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.
"Southern Light - Studio" 13x13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson
Step 5Blocking in Dark Shapes
Prepare the Canvas
Spray the canvas lightly with water and then gently dry it with paper towels. This helps the paint adhere more smoothly. If using traditional oils, apply odorless turps instead.
Apply the Darkest Dark
Dip your largest brush in walnut oil and load it with the darkest dark paint you've mixed. Boldly apply this color to the base of the hull, ensuring strong coverage.
Identify and Block Other Dark Areas
While you have the darkest dark on your brush, scan the entire image to identify other areas needing this shade. Block in these areas with confidence.
Blend to Mid Values
Mix a bit of medium grey with the dark grey to create a slightly lighter tone. Apply this mix as the hull curves up and around to the back, filling in the space.
Create Interesting Brush Marks
Consider how to connect the dark and mid-value shapes with dynamic brush marks. Challenge yourself to leave the brush strokes visible, embracing the texture they add.
Pro tipLeave visible brush marks to add texture and interest to your painting.
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.
Points to remember
Use contrasting colors like red and green to create vibrancy.
Focus on compelling elements and eliminate unnecessary details.
Cover the back of your printed image with pencil for easy transfer.
Mix neutral greys to tone down other colors where needed.
Leave visible brush marks to add texture and interest.
Use walnut oil to keep paint thin and translucent.
Treat painting like a jigsaw puzzle for color consistency.
Use soft edges in the background to enhance depth.
