On the Easel: Wellington Point, Shimmering Light

Below is Wellington Point, Shimmering Light. Perhaps my favorite painting from this year.

Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light, 2021
Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light, 2021

Reference Photo and Study

Here’s the reference photo I painted from:

Wellington Point, QLD, Jan 2021

Feel free to paint it for yourself. Just let me know how you go.

Details

  • Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 18 x 24 inches.
  • Main colors: Ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, viridian green, and titanium white.

Refer to my supplies list for more details on what I use.

Notes

  • The big idea of this painting is the shimmering light on the water. I also like the way the water weaves between the leaves. I provide some tips for painting shimmering light in this newsletter.
  • I painted directly onto the white surface rather than applying a thin wash of color as I often do. As it is such a light scene, I felt a dark surface might work against me.
  • The sketch is extremely basic. Nothing more than a few rough marks on the surface. I chose to just jump into it and see where my brush took me.
  • I painted in a direct style, starting at one point and working on it until near finish, then moving onto the next. I drew inspiration from a Russian artist named Chirun Ilya.
  • I used thick, multicolored strokes for the rocks and leaves. I focused on capturing as much information as possible with just a few strokes.

Progress Shots

Step 1: A simple sketch, focusing on key lines and shapes.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (1)

Step 2: Lay down the light blues of the water and sky.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (2)

Step 3: Work on the dark green and yellow leaves.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (3)
WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (5)

Step 4: Use dark blue for the shadows cast on the water. Try to capture the ebbs and flows of the water.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (7)

Step 5: Work on the grass and shimmering light.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (8)

Step 6: Use thick, multicolored strokes to suggest the rocky shoreline.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (9)

Step 7: Bring it all together.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (10)

Step 8: Refine and detail.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (15)

Step 9: Sign and photograph the finished painting.

WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (17)
WIP Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light (18)
Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light, 2021
Dan Scott, Wellington Point, Shimmering Light, 2021

Additional Resources

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate it! Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my Painting Academy course.

Happy painting!

Dan Scott

Draw Paint Academy

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Dan Scott is the founder of Draw Paint Academy. He's a self-taught artist from Australia with a particular interest in landscape painting. Draw Paint Academy is run by Dan and his wife, Chontele, with the aim of helping you get the most out of the art life. You can read more on the About page.