Nestled at the far end of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's South Island, Kinloch is a charmingly tiny village with a population of just six. It's here that I found the perfect scene to explore the interplay of subtle greys and vibrant colors in our painting journey. In this chapter, we'll delve into the techniques that bring out glowing light and interesting textures using acrylics. I initially captured this scene in oils and later enhanced it with digital warmth, sparking the idea to recreate it in acrylics. Together, we'll focus on crafting subtle warm and cool variations within your greys, a skill that adds remarkable depth and intrigue to your work. This scene offers a rewarding challenge, inviting you to master the balance between muted tones and bursts of color, ultimately enriching your painting repertoire. Join me as we bring the tranquil beauty of Kinloch to life on canvas, step by step.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Last Light" 12x12" Acrylic on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 12Highlight and Shadow on Beach
Apply Highlight to Beach
Mix yellow ochre and bright yellow with a lot of white to create a thick, impasto paint. Apply this mixture very thickly in the center of the spotlight area on the beach. Ensure the highlight is horizontal and straight to maintain the natural look of the light.
Transition to Shadow
As you move away from the spotlight area, gradually darken the colors. Use a slightly darker mix to create a transition from light to dark, paying attention to the natural lines of the tide. Angle these lines gently as they curve towards the viewer to enhance the depth.
Pro tipEnsure the highlight is horizontal and straight to maintain the natural look of the light.
In this lesson, you embarked on a journey to capture the essence of 'Last Light' by skillfully manipulating grays and exploring subtle temperature shifts. From the initial sketch to the final details, you learned how to create depth and interest through warm and cool variations. By paying close attention to the temperature of your grays, you enhanced the overall mood and atmosphere of your painting.
Starting with a damp canvas, you laid the foundation with big shapes and lines, softened for a gentle effect. You then moved on to blocking in the darkest areas using a near-black mix of ultramarine blue and burnt sienna, maintaining wet layers for a soft, alla prima look. As you progressed, you modified grays with hues rather than values to create dynamic color shifts, ensuring a cohesive and realistic scene.
Throughout the process, you employed techniques to keep your acrylics wet, unified shadow areas with consistent colors, and built up textures and details in the foreground. By using impasto techniques and refining light effects, you added depth and vibrancy to your painting. With each step, you focused on creating a harmonious balance between light and shadow, ultimately bringing your vision of 'Last Light' to life.
Points to remember
Pay attention to the temperature of your grays to enhance mood.
Soften initial sketch lines with a paper towel for a blended effect.
Mix ultramarine blue with burnt sienna for the darkest areas.
Modify gray by adjusting hue without changing value.
Use a fine mist spray to extend the working time of acrylic paints.
Use a consistent shadow color to unify different areas.
Ensure highlights are horizontal and straight for natural light.
Use thick body acrylic paints for impasto effects at the end.
