Helen Van Wyk’s Double Critique: Improve Your Painting Skills

In this unique two-in-one video, Helen Van Wyk provides a detailed critique of two distinct paintings, offering students valuable insights into landscape painting techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced painter, you’ll find these tips and techniques invaluable and easily implementable in your artwork.

Critique of the Snow Scene:
Helen begins by addressing common pitfalls in landscape painting, such as "kisses" where elements in the painting overlap or confuse the viewer. She demonstrates how correcting these overlaps can enhance the clarity of the scene.

Avoiding Kisses:
Helen explains how to prevent confusion by ensuring that elements in the painting do not blend into each other.

Enhancing Clouds:
Adjusting the color and placement of clouds to support the focal point and atmosphere of the scene.

Lighting and Shadows:
Properly aligning shadows with light sources to create a realistic atmosphere.

Color Adjustments:
Making the snow and other elements warmer to match the improved sky color.

Critique of the Seaside Scene:
In the second part, Helen focuses on creating a strong focal point and avoiding a divided composition.

Focal Point:
Strategies for establishing a clear focal point and avoiding distractions in the painting.

Avoiding Middle Divisions:
Helen advises against dividing the canvas into equal parts and suggests raising or lowering elements for better composition.

Simplifying Elements:
Removing or adjusting distracting elements to improve overall focus and impact.

Natural Lighting:
Using cast shadows and light effects to enhance realism and depth in the painting.

Helen’s critiques emphasize the importance of logical reasoning in art and offer practical tips for improving landscape paintings.

Subscribe now and join Helen on a journey to refine your artistic techniques and discover the satisfaction of understanding and using the basic principles in your paintings, ensuring you experience the fulfillment that comes from applying Helen's teachings.