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Impressionism

Paint this Countryside Path in Oil or Acrylic

Christopher Clark

Impressionist painting with a focus on light. Bring a luminous quality to your paintings you’ve never thought possible. Learn how to build a painting in one sitting, “alla prima”, and how to savor interesting brushwork. You will also learn the invaluable concepts of drawing, value, color, edges, and texture. Use these methods and knowledge to start your painting off right if you're a total beginner, or to take your painting style to the next level if you're more experienced. You’ve never painted like this before.

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Impressionist painting with a focus on light. Bring a luminous quality to your paintings you’ve never thought possible. Learn how to build a painting in one sitting, “alla prima”, and how to savor interesting brushwork. You will also learn the invaluable concepts of drawing, value, color, edges, and texture. Use these methods and knowledge to start your painting off right if you're a total beginner, or to take your painting style to the next level if you're more experienced. You’ve never painted like this before.

You can paint along with me during this entire course. I even have a camera angle that shows my palette as I'm mixing colors. You will learn crucial painting techniques in the process of creating a beautiful painting. Or feel free to just sit back and enjoy the show as I create a painting from scratch.  

Also a materials list: you're free to use your own style of materials of course, but I'll list every single thing I use. This course is partial toward using oil paint, and I highly recommend it, however you can use acrylics also. Many of the concepts I discuss in this course apply to all mediums of art.

So take this course if you're ready to improve your painting with methods you've probably never seen before, and will have you thinking about painting in a new way. For all levels of painters. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create an entire painting in one sitting
  • Understand impressionism and why it is so powerful
  • Understand how light works to make things look the way they do, and how to translate that into your paintings
  • Understand the concepts of drawing, values, color, edges, and texture
  • Learn the value of brushwork. so much can be said with so few brushstrokes.
  • Apply all of these concepts to let your own personal style develop

Syllabus

Introduction

Quick introduction on me as an artist, concepts of Impressionism, and foundational art techniques that we'll use during this painting.

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Here you will find the downloadable resources needed for this painting course:

  • The reference photo that we will use for the painting, as well as a version overlaid with a simple grid.

  • The image of my charcoal drawing used as a preliminary study.

  • The image of my finished painting to use as a guide or for inspiration.

  • Materials list showing all the art supplies necessary to do this painting project.

  • A PDF of my discussion on the Five Main Painting Concepts, which includes examples of my work to demonstrate these   concepts.

Here we do a preliminary drawing study in charcoal. This step enables us to study the drawing and values of our subject, and discover any problem areas while it's still this quick initial sketch, rather than finding them out during the painting process. Doing this initial drawing study will save many hours of painting.

In the "Downloadable Materials" lecture above you will find a hi-res image of the drawing I made in this video.

Creating the Painting

Here I perform the underpainting, and discuss how it relates to the Preliminary Drawing Study we just did. I discuss the simplified color palette we use during this stage.

Also a bonus explanation on how to clean your brushes and your palette.

Here's a brief tutorial on how to clean your palette and brushes, since I had so many students who asked me how to do this. Apparently it's one of those basic things that some art instructors don't show their students much, so here you go!

Now with our full color palette, we begin laying in the opaque paint of the painting: beginning with the sky, clouds, and distant mountains.

Continuing to work forward in the landscape, we do the group of trees and begin working on the path.

Moving forward still, we do more of the foreground grasses and the path in the shade of the large foreground tree.

Here we're able to finish the tree in the foreground, and just do some general touchups.

Here we summarize the entire painting process, from charcoal sketch to the last brush stroke. We also touch again on several concepts utilized during the painting.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Utilizes Impressionist painting techniques, which are a well-established approach to painting
Teaches painting 'alla prima', which is a standard approach to oil painting
Demonstrates how to create artwork through the use of oil paints, acrylics, and other art supplies
Provides clear and easy-to-understand video tutorials
Offers downloadable resources that help learners get the most out of the course
Includes a materials list so learners can gather the necessary supplies before starting

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Impressionism: Paint this Countryside Path in Oil or Acrylic. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Impressionism: Paint this Countryside Path in Oil or Acrylic will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art Instructor
As an Art Instructor, you will teach students a wide range of art skills through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on projects. You will instruct students regarding the use of different art materials and techniques, color theory, perspective, and composition. With this course's emphasis on light and building paintings in one sitting, you may find yourself teaching a curriculum including teachings from this course. This course will help you stay up to date with new trends in the art world, as well.
Gallery Director
Gallery Directors are responsible for overall management of an art gallery including organizing exhibitions, handling marketing and public relations, as well as fundraising and grant writing. Additionally, Gallery Directors network with artists, curators, collectors, and the general public. Some gallery directors may also be responsible for managing the gallery's staff. With this course's focus on Impressionist painting, you will develop an eye for selecting and arranging art, which may help you in your role as a Gallery Director.
Conservator
Conservators preserve and restore works of art, artifacts, and other cultural heritage. They examine, clean, repair, and maintain items to prevent deterioration and ensure their longevity. Conservators may also provide advice on how to care for and display works of art. This course can help you understand the materials and techniques used in creating paintings, which will be beneficial in your role as a Conservator.
Art dealer
Art Dealers buy and sell works of art on behalf of clients. They advise clients on buying and selling art, and they may also manage art collections. This course can help you develop an understanding of the art market and the different factors that affect the value of artwork. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Art Dealer.
Art historian
Art Historians research, analyze, and interpret works of art. They write about art, teach art history, and curate art exhibitions. This course can help you develop a deep understanding of art history and the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Art Historian.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and organizing exhibitions, as well as managing and preserving museum collections. They also conduct research, write articles and books, and give lectures on art history. This course can help you develop a deep understanding of art history and the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as a Museum Curator.
Art Critic
Art Critics write reviews and articles about art exhibitions, artists, and art trends. They also give lectures and teach courses on art history and criticism. This course can help you develop a deep understanding of art history and the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Art Critic.
Painter
Painters create works of art using paint. They may use a variety of techniques and styles, and they may work in a variety of media, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor. This course can help you develop your painting skills and techniques. It will also help you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as a Painter.
Sculptor
Sculptors create works of art using a variety of materials, including clay, stone, metal, and wood. They use a variety of techniques, including carving, molding, and casting. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as a Sculptor.
Art Therapist
Art Therapists use art to help people express themselves and cope with emotional problems. They may work with people of all ages and from all walks of life. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Art Therapist.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the development and use of land in urban areas. They may also work on projects such as transportation, housing, and economic development. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Urban Planner.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as a Graphic Designer.
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. They may also design interiors, furniture, and other structures. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Architect.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and oversee the construction of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. They may also design interiors, furniture, and other structures. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as a Landscape Architect.
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan and decorate interiors of private homes, commercial establishments, and public spaces. They may also provide advice on the selection of furniture, fixtures, and accessories. This course may be useful in helping you understand the different factors that influence the creation and interpretation of works of art. This knowledge will be helpful in your role as an Interior Designer.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Impressionism: Paint this Countryside Path in Oil or Acrylic.
Is considered a classic text on the history of Impressionism and provides an overview of the movement's key figures, techniques, and impact on art.
Provides a comprehensive study of Monet's life, artistic development, and major works, offering a deeper understanding of one of the most influential Impressionist painters.
Provides a thorough understanding of color theory and its application in painting, which is essential for capturing the vibrant hues and effects of Impressionist landscapes.
Offers practical advice on landscape painting techniques, materials, and composition, which can be applied to the creation of Impressionist-style landscapes.
Provides techniques and tips for capturing the textures of different surfaces, which is important for creating realistic and visually appealing Impressionist landscapes.
Examines the origins and influences of Impressionism, exploring the historical and cultural context that shaped the movement and its artists.
Offers practical advice on painting outdoors, including plein air techniques and tips for capturing the changing light and atmosphere of natural landscapes.

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