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 7Adding Sky Shine and Atmospheric Lighting

Why is it important to keep the first layers of paint thin?

Keeping the first layers of paint thin is crucial because it allows you to work additional colors into them without difficulty. If the dark areas are too thick, it becomes challenging to incorporate new colors, like the bluish reflections. This technique ensures smooth blending and layering, which is essential for achieving the desired effect. For more detailed guidance, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How do you create a contrast between the cools in the shadows and the warms in the lights?

To create a contrast between the cools in the shadows and the warms in the lights, you can make the shadow areas a little bluer than what you see in the reference photo. This enhances the color contrast, making the painting more dynamic. Adjusting the color temperature in this way helps to emphasize the atmospheric lighting effect. For more insights on this technique, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

What is the purpose of adding bluish reflections into the shadows?

Adding bluish reflections into the shadows serves to mimic the effect of sky shine, where the sky's light reflects into shadowed areas, creating a more natural and vibrant look. This technique helps to integrate the shadows with the overall lighting of the scene, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the painting. You can explore this concept further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

How do you adjust the blue color as you move up the painting?

As you move up the painting, you should lighten the blue color by adding white. This adjustment reflects the natural lightening effect as the sky's light interacts with the scene, creating a gradient that enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere. This technique is key to achieving realistic atmospheric lighting. Learn more about this approach at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/78-Streets-of-Vernazza.

Why can't you use the same blue at the top of the painting lower down?

Using the same blue from the top of the painting lower down would make it appear too light, disrupting the intended atmospheric lighting effect. To maintain the illusion of depth and light, it's necessary to darken the colors as they descend into the shadowed areas. This careful adjustment ensures the painting's lighting conditions are portrayed accurately. For more on this technique, visit 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.