Developing an Optimal Approach for Your Upcoming Artwork Creation

In this piece, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of constructing the optimal strategy for your next painting. Sure, we'll throw around some expletives to fit this new persona, but remember, I'm here to help you, so let's get this show on the road!

First up, straight to the point, mate—set yourself a bloody good goal for your painting before picking up a damn brush. You need a sweet plan in your head to work out how in blazes you'll get the artwork looking as intended.

Now suppose you can't even envision a completed painting – maybe that shit ain't worth painting in the first place, you dumb ass! But if you manage to visualize a finished masterpiece, you'll be able to ponder over a cracking strategy to craft, right?

So, what do you want to communicate about the subject? Fancy conveying a certain mood or light or style? Remember those first impressions of the subject you had? Those are gold, man! They'll give you a nudge in the right direction, so don't ignore 'em. I'll give you an example using my recent painting, Perth, Cape Peron. When I snapped that son of a bitch, the wind was fierce and crisp, the sunlight was like a fuckin' laser, and the shadows were more blue than my beloved West Ham scarf. You'd be hard-pressed to believe those details from the reference photo, but I made damn sure they were in the painting, because that's what makes my work unique and personal, see?

Once you've got a clear damn goal in mind, the next step is to determine the path of least resistance. Picking the easiest route is the way to go, mate, so drop that hard-headed bullsh*t.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Medium: Different mediums have pros and cons, thank Christ. For instance, if you're aimin' to create a painting with luscious color and visible brushwork, oil is the obvious choice. Goddammit, watercolors, acrylics, or gouache ain't gonna cut it mate!

On the other hand, watercolors might be more suitable for communicating delicate and ethereal light.

Tools: Brushes or palette knives – pick your damn weapon. Brushes are more versatile, but sometimes you need big 'ol strokes, and palette knives will do the trick there.
Painting Surface: If you're planning on painting like a madman with palette knives, go for a sturdy surface like gessoboard. If you're after a delicate touch, opt for canvas.
The order you paint the parts: There are plenty of options, mate. Maybe you work from back to front, or from simple to intricate. Or perhaps you just follow your damn instincts from one area to another. I've got more on that here.
Techniques: Techniques are everything, don't let 'em slip by. Some are just bloody perfect for certain subjects and situations. For example, scumbling paint with a palette knife is an ace way to convey snow-covered mountains. Or if you're aiming for leaves, grass, or water, the broken color technique is the way to go. But for the love of Jesus, don't stick with the same techniques for each and every bloody subject, mate. Stay open-minded.

Now, you don't have to map out the entire painting process before you start something. That's a big 'ol waste of time, don't ya think? But having a broad plan is essential. As you develop your painting, though, your strategy will change—that's just how it works, mate.

Be prepared to deviate from your strategy if need be. Don't be stubborn, you'll only end up with a pile of sh*te! Pivot when you need to, but do it carefully. Sometimes there's a bloody difficult balance to strike between giving your strategy a fighting chance and knowing when to change tack.

Now, be wary of "one size fits all" strategies, mate. Painting ain't simple, aye? Every painting deserves a fresh approach, adapting to the damn subject, you, and countless other variables.

You're the bloody best person to decipher what the optimal strategy is for your painting. You might not always hit the nail on the head, particularly if you're just starting your journey, but you're better off making the decisions yourself than letting someone else pick for you.

So, in this practical example, we'll go over a painting I'm planning on tackling. The reference photo is this goddamned beautiful sunset over Kingfisher Bay.

Want to know what I'm aiming to convey? Drama and warmth from the blooming sunset, man. There's this dark, intricate jetty that really catches my eye. The water and open sky's shimmering, and the clouds are foreboding. Picture a scene like that, mate.

Now, what do I want this painting to say? Want to capture the unique character and spirit of the jetty, you know? Make it so you bloody recognize that jetty in this painting. We don't want it to look like just any old jetty, fair dinkum? I'll use impressionist techniques like broken color and multicolored strokes for the lighter areas to create drama in the painting. I'll be careful with the jetty, leaving things ambiguous in the shadows but accurate in the critical details that define this particular jetty.

Time to figure out the easiest way to make this happen. I reckon a combined approach works bloody well here. I'll start with the sky and sea, and leave the jetty for last – or maybe save it for a different session if necessary. The brilliance of the colors and shimmering off the water's surface are key features, aye?

I'll use medium to large flat brushes for the sky and sea, and some round brushes and perhaps palette knives for the jetty. That should do it in terms of strategy. We'll keep ya posted with how the sh*te turns out!

Want more deets on painting strategies and techniques? Check out my Painting Academy course – it's been a bloody help to thousands of painters, and we've just slashed the bloody price for the next few days and added a couple of bonuses for you!

Cheers for reading, and don't forget to share this shit with your mates!

Happy painting, you dumb ass!

Draw Paint Academy, Dan Scott.

Considering the landscape painting you're planning, it's important to consider how you'd like to incorporate the subject's style, lifestyle, and home-and-garden elements into your artwork for a more personal touch. For instance, if you aim to capture the serenity of a home surrounded by lush, green gardens, choose a pastoral or impressionist style. If you wish to express the urban and modern aesthetic of a cityscape, consider abstract or contemporary styles. By carefully selecting the right style, you can effectively communicate the mood and essence of your subject matter.

When it comes to home-and-garden, you can use specific techniques and details to highlight the architectural features and landscaping elements to make your painting stand out. Incorporate textures, patterns, and colors typically found in homes and gardens to create to a visually appealing and realistic artwork. This approach will help to capture the unique charm of the setting while making it relatable to your audience.