Monoprinting an abstract winter landscape with acrylic paint (timelapse)

Abstract winter landscape. Acrylic on canvas using various monoprinting techniques.

No Brushes, and NO black paint !

This composition is built up by applying various layers of paint, through the use of colour, tone and texture the final result this atmospheric winter landscape. I begin by making a few sketches to use as a rough guide to the painting trying to create a focal point and plan the colours that will work. If it helps look at photographs and work by other artists of similar subject matter. I filmed this as a time lapse video because in reality the finished film would be much too long. The painting took 8 hours, I change it and paint over sections that don't work, you can see those mistakes in the demo.

Begin with the light background (Sky) using Cerulean Blue, Yellow Ochre and White.
spread a thin mix of these colours onto the plastic transfer sheet. Place onto the surface of the canvas, apply light pressure to transfer the paint in loose style. While the paint is still wet blend the colours with a soft rag or sponge. Allow to dry before moving to the next stage.

The mid tones, this is used to create the middle distance of the landscape and begin to work on the structure of the composition. Work from rough sketches to establish the forms and focal points. Colours used for this are White, Cerulean Blue and a little Cadmium Red. Leave the top section of the painting and apply this layer to the mid section. Remember to keep everything quite abstract and loose at this stage. If it becomes too dark, allow to dry then add lighter colours.

Dark tones. This is when you begin to establish the landscape, try not to draw the image, this is an abstract representation of a winter landscape, the trees and snow covered lane only hinted at. Colours used for this stage Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber. As the composition progresses the transfer sheets become smaller, allowing more control of the paint, use a blunt pencil to make lines and suggest branches with a few marks. This stage is easy to overwork so try to restrict the urge to cover the painting. Mistakes can be over painted with a lighter colour. Final stage is to add a few highlights at the front edge of the painting. Apply thick paint in small patches (White with a little Yellow Ochre)

The canvas is prepared with at least 4 coats of gesso to create a smooth paper like surface, this is important for the monoprinting techniques to work. You could use a heavyweight card for this or a 200gsm cartridge paper.


When finished apply a couple of coats of acrylic matt varnish.

Materials :
Stretched canvas 20" x 20" primed with 4 coats of gesso primer to achieve a highly smooth surface.
The transfer sheet used for this demo is created from plastic bags, use recycled carriers or waste bin liners, these sheets can be used many times. Experiment with different types of plastic or foil. You can get some really good results and it costs nothing !

Paint :
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic
Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Cerulean Blue, Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, White,
Rags, sponge, cotton buds, bamboo skewers.

Website : https://www.dantirels.co.uk/
Music : https://www.bensound.com-
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