Five things you can learn from this painting

Isn’t it magical how a painting can teach us so much, just by looking closely? When I teach, we dive into master paintings and break down what’s going on and why they feel so powerful.

Today I’m sharing a piece I did some time ago.

This sunset scene might look bold and expressive (and it is!) but there’s also a lot going on underneath that’s worth paying attention to. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been painting for a while, here are a few juicy takeaways you can learn from this one piece.

1. Look Closely at Colour Shifts

Look at the trees. Notice how the ones directly under the warmest part of the sky seem to glow? That’s not by accident. They’re picking up the heat and light from the sunset. As the light shifts, so does the colour — from cooler greens to warm, orangey reds. It’s a little detail, but it brings so much life to the scene. When you’re painting, try to really look at how light affects your colours, especially in your landscapes.

2. Layering Matters

There’s more going on here than just dabs of paint on top. Look closely and you’ll see hints of colours peeking through — purples under yellows, reds under dark greens. That’s because this piece like all my work has been built up in layers. Good painting isn’t always about the top layer — it’s what’s underneath that gives it depth and richness. Don’t be afraid to build slowly and let some of those first layers shine through.

3. Ground Colours Bring Unity

Ever wonder why some paintings just feel finished and others feel a bit patchy? Often it’s down to a ground colour — that very first layer that covers the canvas before you start painting. It ties the whole thing together. Even if it’s only showing through in tiny places, it adds harmony. I often use a warm colour like burnt sienna or a vibrant magenta to start, depending on the mood I’m going for.

4. Brushwork can be Bold and Still Feel Soft

There’s a contrast here between those thick, patchy sky marks and the softness of the overall feeling. That’s because the brushwork is loose, but purposeful. It’s not about being neat — it’s about being expressive. Try using a bigger brush than feels comfortable. Let the marks do the talking.

5. Keep your Values in Check

Even though the colours are strong and bright, the value structure holds it all together. There’s a dark base, a middle ground, and the lights in the sky. That contrast helps the painting work. If you’re ever unsure, squint your eyes — it helps you spot your lights and darks quickly. Value is something I teach a lot of in my classes, it’s very important.

Something Coming Up

There’s always so much to learn from one painting when you take the time to really see it.

And I’ve got something exciting coming your way next week — if you’re curious about how I build up a painting like this, keep a close eye on your emails. I’ll be sharing more about my process and how you can learn to paint in this bold, expressive way too.