Step-by-step painting guide
A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson
From the online lesson Southern Light · Download the printable PDF
In this chapter, I invite you to join me in painting a serene harbour scene, where boats gently sway under the southern light. While boats are the focal point, the essence of this lesson is to perceive your painting as a symphony of visual elements. Much like a piece of music, a painting harmonizes shapes, colors, lines, and textures to evoke a particular feeling. We'll delve into the use of warm and cool color variations and expressive brushwork to bring this scene to life. Drawing inspiration from the works of Charles Movelli, you'll learn how a broader, more lyrical style can enhance your plein air painting. I encourage you to experiment with composition, perhaps by flipping elements like a boat to alter the flow and perspective of your piece. Adding more green throughout your painting will create depth and cohesion, while red accents will inject energy and contrast. This scene offers a rewarding opportunity to explore these techniques and make the painting truly your own.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
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Use soft edges in the background to ensure it recedes and doesn't compete with the focal point. This helps create depth and keeps the viewer's attention on the main subject.
Embark on your painting journey by drawing inspiration from the broader, lyrical style of Charles Movelli. Begin by reimagining your composition, focusing on the most compelling elements and eliminating distractions. Transfer your drawing onto the canvas with precision, setting the stage for a vibrant interplay of colors.
As you progress, mix a range of neutral greys to serve as the foundation for your painting, and boldly block in dark shapes to establish depth. Embrace the use of broken color and color variations to add vibrancy and movement, ensuring your brushstrokes remain visible to enhance texture.
In the final stages, refine your painting with delicate details and lines, using soft edges to create depth in the background. Add finishing touches like a seagull or a life-saving ring to bring your artwork to life. Sign your painting with pride, marking the completion of your creative journey.