Take your Night Scene Paintings to the Next Level with Mood and Style

Like this video? Want to buy me a coffee or a new tube of paint... or generally just support the channel? Now you can and it would be most appreciated. Once I reach my $1,000 goal, I'll be buying a second camera to record my mixing palette since it's the number one request I get. Cheers! www.buymeacoff...
Never be intimidated by painting nocturnes again. By following a few simple rules you can be doing night paintings that will fill your heart with joy. Open your canvas to the wonder that is the night. Let me show you how I do it and you'll never again be afraid of the dark! Unless you live in Transylvania. Then, yes, be afraid, be very afraid.
My oil paint palette:
titanium white (Utrecht)
cadmium yellow lemon (Utrecht)
cadmium orange (Utrecht)
permanent red medium (Rembrandt)
permanent alizarin crimson (Gamblin)
dioxazine purple (Utrecht)
ultramarine blue (Utrecht)
cerulean blue (Utrecht)
green earth hue (Utrecht)
yellow ochre (Utrecht)
cold grey medium (Utrecht)
raw umber (Winsor & Newton)
ivory black (Utrecht)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I just heard from my gallery out in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This painting sold after less than a week on the wall... whoop whoop!

[@michaelparry1383]

Why did this painting take that long. It should have sold as it was being unpacked;. Great work. You are doing everything so correct to create a painting with such impact. Great work.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@michaelparry1383 Ha, thanks for that Michael! That's really kind of you to say. It was a blast to paint, and they ain't all like that =0)

[@Fred-ov5vb]

Congratulations Steve! It's nice to hear that great art like yours is still appreciated.

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

I had absolutely no doubt.

[@zechariahian7287]

@Westin Benton instablaster :)

[@AnilKumar-fg5mo]

STKINSONS PAINTINGS ARE LIVELY AND SUPERB.

[@welloiledmachinesaz]

I like that you asked the owner of the first version if it would be okay to do it again. 20 years ago I had a patron who owned several of my paintings. A friend of mine wanted to try and sell reproductions of my works. I liked the idea so he bought a Epson printer and a good camera. Back to the fellow who owned several paintings, I asked him if he would let me photograph his paintings. He did not purchase the copyright of any. He asked how much would his percentage of the sales would I be paying him! Needless to say I told him I would not pay him to make his paintings more valuable. So I just repainted a couple and went on about my business. We remained friends and it was never mentioned.

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

My instinct would have been to start off with much darker colors than you chose. I just learned something. No wait! I've just learned A LOT!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Taylor, I used to start my nocturnes much darker and spent a lot of my painting time continually lightening them up. It's OK to paint them a bit lighter than your instincts tell you. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@betsyoglesartist]

Another great painting, Steve. Thanks so much for sharing your insights on painting night scenes. Wonderful tips to learn!

[@carolstaines]

this is one gorgeous horse! Thank you for your generosity.

[@stevenmorris4482]

your expression is wonderful within your artwork .. the freedom of bush strokes and less tight work works better than just copying the photo exactly and adding your own feeling toward your subject can and does improve paintings immensely and that's some thing your learn with experience.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Steven! Paint on!

[@charlottehenderson1927]

You have the most soothing voice! I could just listen too you for hours! And your painting s. ARe BEYOND Good I LOVE THEM!! ITs GOOD TOO NO THAT SOMEONE ELSE LIKES COWBOYS AS. MUCH AS I DO !!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Charlotte, you're so kind! Long Live Cowboys!!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

Oh Steve, I just love this painting! And I agree with you that liquin is such a great product. Congratulations on the sale! Not surprised it sold right away! I will look forward to your framing video, and thank you for the wonderful tips on night painting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Awww, thank you Yovette! I really appreciate you tuning in and hope you're doing great!

[@bobgaffney2233]

Love watching and learning from you

[@matthewtomlet2278]

That is an extraordinary painting! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Matthew, I appreciate the kudos! Thanks for watching!

[@bonitatrost1028]

love it. Thank you so much. From a Prescott neighbor.

[@matijavuk4214]

I've missed my favorite painter on youtube :) welcome back !

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Matija, thank you! I can honestly say I missed being here and talking with you all about art. I appreciate your support and hope this will help you on your artistic journey. Paint on!!

[@beverlywright858]

Beautiful painting! I am eager to try some of your painting tips! 💕

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

No doubt, you'll do great Beverly!

[@patriciachristian1769]

I love that picture It was amazing that the way you painted was so different but it turned out beautifully Wow!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Patricia! It's kind of you to say =0)

[@knobcreekoutdoors135]

very beautiful panting

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

I especially enjoyed the Frittes you did using burn umber on the dark side of the horse. Dark side of the Horse should be a cowboy album name.

[@linegarneau7444]

Wow it's wonderful !

[@pebblesthecat3625]

*Mr Jackson* I have just found your channel and I am mesmerised. I have learned so much in just this one video - it's astounded me just how much. I am so looking forward to watching the rest of your videos and gaining the plethora of knowledge that I know will be waiting for me to learn. Your painting is stunning, and seeing it come to life on canvas is so inspiring. You make it sound so simple and look so easy, when in reality it is so difficult, but I am motivated after seeing this amazing artwork and I will definitely be getting the oil paints out again after previously deciding I just didn't have the skills, when in reality, I just didn't have the knowledge, or the patience. Thank you for re-lighting the fire inside again.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's so great to hear Pebbles the Cat, it's why I do these videos. Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing with the paints... we're here if you need us!

[@nrs8873]

FANTÁSTICO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sondreherjuaune6602]

This painting reminds about the one we have on our wall in Norway. Awesome video steve

[@ocean8434]

Enjoyed this!

[@arcuda2001]

Just exquisite.. the whole feel of the painting is magical.. of course it sold immediately !! Thanks for this video and all the tips along the way ... I love the concept of adding the “ gingerbread” at the end .. it really does feel that way sometimes .. it’s very hard not to start with the dessert :-)))

[@Dr10Jeeps]

Another beautiful painting! I love your work and your commentary/advice is very informative. Thank you.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's great to hear that you found it helped you. It's important to me that if you watch my videos, I tell you what I'm thinking and doing, not just a "Hey look at me" waste of your time. Paint on!!!

[@karenjohnson6487]

Congrats Steve on your sale. It is a beautiful painting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Karen, of course, the best compliment is a red dot on a painting =0) I appreciate all the collectors who enable me to keep on doing this!

[@sandracarroll6233]

Beautiful values.

[@monadavisstudio]

Beautiful. Congratulations to the sale. That’s a lucky one

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Mona, it's always the best compliment an artist can receive... and thanks for joining in!!

[@monadavisstudio]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt you are welcome. Doing hours in my studio which I hope will pay off in April. So it is nice to take a brake and study. Thanks for being "here".

[@frenchustube]

I love the blue for the sky not sure what kind of blue but really nice. Reminds me when i used to go to New Mexico! Southwest blue ! :) Awesome painting.!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Mostly cerulean, a little cobalt and a touch of yellow ocher to neutralize it a bit.

[@dagmonrabal7547]

Another masterpiece sir 🎉 thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent now im going to paint 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Go get 'em!

[@junkettarp8942]

Thanks...Day....warm light cool shadow ....Night .....cool warm shadow...cool light.... ....Thanks.

[@harinarayankulkarni1279]

Amazing .....Speechless work...😀😀

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for checking in Harinarayan, and for watching!

[@harinarayankulkarni1279]

🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️

[@CaroleRodrigue]

Magnificent painting and great tips! That bit about adding color to the frame is something I'd never thought of before so thanks for showing that!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Carole, I'm glad I could give you a tip that you could use!

[@karenjohnson6487]

Beautiful painting Steve. Enjoyed watching your process as always. As to putting in details especially background. If it looks good from a running horse then it is all set. Lol. Thanks for the video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hahaha, ain't it the truth Karen? But then, everything looks better from the back of a horse!

[@Mujcanal]

Fantastic picture and painter, thank you for your advices 👍

[@jamesw6484]

I love your channel! Great work sir👍👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks James, that's so nice to hear. Happy painting buddy!

[@tommalchert416]

Thank you

[@jeanfarre1874]

Très très beau 😮

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Merci beaucoup!

[@jschroeder7729]

Do you have a class on warm and cool colors? I get confused where there is a warm blue and cool yellow hues. I love your work and your classes. You are very good at teaching. I am a friend of your cousin Phyllis Fisher.We were playing cards and she turned me on to your art and teachings. Judy

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Judy, please say hello to Phyllis from me, and thanks for the question. The thing about it is that when I say warms and cools, it's all in relation to what's around it. All colors are influenced by the colors that surround it. So, for instance, if you have an area that's brown, and you put a touch of gray in the middle of that, it's going to look like it's blue. But if you have an area of ultramarine blue and green and put down that same gray in the middle of it, it's going to read like its a warm color. So when I'm talking about adding some warm into your cools, or visa versa, I'm talking about the effect of one color to another. Unfortunately I don't have a class on warm and cool colors, but that's a great idea for a future video. Thanks and I hope that helps a bit. Steve

[@LizNicholsArt]

Another timely intervention. Thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Liz, glad I could help!

[@rodrigocasarez1810]

Great painting Steve love the atmospheric effects.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Rodrigo! It was a fun one to paint 100%.

[@kafadarnasreddin9146]

super

[@mikecastro2894]

Hi Steve Excellent work !!

[@cathynelson1765]

All I can say is WOW! I learned sooo much. Thank you!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I'm so happy to hear that Cathy! Paint on!!

[@Ishaportraitartist]

Amazing painting. You are talented my friend. Fully enjoyed. New subscriber 👍

[@karenjohnson6487]

That is so true.

[@godiejosef3788]

Ang galing ng pagkakagawa

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Salamat!

[@ordinaryobserver897]

Thanks for your generous tips. Really enjoyed your video. 🤩

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome spike, and I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@RayFineArt]

Amazing painting, I learnt a lot about oils too, it kinda makes me want to try out oils, 👍🖌️🎨🖼️

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I hope you do Ray Fine Art! There's a learning curve, but there are lots of wonderful artists here on YT and various sites on the internet and painting DVD's that you can learn anything you put your mind to and put in the hard work. But it pays off in spades! Best of luck!!

[@stevenwmclean]

Brilliant video Steve. Lots of great tips and the final painting looks amazing. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Steve. Believe it or not, I learn from teaching. They say you retain 20-25% of what you're taught. But 90% of what you teach... it's true for me! Thanks for watching and paint on!

[@stevenwmclean]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Your enthusiasm certainly shows. I understand completely where you're coming from as well. I find when trying to learn a subject from a book, it helps to read it as though you're teaching the information to someone else. It's a great way to retain information. I picked that up from Stephen Covey's 7 habits book.

[@fhulkster]

SUPERB PAINTING ,

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Much appreciated HAZ! Thanks for tuning in =0)

[@michaelmcewan432]

Fantastic work again

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Michael, I appreciate your comment!

[@jackcraig843]

You use your talents well. Wonderfully done. Thank you for sharing this with us all!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Jack, I sure do appreciate that!

[@stevenmorris4482]

subscribed !!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Steven, hope you get lots of good helpful information along the way. Paint on!

[@barnbre2]

I appreciate you. Very good explanation and encouragement. And beautiful painting!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks so much barnbre2! I hope it helps you the next time you paint a night scene.

[@bruceosborne1892]

Fantastic

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hiya Bruce, thanks a bunch! Good to hear from you!!

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Much appreciated and enjoyed this, Steve.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you for watching Rebecca!

[@dougg1075]

You make it look easy boss:)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Doug! It is easy... when it's done. But when I'm in the middle of it, not so much. ha!

[@domhardycreative1635]

Thank you for your insights, great to have a message pop up saying you have a new vid!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you kindly Dom. I don't like being away so long, but it was a crazy crazy month... or two!

[@domhardycreative1635]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Life is like that, glad to hear that you are busy! :)

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Very inspiring as usual. Thanks for the great video! Blessings.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Aw, thank you Crisalida, that's so kind of you... Blessings right back to you!

[@duanelangston39]

I loved the painting and your instruction. I always do, but was particularly interested in the last minute touch-up on the frame. You mentioned doing a video covering this in more detail. I am really looking forward to that. My wife (my number one fan...as well as critic) always tells me she loves my paintings, but no matter what frame I choose, she thinks it just isn't quite right for the painting. I will try the technique you used in this video. I just wanted to comment that I think your idea for a future video elaborating on this idea would be well received by the artists who follow your channel. This topic is something every artist can benefit from. Thanks much for sharing your talent and knowledge with us.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Framing is such a tough thing because so much of it is picking out something that you hope is going to work. Pick a black frame with red undertones and added grey "dust" in the corners and crevices along with a gold or silver fillet and it'll make almost every painting look good.

[@duanelangston39]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Thanks for the suggestion. I will try that next time.

[@dougg1075]

Very nice! Thanks for the lesson.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Doug... =0)

[@kallak9676]

waiting ☺

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Gulp!

[@adnanseraj6550]

I am speechless...Its a treat to watch your painting process..its true nocturnal paintings are not easy to do at all...but you completely nailed it...It would have been better if you had mentioned the names of the colors specially i am interested in the sky and mountain color...please guide...Thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Adnan. Thanks for the comment! The main color for the sky is cerulean blue with a little ultramarine blue and titanium white. The mountains have more ultramarine and gray in them and less cerulean blue.

[@adnanseraj6550]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt THANK U SOOO MUCH...

[@sumonbines-karki4818]

Hello sir I was wondering if you had any tips on painting realistic grass. Thank you

[@stephenewert2189]

I really enjoyed this video. How do you get the drawing onto the canvas? I would like to try one someday. Thanks, Steve

[@Rath1626]

TU for all of your help! When you do the sketch transfer onto your canvas and seal it with liquin, does it ever seem slippery to you so that it is hard to get the oil paint sticking well to the canvas? It makes it hard to get good coverage, especially with the dark colors.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi David, I've not had any problems like that. In fact, I love the way the paint goes down on my linen. But I will tell you that I just recently started a painting for a book cover on gessoed masonite with my drawing sealed with Liquin and I couldn't get the paint to do what I wanted, it was so awful to work with that I trashed it and started over on my Claussen's acrylic primed linen and it painted like a dream. So if you're having that trouble, it's possible it's not working well with your painting surface. Can you tell me what you use?

[@Rath1626]

Draw Paint Repeat when I use store bought canvas which is already gesso’ed and has a pretty fine weave I have a lot of trouble with it being slippery. When I make my own canvas and use Garret 7oz 62” sf cotton duck and 3 coats of gesso it is a lot rougher and less of a problem but I’d prefer it to be a bit smoother and a finer weave (and not to always have to make my own canvas). And you nailed it in this video when you said getting the paint to move the right way. Some times I just can’t because of this slipperiness. Thank you!!

[@katieirish5765]

Thank you for talking about how you use Liquin. I have been trying to figure out why parts of my paintings are dull and others are shiny and I think I can remedy it with the Liquin. (I’m new to oil paints.) So, you don’t worry about painting on the dry areas; this fat over lean rule? This rule makes me nervous.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Katie, yep, Liquin will help you with those pesky areas. I do try to paint thick over thin as I go along, but I haven't had 'em crack on me yet. Glad this helped you and thanks for watching!!

[@davemalt2451]

Hi Steve, This is beautiful work. I would love to see you do the drawing part of the work. Any chance of even just a glimpse of this part ?? Thanks, Dave M (Australia) 😎🇦🇺

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Dave, I'm planning on doing just that on some other commissioned paintings I'm working on now. I have to cut so much of the process to make it a length most people are willing to watch. Have you watched my other drawing videos? If not, you can check 'em out at my channel page. Just click on my channel name and follow the link to videos... thanks for watching. I hope one day to get to your beautiful country. You have some of the world's bes plein air painters. Like Warwick Fuller! Man that guy's a BEAST!

[@dougg1075]

Can you do a nightscape of a cowboy and his horse in a wicked lightning storm?

[@dougg1075]

Maybe a cowboy reaching down for a cowering calf as lightning blasts in the background.

[@johnmarble3177]

Another great video Steve. I would like to come to Prescott this winter. Do you have a gallery I can visit?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I do have a studio with a gallery in it that you're welcome to visit when you get into town. We're a little out of town (1/2 hour), but it's a pretty drive. Other than at the Phippen Museum, I don't show in a gallery here. I'm in Jackson Hole, WY and St George, Utah.

[@rolandlemus203]

VERY cool!! galleries are useful, do you have any insight on working with them? things to be aware of? I have started engaging with a few in talks and its expensive from one and other not so much but I don't feel like they are working for me lol, my best interest that is. Love this painting, thank you for sharing your talents, very impressive, I will subscribe, I am always the student in all things:)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Roland, thanks for subscribing and becoming a Repeater! I think you're finding that it's not enough to find a gallery that'll rep you. You need one that wants to partner with you and help you to grow your career by their sales and advice on what works for them and what doesn't. Don't let them dictate what you paint but listen to them if they tell you what they have a harder time selling and what their collectors are more interested in. I can always tell when I find a good one by how excited they are to get you in the gallery. If they aren't excited or are hesitant about adding you, my advice (for what it's worth) is to move along until you find the one. Just my thoughts...

[@rolandlemus203]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt I really appreciate your insight! I am learning a lot, and I used to think that the gallery was it, but not anymore, it is just one facet of a PR platform, but I don't have a lot of experience with them in general. Thank you for your advice! :)

[@johncollado1151]

Hi Steve.... nice to see how the magic works. Another beautiful piece. Do you limit your pallet of colors in a night scene?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi John, I always put out my same palette no matter what I'm painting, but I'd have to say that I do use fewer colors on nocturnes. No cad yellow or cad oranges, they're just too hot. Though sometimes I'll neutralize a color that's too blue with a touch of orange or yellow. For me, having the same palette colors in the same place for every painting is kind of like a golfer's swing, it has to be consistent for it to work for me, if that makes any sense?!?

[@johncollado1151]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Yes, that does make sense, especially when you get used to doing it that way. Thanks for correcting me on the spelling of "palette", I'm usually okay with my spelling, but I see I really messed that one up. Since I always painted with an airbrush, I always mixed mine ahead of time and adjusted as I used it, but I still had issues with creating mood like you do. In some cases my paintings looked more flat if that sounds right. Though I'm in my senior years now I'm still having issues with color at times. Do you have a previous video that discussed those issues? I'll have to take a look. Thanks again for a well done and informative video, especially on a medium that I'm really just starting with.

[@charliemctruth]

I'd chop my right arm off to be able to paint like this..;)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Well Charlie, alls I can say is, I hope you're left-handed!

[@ThreeColoursPainting]

Good job. Do you draw in watercolor or pencil? For example: I paint in Photoshop and oil on canvas

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I paint in oils and watercolor/gouache and draw in pencil and charcoal. Thanks for watching Three Colours!

[@rondabruce]

Is this acrylic or oil painting?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Ronda, this is an oil painting =0)

[@rondabruce]

Thank you, I realized that after I asked.

[@rondabruce]

You mentioned that you use Liquitex medium. I looked on Amazon and it is used for acrylic paint. Did I hear you wrong or is there a Liquitex for oil paints? Do you have a Link?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@rondabruce I probably didn't speak clearly, it happens, lol. I mix a little Liquin Original in with each mixture out of a puddle of Liquin I keep on my palette. Just a dab'll do ya. Here's a link: www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-liquin-mediums/

[@Gia_Fire_Soul]

Sorry if I missed it somewhere in the video, but are you using oils or acrylic???

[@TTundragrizzly]

Oils

[@danv1061]

How do you decide where to put in those “accidental smears” like on his hat?

[@some3dguy]

Happy accidents

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Dan, I'd have to say that it's instinctive. Usually somewhere near the focal point. I think I do those on the hat often because it breaks up that big honkin' dark shape, lol.

[@danv1061]

Draw Paint Repeat Makes sense. Thanks. Keep up the great work. I look forward to each of your videos.

[@danv1061]

Who is the music by - around the 8 minute mark?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

It's called "Lonesome Traveler" by James Forest. Glad you liked it!

[@youssefouafy178]

where we can found the draw

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Sorry Youssef, I don't understand the question. Can you try again? I'd like to help... =0)

[@youssefouafy178]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt im oriental Impressionist artist ireally love your coulours give expression and really deep shadow imean where ican found images so ican use it my wife from west NM you are great artist

[@TheGappa23]

Hallo! Is there an email address I can contact you at? I would like to ask you about ref photos among other things. Thanks!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi MM, you can email me at [e-mail]

[@MAC-ws8fz]

Ditch the music. I've never understood what the interim music was supposed to do! To me it just obscures what is to be learnt! Let me think and absorb.

[@Gia_Fire_Soul]

Disagree, love the music when you're just watching him paint. Now if he was speaking, completely different