Read transcript
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hi, I am Renee. Welcome to my studio and welcome to my Light, Mood and Atmosphere pathway.
Emotion, drama, depth. This is what draws people into your landscape paintings.
If you've already gained a number of watercolor skills and you're wanting to take your paintings from competent to amazing, then this is the journey for you. I've put together a group of lessons that contain the secret sources that are essential for beautiful landscape paintings. You'll find skills, a little bit of theory, and beautiful paintings that are really, really expressive. They're full of light and vibrancy. You're gonna love this journey.
Have a look at the description below this video. It's got a link to all the lessons that are in this journey, as well as some information about the materials you're going to need. And there's a link to our private Facebook group where you can share your work.
Come on, let's get started.
Light, mood & atmosphere
IN THIS PATHWAY...
1. Let's paint: Venice at sunset
- a classic scene of an evening in Venice
- work with big shapes and soft neutrals to capture glowing evening light
- paint the whole scene using just three primary colours
- learn a simple candle trick to create sparkling highlights on still water
2. Let's paint: an autumn storm
- this one is all about drama — stormy skies and autumn colour
- watch watercolour really come into its own, flowing and separating on the page
- paint sunlit ruins at Tiermas against a dark, moody sky
- a joyful balance of control and letting go (and very satisfying to paint)
3. How correct tonal values can improve your paintings
- if your paintings ever feel flat, this article will really help
- learn what tonal values really are, and why they matter so much
- see how light and dark create depth, contrast and vibrancy
- a clear, practical explanation you’ll use in every painting
4. Let's paint: a lonely cottage
- turn a simple, slightly bland reference into something full of mood
- experiment with colour choices to change the story of the scene
- play with a big sky, low horizon and lots of texture
- a great lesson for pushing atmosphere without overworking
5. How to paint still water
- still water is subtle, but incredibly satisfying to paint
- learn what to look for before you start, and how to simplify what you see
- follow a clear set of steps you can use again and again
- includes a worksheet to keep for future reference
6. Put it all together: sunset mountain scene
- paint one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes at sunset
- have fun with glowing sky colours and reflections in the water
- use neutrals elsewhere so the light really sings
- a rich, rewarding final painting that brings everything together
These lessons are about learning how to use light, colour and contrast to create mood — not copying a reference exactly. You'll gain a lot of confidence and your paintings will naturally become richer, more expressive and far more satisfying to make.
MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED
Here’s a quick summary of the materials to help you get ready. Under each lesson you’ll find the exact materials you need, plus the reference photos and drawings to trace.
Suggested papers
100% cotton, cold pressed, 300gsm
Fabriano Artistico watercolour blocks or full sheets torn down to size OR
Etchr watercolour blocks OR
Etchr Sketchbooks
Paints
Here's a list of what's on my palette. No need to go on a shopping spree! Just use whatever's on your palette that is similar. And any brand is fine too.
Paynes grey, indigo, ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, permanent violet, cobalt turquoise, sap green, green gold, hansa yellow medium, hansa yellow deep, pyrol orange, quinacridone rose, natural sienna, quinacridone sienna, burnt umber, sepia
Plus white gouache
Brushes
1 inch flat, Escoda Versatil 16, Escoda Perla 12, Escoda Prado 4, Escoda Prado Rigger 4
Pens
Lamy Safari EF nib, Rohrer & Klingner sketch ink 'Lily'
White gel pen
Other
Pencil, eraser, ruler, masking fluid, table salt, old toothbrush, old credit card
Join me on Patreon
Join my Painters Group for $12 on Patreon for access to this pathway and all other journeys plus my library of 100+ deep-dive videos and step-by-steps.
Join here