Step-by-step painting guide

Streets of Vernazza

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn to paint a bustling Italian street scene. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this complex street Italian scene. Glowing light, reflected light, sky shine, perspective drawing and figure painting 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
"Streets of Vernazza" 14x17" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Streets of Vernazza" 14x17" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 10Detailing and Color Interpretation

Why does Richard Robinson choose not to slavishly copy the colors from the photo?

Richard Robinson prefers to use the colors in the photo as suggestions rather than strict guidelines. This approach allows him to add more interest and creativity to the painting, such as reflecting the sky in a window to break up shadowed areas. For more insights on his techniques, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How does Richard Robinson add interest to shadowed areas in the painting?

Richard Robinson adds interest to shadowed areas by reflecting light, such as the sky, into them. This technique breaks up the shadow and adds more light and interest to the shapes. You can explore more about this technique on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What colors does Richard Robinson use to paint the sky reflections?

Richard Robinson uses a very light mixture of white with a little bit of phthalo blue, and sometimes adds a touch of yellow or red to paint sky reflections. This combination helps create a glowing effect. For more details on his color choices, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What is Richard Robinson's approach to painting details in the Streets of Vernazza?

Richard Robinson typically uses large brushes but switches to small brushes for fine details in this painting due to its complexity. He suggests using small brushes early on for intricate details like shirts hanging on a rack. Learn more about his detailed approach at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What is Richard Robinson's tip for painting lines in light and dark areas?

Richard Robinson advises that lines in light areas should be much lighter than those in dark areas. This helps maintain the painting's contrast and depth. You can find more tips like this on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How much detail does Richard Robinson suggest adding after blocking in the buildings?

Once the buildings are blocked in, Richard Robinson suggests that you can add as much or as little detail as you like. He personally tends to include fewer details than he actually sees. For more guidance on detailing, check out the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

Summary & key takeaways

As I reflect on our journey through the Streets of Vernazza, I'm reminded of the importance of composition and how the elements we choose to include can dramatically influence the viewer's experience. From the initial photo composition ideas, where we considered adding umbrellas or overhangs to enhance interest, to the careful adjustment of photo exposure to capture the full range of colors, each step was crucial in setting the stage for a vibrant painting.

The process of sketching and transferring the grid was essential for capturing the intricate details of Vernazza's architecture, ensuring that our perspective was accurate and the scene believable. As we moved into painting, maintaining the perspective with converging verticals and adding atmospheric lighting effects brought the scene to life. The balance of warm and cool colors, particularly in the shadows and highlights, added depth and vibrancy, making the painting feel dynamic and alive.

I hope you take away the importance of thoughtful composition, the power of perspective, and the magic of color balance. These elements are the foundation of a compelling painting, and mastering them will enhance your ability to capture the essence of any scene you choose to paint.

Points to remember
  • Consider adding elements like umbrellas to enhance composition.
  • Adjust photo exposure to reveal more color detail.
  • Use a grid transfer method for complex subjects.
  • Remember vertical lines converge above the horizon.
  • Use a big brush for painting darkest darks efficiently.
  • Thin paint with walnut oil for smoother application.
  • Add bluish reflections in shadows for sky shine effect.
  • Balance warm and cool colors to enhance vibrancy.