Reference photograph for lesson #2.

I would encourage you to look at the photograph (a free one off the Internet) and think about how you might paint it.

Consider:
Is the composition good?
What would make a good ground colour?
​How would you block it in?
​What simplifications would you make?
Can it be made more striking? (colour choices)

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Reference photograph for lesson #3

The theme for this week is on how to simplify an image and how to get atmospheric depth.

What might you choose to do to simplify this image to be able to paint it? 

What might you change to give it more impact?

(It's a photograph I took on Savary Island on a dull day)

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​If you want to see how you can use a computer to edit an image then the video here gives a brief introduction to the possibilities, as well as tips to transfer your image to a canvas. I will bring in a copy of the 'outline' (below left) if you wish to use it to help you get started. Beside it is a tonal sketch I did to get a 'map' of how to work on the painting and complete the underpainting.

Bear in mind that this outline should be considered as a guide rather than a rigid pattern to follow. You should also consider how you could choose colours to enliven the painting.

Here are some example photographs, as promised. I found them by doing a search for 'free photographs of British Columbia beaches'. 
Whatever you choose to do, think carefully about how you would compose your painting before you start. 
Go through painting it in your mind: what colours will make it interesting? Should you change the layout? Crop it? 
Above all, have fun! 

A big thanks to all for making the course enjoyable to teach.