Paint this rustic farm scene with ease. Here’s a scene just down the road from my house in New Zealand, right on the main highway. Most people will speed past it without a second glance but to me this is a beautiful little scene just waiting to be painted. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this rustic country scene. Simplifying a subject, creating glowing light, using edge variety and much more are all demonstrated in the video. Enjoy!
Step 1Materials and Initial Sketch
What type of paints is Richard using for this lesson?
Richard is using Cobra water mixable oils from Royal Talens for this lesson. These paints are a great choice for artists who prefer the flexibility of oils but want the convenience of water cleanup. You can learn more about the materials used in this lesson at the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.
What size and type of canvas is recommended for this painting?
Richard recommends using a 15 by 15 inch square canvas for this painting. He specifically uses a Frederick's ultra smooth canvas, which provides a nice surface for detailed work. For more details on the materials and techniques, visit the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.
What brushes does Richard use for the initial sketch and painting?
Richard uses a variety of brushes for this painting, including long flats, two bristles, one synthetic, and a little signing brush for detail work. These brushes help achieve different textures and effects throughout the painting. To explore more about the tools used in this lesson, check out the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.
How does Richard start the initial sketch on the canvas?
Richard begins the initial sketch on the canvas using a very thin mixture of walnut oil. This allows for a light, erasable sketch that won't interfere with the layers of paint applied later. For further insights into the sketching process, visit the sales page: https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.
Summary & key takeaways
In this lesson, we embarked on a journey to capture the essence of a country road, using Cobra water mixable oils for their flexibility and ease of cleanup. Starting with a smooth canvas and a light sketch, we laid the foundation for our painting, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to bring depth and life to the scene. My goal was to guide you through the process of building up layers, from the darkest darks to the nuanced highlights, creating a harmonious and dynamic landscape.
As we progressed, we explored the power of color temperature and subtle shifts in hue to convey the natural beauty of the countryside. By adjusting the grass colors, modeling the trees, and refining the overlapping forms, we enhanced the visual coherence and storytelling of the painting. I hope you found the techniques for creating depth and light interaction valuable, as they are crucial for achieving a realistic and engaging composition.
Remember, painting is not just about replicating what we see, but about interpreting and expressing the mood and atmosphere of a scene. I encourage you to experiment with these techniques in your own work, allowing your unique perspective to shine through. Happy painting!
Points to remember
- Start with the darkest darks to establish depth.
- Use warm colors for dark areas to avoid muddiness.
- Thin your paints with walnut oil for smoother application.
- Adjust grass colors with yellow ochre for natural variation.
- Create cooler darks with blue and alizarin for contrast.
- Test shadow colors before applying them broadly.
- Push background colors towards blue to enhance depth.
- Ensure overlapping forms are clear and readable.
