Step-by-step painting guide

Mediterranean Harbour

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn to paint stunning mediterranean harbour scenes. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this impressionistic harbour scene. Raising the overall colour vibrancy, glowing light, transparent water and impressionistic brushwork 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
"Mediterranean Harbour" 11x13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Mediterranean Harbour" 11x13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 5Mixing Grays for the Village

How do you mix a dark bluish gray for the painting?

To mix a dark bluish gray, combine your three primary colors: blue, magenta, and yellow ochre. Using yellow ochre instead of bright yellow helps achieve a more neutral gray, as yellow ochre is closer to gray. For more detailed guidance, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Why is yellow ochre used instead of bright yellow in mixing gray?

Yellow ochre is used instead of bright yellow because it is already closer to gray, which helps in achieving a more neutral gray when mixed with blue and magenta. This choice simplifies the mixing process for creating the desired shade. For further insights, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

What is the purpose of making the gray slightly lighter than in the photo?

Making the gray slightly lighter than in the photo adds depth to the painting, allowing the boats in the foreground to stand out more while the village recedes into the background. This technique enhances the overall composition. Learn more about this approach at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Why is it important to vary the gray color on the building's side?

Varying the gray color on the building's side adds interest and prevents the area from looking flat and monotonous. By incorporating slight variations in lightness and temperature, you create a more dynamic and realistic depiction. Explore this technique further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

What brush stroke directions are used in the village part of the painting?

In the village part of the painting, the brush strokes are either vertical, horizontal, or follow a slight diagonal to match the perspective. This approach adds color interest and helps define the structure of the village. For more painting techniques, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

What happens if you don't modify the grays in the painting?

If you don't modify the grays, the painting may look flat and as if the village is made out of Lego blocks. Modifying the grays by adding variations in color and tone creates a more engaging and realistic scene. Discover more about this technique at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Summary & key takeaways

As we conclude our journey through the Mediterranean Harbour painting, I hope you've embraced the vibrant interplay of light and shadow that defines this scene. We began with a dynamic composition, carefully sketching the boats and village to set the stage for a lively depiction of this picturesque locale. By adjusting the horizon and experimenting with perspective, we created a balanced and engaging composition that draws the viewer into the scene.

Throughout the painting process, we focused on establishing strong dark values first, which provided a solid foundation for the vibrant colors to shine. The use of walnut oil and careful color mixing allowed us to achieve rich, deep shadows and glowing highlights. By paying attention to the way light bounces into shadow areas, we infused the painting with warmth and life, capturing the essence of a sunlit Mediterranean day.

I hope this lesson has encouraged you to explore color variation and the power of clean, vibrant hues. By observing and enhancing the colors in your reference, you can bring a unique energy to your work. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to express your vision and bring your painting to life.

Points to remember
  • Start with a dynamic composition by adjusting the horizon line.
  • Establish dark values first to create a strong foundation.
  • Use walnut oil to enhance paint fluidity and blending.
  • Observe how light bounces into shadows to add color richness.
  • Mix grays using yellow ochre for a more neutral tone.
  • Clean your brush thoroughly when changing colors to avoid muddiness.
  • Enhance shadow colors beyond what is seen in photos for vibrancy.
  • Lighten and warm shadows to suggest light bouncing back into them.