In this painting tutorial, the artist starts with a black canvas covered in alizarin crimson. They create a campfire using cad yellow, then add distant trees using Van Dyke brown and crimson. The artist paints background foliage with yellow ochre, Indian yellow, and permanent red. They blend and soften the colors, creating a serene nighttime scene with a lake and reflections. A large tree is added with highlights of permanent red and burnt umber. Finally, a figure of a cowboy leaning against the tree by the campfire is suggested. The artist emphasizes that you can add more detail when you have more time.
1. The artist is using a black canvas covered in alizarin crimson as a base.
2. Cad yellow is applied with a one-inch brush to create a campfire.
3. Criss-cross strokes are used to spread cad yellow from the campfire to the edges.
4. The artist blends the strokes outward with a large brush, creating a glow effect.
5. Van Dyke brown and crimson are mixed for distant tree trunks.
6. Leaves are added with a one-inch brush using Van Dyke brown and alizarin crimson.
7. Yellow ochre and Indian yellow are used to highlight distant trees.
8. Grass and bushes are painted using various shades, blending them with a large brush.
9. A lake is created with cad yellow, pulling down to create reflections.
10. The artist subdues the bright elements using a large brush.
11. The reflection in the water is enhanced with a touch of yellow.
12. A large tree is painted using straight Van Dyke brown.
13. The tree is highlighted with permanent red and burnt umber.
14. Additional highlights are added to the tree where the fire's light would strike.
15. A cowboy is mentioned, and the scene is left open for personal interpretation.