Step-by-step painting guide

Last Light

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson Last Light · Download the printable PDF

Learn to paint subtle greys versus vibrant colour. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to make subtle greys, glowing light and interesting texture with acrylics. This scene from Kinloch in the far south if New Zealand is the perfect subject to explore these powerful techniques.

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
"Last Light" 12x12" Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
"Last Light" 12x12" Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 11Water and Beach Details

How can I ensure the sky in my painting is lighter than the background hill?

To make sure the sky is lighter than the background hill, you should use a color that is slightly cooler and pushed more towards blue. This helps create a contrast between the sky and the hill. For more detailed guidance on achieving this effect, you can explore the lesson further at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

What technique can I use to create reflections in the water?

To create reflections in the water, you can use down strokes with a slightly lighter patch of color that mirrors the sky. This adds interest to both the sky and the water areas. For more techniques on painting reflections, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

How can I add textual interest to my painting?

You can add textual interest by keeping the painting wet with a spray bottle and dabbing it. This technique helps to create more texture and interest in your painting. For more tips on adding texture, check out the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

What is the benefit of skipping around the canvas while painting?

Skipping around the canvas allows you to address different areas as you see them, which can help maintain a fresh perspective and ensure that all parts of the painting are cohesive. This approach can be especially useful when painting quickly. For more insights into this technique, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

How can I depict the reflectiveness of water in my painting?

To depict the reflectiveness of water, use a slightly darker and bluer mix to paint a few horizontal strokes. This technique helps to convey the reflective quality of water. For more detailed instructions on painting water, see the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

How do I paint a distant beach in my landscape?

To paint a distant beach, you can incorporate it subtly into your composition, ensuring it blends naturally with the surrounding elements. Using slightly darker and cooler tones can help it recede into the background. For more guidance on painting landscapes, explore the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/82-Last-Light.

Summary & key takeaways

As we conclude this journey into capturing the 'Last Light', I hope you've discovered the magic of subtle warm and cool variations within your grays. This lesson was all about embracing the nuanced tones that the last light of the day offers, and how these can bring depth and realism to your paintings. From the initial sketch to the final details, each step was designed to help you see and paint these subtle shifts in color and light.

Throughout the process, we explored techniques like using burnt sienna for initial sketches, mixing ultramarine blue with burnt sienna for the darkest darks, and the importance of keeping your acrylics wet to achieve a soft, blended look. Each technique serves to enhance your ability to convey the mood and atmosphere of a scene bathed in the gentle glow of the setting sun.

I hope that as you continue your painting journey, you'll remember to play with color temperatures, keep your edges soft where needed, and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and adjust as you go. Painting is as much about the process as it is about the final piece, and each brushstroke is a step towards capturing the beauty of the world around you.

Points to remember
  • Experiment with warm and cool variations in your grays to add depth.
  • Use burnt sienna for initial sketches to establish warm, neutral bases.
  • Mix ultramarine blue with burnt sienna for deep, dark tones.
  • Keep your acrylics wet with a fine mist to achieve soft edges.
  • Introduce subtle color shifts to unify your painting.
  • Start with yellow as a base for greens to create natural transitions.
  • Use soft edges in the background to keep the focus on the foreground.
  • Paint quickly with acrylics to blend colors before they dry.