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 5Painting the Darkest Darks

What type of brush should I use to paint the darkest darks?

For painting the darkest darks, it's recommended to use a big, cheap bristle brush, about an inch in size. This allows you to cover large areas efficiently and create a strong base for your painting. You can explore more about brush choices and techniques on the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How do I mix a neutral dark color for my painting?

To mix a neutral dark color, combine blue, red, and yellow ochre in fairly equal quantities. This mixture will help you achieve a balanced dark tone suitable for creating depth in your painting. For more detailed mixing techniques, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

Why should I add walnut oil to my darkest dark mixture?

Adding walnut oil to your darkest dark mixture helps to thin the paint, making it easier to apply smoothly and evenly across the canvas. This technique is especially useful for covering large areas with a consistent tone. You can learn more about using mediums in painting on the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

Where should I apply the darkest darks in my painting of Vernazza?

In the painting of Vernazza, the darkest darks should be applied inside the archway, as this area naturally lacks light. This creates a strong contrast with the lighter areas and enhances the overall depth of the scene. For more guidance on placement of darks, check out the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How can I create a warm glowing effect in the dark areas of my painting?

To create a warm glowing effect in the dark areas, add some yellow ochre and red to your dark mixture. This not only warms up the dark tones but also slightly lightens them, enhancing the effect of light bouncing around the scene. For further tips on creating lighting effects, visit the lesson's 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.