Painting the Red Boat

Richard Robinson - In every issue of International Artist we feature a Painting Workshop from Richard Robinson, one of New Zealand's best artists.

- Richard Robinson

Not sure how to really loosen up your work? Here's a great lesson for you. Along the way you'll discover the joy of painting in a colorful impressionistic style using large brushes and loads of paint. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this light filled scene. Designing an inviting scene, painting with freedom and a variety of fun techniques are all demonstrated in the video lesson. Suitable for oils or acrylics. Enjoy!

Richard Robinson

The Red Boat, oil on canvas, 15 x 15" (38 x 38 cm)

Starting with Gusto

If you want to paint more loosely, try starting more loosely. In my experience, once I start to tighten up on the detail in a painting my mind switches gears into a much slower, measured pace, which can often be the end of the really expressive part of the painting. That is, unless I can divorce myself from being precious about the detail I've labored over creating in my painting.

If you're happy to risk sacrificing your detailed work in the later stages by attacking parts of it with more vigorous brushwork, then by all means start out in a tight fashion with a careful drawing and so on. But if you know that you do find it difficult to paint broadly after the details are painted, then I encourage you to start out as loose as possible.