Painting Realistic Seascapes with Oil Techniques
Drying and Varnishing
A course by Derek Macara , Oil Painting Instructor
About the video: Drying and Varnishing
Overview
“Lastly, I'll go over what I do to enhance and protect a painting when it is finished. I'll teach you how to bring back the vibrancy and depth of the colors when they become dull after fully drying. I'll also go over some techniques used when applying varnish and the materials I prefer to use when adding this protective layer.”
In this video lesson Derek Macara addresses the topic: Drying and Varnishing, which is part of the Domestika online course: Painting Realistic Seascapes with Oil Techniques. Master realistic seascape painting techniques using oil paint, Photoshop, and sketching methods for stunning wave artistry.
Partial transcription of the video
“In this lesson, we'll go over the steps that happen after your painting is complete. It takes a long time for oil paint to fully dry. And in the process, the appearance of the painting can change. The point of oiling out your painting and varnishing it is not only to protect it from dirt and fading, but also bring back the depth and vibrancy of the colors. Often oil paint, when it's first applied to the canvas, has a beautiful gloss to it and vibrant, deep colors. But as it dries, the paint becomes dull. Oiling out your painting with a mixture of Gamsol and Galkyd is a process that can real...”
This transcript is automatically generated, so it may contain mistakes.
Course summary for: Painting Realistic Seascapes with Oil Techniques
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Category
Illustration -
Areas
Oil Painting, Painting

Derek Macara
A course by Derek Macara
Derek Macara is a distinguished painter and photographer, celebrated for his expertise in crafting realistic seascapes with oil paint. His artistic journey began in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the oldest art colony in America. Immersed in this vibrant artistic community, Derek honed his skills, drawing early inspiration from the rich cultural heritage around him. His transition to a full-time painter followed a successful debut art show, which marked the beginning of his professional career. Before embracing painting, Derek worked as a commercial fisherman, a role that profoundly influences his seascapes. These experiences at sea infuse authenticity and depth into his work, capturing the essence of maritime life.
Derek's approach combines traditional techniques with modern technology, utilizing tools like Photoshop to enhance his creative process. His work is heavily inspired by renowned New England artists such as Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, and Charles Hawthorne, whose influence is evident in his use of light, shadow, and composition. Over the years, Derek has refined his technique, and his work now graces private collections worldwide. A firm believer in continuous learning, he encourages practice and patience, embodying the ethos that dedication leads to mastery. His paintings have been showcased in prestigious galleries, including a recent solo exhibition at the North Shore Arts Association.
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- 14 lessons (1h 45m)
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- Level: Beginner
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