first helps maintain their vibrancy in glowing light scenes.
Using a black and white reference allows focus on value and composition.
Use the brush sideways to create a natural, clumpy grass effect.
Lighten the value and cool the color for distant hills to create depth.
Mixing with a palette knife helps create a large, consistent batch of color for thick applications.
In the final stages, focus on making your brushwork varied and interesting to enhance the overall impact of your painting.
