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 13Painting Figures and Movement

How should I approach painting figures in a street scene without focusing too much on detail?

When painting figures in a street scene, it's important to focus on big blocks of color rather than getting caught up in small details. This helps to capture the essence of the figure and ensures that the shapes are in the right place. If needed, you can always adjust by painting back into them with the background. For more tips on painting figures, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What technique can I use to convey movement in a painted figure?

To convey movement in a painted figure, try leaving some of the edges around the outside of the figure a little blurred. This technique helps to give the impression of movement, making the figure appear more dynamic. You can explore more techniques for painting movement at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How can I ensure that the figures I paint are in correct proportion to the scene?

To ensure figures are in correct proportion, first check where their heads and feet are in relation to the horizon line. This helps prevent sizing errors, which can be difficult to correct later. Taking a little extra time to get this placement right is crucial. For more guidance on proportion in painting, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What effect does using lighter colors on figures have when they cross light areas in a painting?

Using lighter, warmer colors on figures as they cross light areas in a painting enhances the glowing light effect. This technique helps integrate the figure into the scene's lighting, making it appear more natural. You can learn more about using color effectively in your paintings at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How can I add small figures and animals to a painting without overworking them?

When adding small figures or animals, like a dog, use simple dark shapes with minimal modeling. A few details, such as a collar or a wagging tail, can suggest the presence of an animal without needing intricate detail. For more on adding figures to your paintings, check out 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.