In this tutorial, Chuck Black shows how to paint water reflections with oil paints. He begins by mixing colors to get the right shades for water. Chuck provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to blend and apply the paints, making this video a straightforward guide for artists looking to enhance their ability to render water reflections in oil painting.
In this oil painting landscape tutorial, Chuck sets out to complete a water reflection painting using oil paints. He starts by explaining that his goal for the day is to paint over the entire canvas, which he had previously blocked in with basic colors to get a sense of the scene’s composition. Chuck is visibly excited about the project, particularly the colors and the scenic beauty he plans to capture.
Chuck first tackles the task of mixing the perfect shades for the water. He needs a dark green color, which he creates by mixing yellow with black, a bit of white, and quinacridone. He notes that the initial mix might be too dark, so he adjusts by adding more yellow and quinacridone to lighten it up. He intends to get just the right shade for the water’s green tones.
Chuck then uses ultramarine blue and manganese blue, adding a touch of quinacridone magenta for the blue tones that will represent the mountains and sky reflections in the water. He dulls the vibrancy with white and a bit of black, using a chromatic black made from complementary colors mixed to a very dark shade. Chuck assesses the color mixtures, adjusting to get the desired hues.
With a flat brush and mineral spirits, Chuck applies mixed colors to the canvas. He creates the dark base tones of the water, using a palette knife and brush to apply and blend the colors. This base layer sets the stage for the detailed work to start with dark tones and build up to the lighter ones.
Chuck washes his brush in mineral spirits as he progresses before picking up the green color he mixed earlier. He applies this color to areas of the canvas that will reflect the pine trees, dabbing and blending to create a realistic reflection effect. He demonstrates how to layer colors, starting with the darkest shades and gradually adding lighter tones to create depth and realism in the water’s reflection.
Chuck then shifts his attention to adding blue tones to the water, representing the sky’s reflection and distant mountains. He blocks in these colors, covering the white of the canvas and preparing for further detailing. He continues to add dark and light tones to the water to enhance the realism of the reflections.
Chuck shares valuable tips and insights into his painting process throughout the video. He discusses the technique of painting dark colors first and then layering lighter colors on top, especially for creating realistic water reflections. He also discusses the challenge of capturing the ever-changing nature of water and how he approaches this challenge by allowing for flexibility and adjustments as the painting progresses.
Chuck’s systematic approach, from color mixing to detailed brushwork, demonstrates his skill and dedication to capturing the beauty of water reflections in oil paint. The video is a comprehensive look at his painting process, allowing viewers to learn from his techniques and artistic insights.
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