Step-by-step painting guide

Country Road

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson Country Road · Download the printable PDF

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!

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
"Country Road" 15x15" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Country Road" 15x15" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 13Building Lights and Details

What should I do if I hit a block while painting?

If you hit a block while painting, it's often better to move to another area of the painting and focus on that instead of continuing to struggle with the problem area. This approach can prevent you from ruining your work and allows you to return to the challenging section with fresh eyes. For more tips on overcoming painting challenges, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

How can I create interesting color streaks for a rustic building?

To create interesting color streaks that suit a rustic building, try not to completely mix the colors on your palette. This technique results in subtle variations and streaks that add character to the building's appearance. You can learn more about this technique in the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

What color should I use for the front edge of the roof?

For the front edge of the roof, mix a neutral grey that is slightly darker than mid-grey. Apply it carefully using the edge of a palette knife. This technique is demonstrated in the lesson, and you can explore it further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

How do I mix a lighter color for the top of the building?

To mix a lighter color for the top of the building, add some white to your neutral grey mix. This will create a light grey that is suitable for highlighting areas like the roof. For more detailed guidance, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

What colors are recommended for painting window frames?

Neutral grays are recommended for painting window frames. They provide a subtle contrast and complement the rustic look of the building. To see this technique in action, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

How can I push an edge back into the distance in my painting?

To push an edge back into the distance, soften it using a little bit of light brown on your brush. This technique helps create depth and perspective in your painting. For more insights on creating depth, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/74-Country-Road.

What is the color composition for the light on the side of the building?

The light on the side of the building is created by mixing mainly white with a little bit of blue, yellow ochre, and a tiny touch of red. Further down, you can add a little more blue to the mixture for variation. For a detailed walkthrough, refer to the lesson at 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.