This how-to painting tutorial shows the steps taken to paint a mountain tree and fireweed on a 12 x 16 inch canvas using acrylic paint. Step-by-step instruction shows how to use glazing techniques to create vibrant, interesting colours.

Learn too how to use the background colour for colour continuity and as a base for building shadows. A small palette of colours are used: Quinacridone Red and Magenta, Ultramarine Blue, Nickel Azo Yellow and Titanium White. Instead of water, I suggest that you thin your paints with acrylic gloss polymer medium such as GAC 500. I use a palette knife but a brush works too.

This is an overall warm painting and is based on an oval design.

Some goals for this piece: to allow the varying layers of colours to peak through; to mix the correct values (shades) before glazing; to practice negative space painting; to have fun!

For more about this painting, visit the blog at https://www.mirjavahalaartstudio.com/art-studio-blog/

Drawing Template: https://www.mirjavahalaartstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Line-drawing-blueprint.jpg
---

Mirja Vahala Art Studio

Mirja's Mission: To provide better methods so artists can quickly learn to paint well.

Mirja's Goal: To guide artists in developing personal style and greater creative expression through the deliberate practice of continuous learning.

Bio:
Mirja Vahala has taught and mentored 1000s of artists since 2008 at the Mirja Vahala Art Studio in Castlegar, BC. Mirja also liaisons with Selkirk College to teach all levels popular courses such as true beginner drawing and painting, as well as design, colour and other advanced courses. Past escapades include teaching and painting on board Holland America’s Veendam around South America and the Antarctic, as well as plein air courses and events in Italy and Cannon Beach.

Before beginning the life of fine art in 2003, Mirja spent 20 years in the graphic design industry. After selling her graphic design business she and her husband relocated to the West Kootenays.

With grants from the Columbia Basin Trust, Mirja has traveled to many Kootenay towns and cities to conduct a variety of workshops. Her paintings have shown at Cannon Beach, FCA Gallery/Granville Island, Kimberley Arts Centre, Gallery 378 and Kootenay Gallery, as well as at her studio located at Windborne Bed and Breakfast in the West Kootenays of British Columbia.
-----
Music written and performed by Shemmaho Goodenough.

-----
Mirja Vahala Art Studio
#BetterMethodsBetterPaintings #PaintBetterFaster #FunEasyPainting #AcrylicPainting #Glazing

Website:
https://www.mirjavahalaartstudio.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mirjavahalaartstudio

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Mirja-Vahala-Art-Studio-161055157240816/?ref=bookmarks

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MirjaVahalaArtStudio