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VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hi, I am Renee. Welcome to my studio.
Old buildings full of charm and character. They really add a story to your paintings, and they're so much fun to paint.
So let me show you how to paint stonework and old wood and rusty iron, and then we'll put all those fun techniques together in some really special paintings. At the end, I promise you, you're going to be really addicted.
In the description below is a list of all the lessons that are in this pathway, along with some information about the materials you're going to be needing to use. And don't worry if you can't draw, because every lesson has traceable drawings and the reference photos attached.
There's also a link to our private Facebook group where you can share your paintings. I'm really looking forward to seeing your paintings. So come on, let's get started.
Travelling through time
IN THIS PATHWAY...
1. How to paint stonework & brickwork
- no, you don’t need to paint every single stone or brick
- learn how to simplify stonework and brickwork in pen and watercolour
- start with short, focused exercises, then use the skills in two small building paintings
- all about suggestion, texture and keeping things loose
2. Let's paint: a Romanesque bridge
- paint a beautiful 1,000-year-old bridge near my home in the Pyrenees
- I’ll show you how I turn a location sketch into a finished painting
- keep the story and feeling of the plein air sketch, without tightening it up too much
- a rich scene with architecture, stonework and lots of greenery to explore
3. How to paint old wood & corrugated iron
- let’s paint worn wood and rusty corrugated iron with character
- begin with quick exercises, then bring it together in a painting of a little barn
- work fast, loose and confidently, charging in with colour
- focus on light, texture and brush-stroke direction rather than detail
4. Let's paint: a barn in a field of dandelions
- one of those paintings that’s just pure joy to make
- explore wet-in-wet, wet-on-damp, dry brushing and masking fluid
- paint a wooden barn surrounded by trees, bushes and weedy dandelions
- lots going on, but very manageable and great fun
5. Sketch autumn in Tuscanny
- join me in Tuscany in autumn
- this one is a sketch showing how I'd approach a scene when painting outside
- work in a loose, on-location style, just as I would in my sketchbook
- a wonderful scene for exploring light, trees and stone buildings
6. Put it all together: Ermita San Anton
- a full painting of a small historic chapel in the Pyrenees
- combine stonework, wildflowers and a strong sense of place
- summer light, buzzing insects and lots of colour in the foreground
- a lovely way to bring all the skills from this pathway together
By the end of this pathway, you’ll have a set of practical skills you can use again and again, whether you’re sketching on location or working from photos at home.
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
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