During a memorable trip to Gibsons, Canada, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in its stunning wilderness, which provided the perfect backdrop for a workshop. In this chapter, I invite you to join me as we explore a charming scene that I discovered there, rich with captivating elements. We'll delve into simplifying a complex landscape, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, particularly the brightly lit foreground contrasted against a darker background. By honing in on the essential components, such as the striking silhouette of a tree, we'll capture the scene's true essence without the distraction of extraneous details like the tops of trees or the river's curve. Through bold brushwork and strategic composition, you'll learn to distill a scene to its most impactful elements, creating a painting that resonates with clarity and emotion. This approach not only enhances your technical skills but also enriches your artistic expression, making this scene a rewarding subject to master.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Up the Creek" 11x14" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 1Focusing on key elements
Identify Key Elements
Focus on the brightly lit foreground set against the dark background. Highlight the shape of the tree amidst the light to capture the essence of the scene.
Simplify the Composition
Limit the composition to the essential elements that convey the main message. Avoid including unnecessary details like the tops of the trees or the curve of the river, which can dilute the focus.
Pro tipConcentrate on the elements that initially drew you to the scene to maintain a strong, clear message in your painting.
Embark on your painting journey by focusing on the key elements that drew you to the scene. Start with a bright foreground against a dark background, capturing the essence of the tree and its surroundings. Simplify the background to let the foreground shine, and adjust the viewing angle to maintain focus on the tree as the central element.
As you progress, pay attention to the stream's edges and the overall composition. Use a thin sketch to plan major shapes and ensure the main elements are well-positioned. Mix and apply your darkest darks to establish depth, and use walnut oil to thin your paint for smooth coverage. Work on the background with varying shades to create a sense of distance.
In the final stages, focus on adding highlights and details. Use thick paint for foreground highlights and vary your brush technique for dynamic results. Pay attention to reflections and ensure your brushwork captures the energy and texture of the scene. Finish with fine details in the shadows and highlights, ensuring each element contributes to a harmonious composition.
Points to remember
Focus on essential elements to maintain a clear message.
Simplify the background to highlight the foreground.
Lower the viewing angle to adjust composition without losing key details.
Use segmented edges for realistic stream shapes.
Thin darkest darks with walnut oil for smooth coverage.
Use vertical strokes for water reflections.
Vary color in dark areas to avoid uniformity.
Use separate brushes for dark and light areas to keep tones distinct.
