Live Lessons: Urban Landscape with Acrylics

Urban landscape painting with acrylic paints
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This lesson series features:
10 Hours of Instruction
10 Videos

Lessons

Lesson 1: (1:08:37) Lesson 2: (1:05:20) Lesson 3: (1:16:26) Lesson 4: (1:12:13) Lesson 5: (1:14:37) Lesson 6: (1:18:42) Lesson 7: (1:23:20) Lesson 8: (1:10:28) Lesson 9: (1:09:08) Lesson 10: (1:09:10)

About This Lesson Series...

In this lesson series, we take an indirect approach to painting with acrylics. We begin by developing a black and white painting using only grays. Then, once the fully developed underpainting is in place, we begin applying translucent layers of glaze to pull out color. Lastly, we apply opaque applications to finish the image.

Lesson 1 (1:08:37)

In lesson one, we use a transfer to capture the contour lines on the painting surface and begin with black and white applications.

Lesson 2 (1:05:20)

In lesson two, we begin at the top of the picture plane, developing a complete underpainting.

Lesson 3 (1:16:26)

In lesson three, we continue working our way down, patiently rendering each detail.

Lesson 4 (1:12:13)

In lesson four, we continue working on the underpainting.

Lesson 5 (1:12:13)

In lesson five, the underpainting continues.

Lesson 6 (1:12:13)

In lesson six, we have worked our way down to the foreground and continue the underpainting here.

Lesson 7 (1:12:13)

In lesson seven, we complete the underpainting and we are now ready for glazes.

Lesson 8 (1:12:13)

In lesson eight, we begin the process of patiently layering glazes of color over the underpainting.

Lesson 9 (1:09:08)

In lesson nine, we continue the process of patiently layering glazes of color over the underpainting.

Lesson 10 (1:09:10)

In lesson ten, we'll add the finishing touches with opaque applications to complete the painting.

Resources for this Lesson...

References

Color Photo Reference

Black and White Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

  • Gessoed panel 8" by 10"
  • Soft graphite pencil
  • Acrylic paints
  • Assorted brushes
  • Fluid glazing medium

Lesson Discussion

  2. Your comments at the end of this lesson are so important to hear. That’s what is so valuable from a good teacher, knowing the struggles of the pursuit. My brain can run those messages back at times where I feel stuck, inadequate, or looking to escape from the tedium. And it really helps in the effort to persevere. It can be such a lift to go from what you would rather abandon, to going the distance with it and discovering what you are capable of !!!

  4. Matt: I’m really starting to “get” this value underlaying…It’s what you call “HUGE”! ha….Maybe now i will get out of this slump i fell ento while trying to teach myself to do watercolor portraits. This is why I enjoy listening to your classes, if not also participating, (which I usually do): because what you teach resonates with all mediums.

  6. hello Matt! I did finally get some Liqutex heavy body acrylic starter set yesterday and I’m almost
    caught up! 🙂 Except…that all i found in the 8×10″ board panel at Michael’s, where I went, was the
    Artist’s Loft with the acrylic gesso. It does seem to be working fine and I’m enjoying it! What you teach on the hard
    board is new for me also and now i realyze that i can use regular hardboard for stretching
    watercolor paper as well.
    I also read that some people like to do studies of their paintings on small boards before doing the real one. I do like
    this idea as well…

  7. Matt…. Thank you so very very much. I feel such an awesome responsibility to do well but considering the abilities and generosity of the instructor I’m certain to be successful. Many Blessings and Much Gratitude. Bryan

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