Let’s Run Away to the Greek Islands

Tired of the winter cold? Join me on a magical trip to the warmth of the beautiful island of Santorini for my newest collaboration. The sketch is shown above.

After establishing the horizon line the dome and church are drawn up on the canvas with a brush dipped in a thin oil wash of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin.

Next the table and chairs on the foreground terrace are added.

My initial sketch on the canvas is complete, we’re ready to begin painting!

I begin with the sky which is the source of light for the piece. Painting forward the distant ocean and bluffs are delineated. The horizon line where the sea meets the sky is softened so it will recede. To see any of the pictures larger just click on the image.

The water becomes brighter and more intense in color as it comes closer to the foreground. This follows a simple rule to help give the impression of depth in a painting: Muted Colors Go Back, Brighter Colors Come Forward. Mixes of Ultramarine Blue + MUD + White are used for the ocean farthest away, the water nearest the terrace is made of Ptahlo Blue + a touch of Lemon Yellow + White. That’s all for today, hope you’ll come back tomorrow and follow along. Hugs,