How to Loosen Up Your Painting

Please note resource to download with more brushwork tips.

What does loose brushwork look like? There is not one way to use your brush. But loose brushwork does not look the same as flat layers of transparent pigment either. So let us begin by observing brushwork and figuring out what makes it loose. There is some degree of speed, vigor and placement of of the brush. Also ensuring that the stroke is not smoothed out. 

Now to begin the painting!

In this bright and sunny painting I am continuing to focus on simplification of a scene. There are more topics to look at too. There is the contrast between warm and cool color that plays a major part in this painting. Look out for that in your painting exercise.

Also keep an eye on aerial perspective from the foreground to the hill in the distance.

Another aspect is how to add interest within shapes. You want to avoid flat shapes as they may look a bit boring. So add smaller shapes within the large shape. Slight variations of brushwork, paint thickness and a few darks or lights to add interest. But not too many contrasting elements - we do not want distraction either. Plus keep the values more or less consistent. The hill for example, has interesting marks. But overall its value remains the same more or less - low saturated color and cool compared to the foreground saturated color.

In Part 2 I try to bring the painting together by:

- re-establishing dark shapes. 
- Checking edges are soft where necessary
- Adding highlights where necessary
- Adding a few fine brush marks for suggestion

Finally a completed painting. Overall I am happy with the result.
Now it is your turn to have a go. There is the reference to download or you can use your own.
Add your comments and final result in the discussion section.

Remember the movie Shrek? The part where Shrek explains to Donkey that ogres have layers. Like an onion!

Well impressionist paintings have layers too. That is what makes them rich and interesting to look at. In these lessons we look at using layers confidently.

A painting demonstration where I build up layers of paint. Also note the complimetary colour relationships between yellows and blue/violets. The warm and cool colour temperatures shifts also play a major part in this painting.

Now we carry on and Develop the Shapes

Final layers to bring the painting together. The reference photo is attached if you would like to try out the painting. Alternatively use your own reference and experiment with layers. Try three layers in bright sunny areas and one or two thin layers in shaded, cool areas.

In this demo I use the "box method" to draw the shape of the boats. Often the curving lines of a boat can be tricky to get right. This drawing method can be used for any subject. 

Then I do into the blocking in stage with an eye on the following:
Get the darks and shadows in first;
Then the lightest light
Then get the first rough layout of paint covering the entire canvas.

In this stage you want to define your shapes, establish your concept and prepare for the finish. But if you have a change of mind about something - then take a moment to work out the problem and fix it now.

Adding the last touches does add a little magic. Judge for yourself if this painting turned out okay despite my changes mid-way.

Your drawing challenge and article download: 4 Essential Tips for Loose Painting

No more fear of painting water. You are going to learn an approach that you can confidently use painting any water surface.

This is a summary of a painting to give you an overview of how this painting was achieved. You will note the process is similar to the other paintings. We will then go into more detail in the next lessons about how this effect is achieved.

Now let us analyse the painting in steps to give you a structure to follow with your painting.

What goes into getting that impressionist look to water? We take a look at Monet's approach in some of his famous paintings.

An bonus video lesson similar to the others, but with a few more variations and information that may be of interest to you.

Inspired by a beautiful morning at the beach. Waves and sea action around rock pools are always a great subject. Especially when the light is right and colors are at their best. In this demonstration I am looking for movement in the water, a combination of warm and cool color and a sense of depth in the water.

In Part 2 I have to make a few changes to improve the composition. It is important to catch these things early so that you avoid having second thoughts when the painting is finished. Stand back, assess the painting. Let the painting rest overnight and re-asses the next day. Often changes are evident after a bit of time. Then make them quickly to get back on track.

The final stage is all about the top layers on the water. Getting the illusion of movement and making sure that the painting reads well overall.

What about portraits or figures even? Here is an approach you can use for loose and expressive portraits. Try it out and don't worry if it looks strange to begin with. With some practice you can achieve exciting results.

Portraits can be intimidating when you are worried about getting the likeness correct. But it could be so much better with a loose expressive approach. Try this approach with your next portrait.