How to Paint Better Nocturnes and Why Yours Might Not Be Working

For many artists nocturnes, or night paintings, seem out of reach, but they don't have to be. There are some simple tips and tricks for you to follow that will help you succeed at putting your vision down on the paper. Let me talk you, and more importantly, show you through how I do it. It may be dark out, but don't be afraid of the dark!
All music in this video is used by kind permission of the creators:
Night Rider's Lament: Tom Munch from his album "Cowboy Americana" tommunch.com/al...
Autumn Melody: R.W. Hampton from his album "The Last Cowboy" www.rwhampton.c...
"Drifting Away": Tom Munch from his album "Guitar" tommunch.com/al...

[@tanyanelson1190]

So beautiful! Thanks for all the wonderful tips and the pretty music. A very nice way to spend my Saturday morning!

[@janvibhatt8829]

Very helpful video! I never painted a night landscape before because i did not know how to do it, but now I am thinking I will paint a moonlit landscape. Thank you very much for sharing nice tips on this complex subject.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Janvi! This makes me happy to hear that the video explained some things and helped to give you the knowledge that you needed to try one yourself. Let me know how it goes for you. Paint On!!

[@arcuda2001]

Loved watching this !! The music was absolutely perfect for this, too!! Thanks so much for your time, and tips. Beautiful piece :-))

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks arcuda2001, it's great to hear your feedback and that you found it helpful. I got a copyright claim on the music in the video even though the musicians gave me permission to use the music. The claim was by CD Baby. But I don't care, I want people to know about Tom and R.W., and listen to their music. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Paint On!!

[@johnmarble3177]

Thank you for this lesson. I have reviewed this video several times and always get something new from each one.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Paint on!!

[@autumnsieminski712]

Beautiful art and beautiful cowboy music!

[@lomarenr1598]

All I can say is ... WOW! Fantastic painting. LOVE IT! 💕👍👍

[@irlynda5836]

Thank you for letting us ride along with you. I adore western art, I was the medic for rodeos all over West Texas mostly high school rodeo. I volunteered my time to hold down cost and I wanted to be there to give them the best care possible. I don’t ride anymore but my art is slowly heading that way.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome LRL Arts. Like you, I love the rodeo. My kinda people. Polite, competitive and patriotic. It's where everyone stands for the national anthem and the men put their hats over their hearts. Thanks for giving so much of yourself for the competitors!

[@Dr10Jeeps]

Absolutely beautiful! The tonal values seem perfect. Thank you for your videos. They are a joy to watch.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Dr10Jeeps! Thanks for that great feedback... thanks for watching and for being a part of the channel. Paint on!!

[@markwillis2980]

That painting evokes a beautiful emotion.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Mark. It's definitely what I strive for in my nocturnes, it's good to know I hit the mark on this one!

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Tight work. Always a pleasure watching a refined workflow. Making some Nocturnes of Vancouver for a show in March. This series is very helpful.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Good luck Martin, I'm sure you'll kick it's butt!

[@essietangle9931]

Thanks Steve, loved the way you explain and let us know your experiences...

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Essie, it's always great to get your feedback... Much appreciated!!

[@ClodsCreations]

Thanks for all the information.I am using this as a tutorial so to speak for my "second" nocturne attempt. This is a complete creation so developing my own scene using gathered information. Really appreciate your wisdom. God bless.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's great to hear Claude. I think you'll do great. Good for you for learning to do something new! Paint On!!

[@aislinngraves4291]

Thank you so much for your advice. Excellent video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Aislinn! If you give it a try, let us know how it goes and if you like painting nocturnes. Paint on!!

[@dougg1075]

Who knew that cowboys rocks and moonlight were made of puddles:) good stuff as always. Your paintings also have perfect titles.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Doug! I never thought of it that way, but yes!!! Haahaha! Thanks for the compliment on my titles. I put a lot of thought into trying to get a clever name that helps to extend the story if I can... thanks for noticing!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

This is such a great painting, and you are such a great teacher! I love purple's for dark instead of black. You have a really great way of sharing soooo many great points. Thank you so much. Just love listening to you! 💖

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Yovette! Thank you, that's great to hear. I hope you're thinking about maaaybe doing a nocturne down the road yourself? Or maybe you already do them? Let me know and Paint On!!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt I have done several night scenes, but always on black canvas. Never tried it on white or tinted. Yes, it will be on my list of things to try. My poor list is growing faster than I can keep up with it! Lol

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@PaintingWithYovette Haahaha, I hear you!

[@karenjohnson6487]

Awesome Steve. Love the painting. The video is one I will watch again. I enjoyed the music. To bad about the copyright issue 😞. Thanks for sharing.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hiya Karen, it's always great to hear from you! Oh well, I learned my lesson on using music, even if you have permission from the artists. I'm happy folks get to know about them and that makes any demonetization no big deal. CD Baby is just looking out for their artists and I do like that and totally understand!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

I think I've mentioned to you before how much I LOVE nocturnes. I think it's a really difficult pallet. You always make it look so easy.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Taylor, you should give it a try. Start small and keep refining your palette with every one you do... easy peasy! You can do it!!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt, it's easy peasy for you to say! LOL!

[@nadenekranz8162]

Loved it. Going to mix your palette for a painting I’m working on-at least some of the rock and vegetation colors.

[@nancymiess3412]

Beautiful painting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Nancy, thank you for that! Both for watching and for taking the time to comment... that's awesome!

[@RamoArt]

Seeing your mixes and having you explain which one you'll use for what was helpful and interesting. I wish more artists did that.

[@brianross4740]

Hi Steve Love your demonstration

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hiya Brian, I'm really glad you found it helpful. Paint on!!

[@stormysocks]

My late mentor Mel Gerhold had me get Frank Tenney Johnsons book. I love it

[@pascale2122]

Wow another wonderful painting you are a magician with a paint brush thats awsome

[@SaeedKhan-bt7li]

Oilpinntingv 3

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks so much pascale 21! Much appreciated feedback.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Repeaters! Great name! Beautiful scene with the calf. Another great way to keep us inspired. Thanks so much for the video and all the guidance. Great music to go along with the painting, I loved it. I would love to see a painting with buffalos. Great painting! Best wishes.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I'll see what I can do Crisalida. Did you see my buffalo watercolor gouache painting video? That might hold you over ;0)

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Draw Paint Repeat Thanks for the reply. I didn’t see the video but I will look for it. Thanks again! Great job!

[@barnbre2]

How enjoyable!!! Everything about it is wonderful. I'm sure I'll never get there, but it does encourage me to keep at it. Well done.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Barnbre2... keep at it and you very well could surprise yourself! Paint on!!

[@WarmasterPainting]

Great tips in this video. Thank you.

[@duanelangston39]

Great painting! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have been a fan since I watched you paint a demo at the Rocky Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson. It was fun to watch you paint and very generous of you to share this on KZbin.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Duane, thank you for that, it's much appreciated! I love that Mountain Oyster show and look forward to it every year, such great people. Thanks for watching my videos and for taking the time to comment. Keep in touch and we'll see you next year at the show!

[@thomasjanos2030]

I am doing a nocturne now that I have been putzing with for longer than i want to admit and getting my butt kicked.This gave me some very helpful hints on the rocks that I can use. Thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Way to go Thomas! You can do this =0)

[@stevenwmclean]

Great video. Lots of useful information. Thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad to hear it Steve, and thank you!

[@robmart8255]

Very cool. I hope later on you added the leather piece that goes over the nose of the horse to hold the bridle on. The colors were perfect for the moonlit time.

[@Kitchensurprise]

Thanks so much for sharing your process. Beautiful

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks B Clark for the comment, I'm glad to help if I can. I appreciate your watching and hope you give it a try!

[@jane25449]

Texas girl, far from home. This was sweet to watch. Thanx!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks jane25449, I got my professional start in fine art in Texas and they've always been incredibly kind to me, so Texas has a special place in my heart too. Paint on!

[@OkieSketcher1949]

I haven’t used oils in over 50 years but you might just make me try them one more time. Nocturnes to me are downright captivating. I really enjoy Remington’s and Frank Tenney Johnson’s nocturnes. Do you have more to look at or watch you paint, especially in water-color? I’ve tried to do them in watercolor but I still need a lot of work at it before I’d even consider hanging them up at home.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Here you go Robert, it's not a nocturne watercolor, but it is another nocturne I painted. I haven't tried a watercolor nocturne yet either, but it's an interesting challenge... Hmmmm ;0) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTOg3uErJd7iKM

[@jeffhreid]

Great composition. Very informative and entertaining video. Thanks!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks jeffhreid, I appreciate that! I'm so glad you liked it and hopefully it'll help you next time you paint one of these. Paint on!!

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Love this, and very much appreciate the invaluable tips.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Rebecca Jo! =0)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Breathtaking stuff Steve! A nocturn is honestly something I've never tried. I never tire of watching your mastery at work. BTW, and you've probably answered this question before, if so I'm sorry, but how do you decide what color to tone the canvas with, that background brown or pink wash you use before applying the thicker layers of color?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Steve, thank you so much! The color can be anything on a normal day scene. I almost always use yellow ocher though because if you let little bits of it should through, it helps to look like a warm sunlight scene. I used pink for the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink " portrait because of the theme of the painting and to have bits of it to show through. Nocturnes always have a Burnt Sienna underpainting because it looks good to let bits of that color show through. It's a great compliment to all the cool colors. Hope that helps!?! I don't know that I've ever seen a watercolor nocturne, it'd be a hoot to see you do one....hint hint!

[@catherinebast4456]

Magnificent, thanks so much.

[@kaystreeter2526]

Beautiful

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Kay, I appreciate that!

[@toddcox8436]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad you found it helps you Todd. Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@Ramesh_009]

wow sir very nice painting colour

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Ramesh! Thank you for your comment and, of course, for watching.

[@mikeboren490]

Really enjoyed that! Thank you!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for watching Mike!!!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

I just watched this a second time! That little calf is just the most adorable thing, and my favorite part of the painting. I noticed you had a lot of texture on the cowboy, but most of the other paint is flatter or more blended. Love it. What part of Minnesota did you live in? I lived in Minneaposil for quite a few years.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Yovette! I lived on Phelps Island in Mound (on Lake Minnetonka), and then in Robbinsdale... then in Plymouth, so I guess you could say I got around!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Well, you weren't too far away from me! I sure don't miss the hot muggy summers and the cold winters. In Southern Oregon now, and just love it!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@PaintingWithYovette Minnesota was a challenge weatherwise, but the fishing...!!!! I hear it's beautiful there in Oregon!

[@PaintingWithYovette]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Beautiful, right up there with Alaska! 😉

[@123youknowme]

Many thanks for sharing.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome 123youknowme! BTW, do I know you? LOL!

[@ClodsCreations]

Great nocturne, I have one that is umm a work in progress. This look is what it needs. However, how would I determine the color of each, if reference is more gray than color? To punch up color so to speak. Thank you

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Good question! As long as the values are accurate, you can paint any cooled down color and it will be close. Try to keep from saturating your colors and keep them greyed down and have a go. You can always let it dry and tweak what you don't like as you go along. Sorry I can't be more precise than this, but so much of painting nocturnes has to do with doing one and learning from the experience. Then taking the experience you gained on the first and applying it to the second... and so it goes. If you stick with it it'll gradually get easier and become a more believable light effect. Paint On and good luck Claude!!!

[@user-qe7vr1qb9g]

Your videos are awsome! Subscribed...

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Ardyth, welcome aboard!!

[@jeangodwin8782]

Can you tell me/us what you do to get you canvas/ picture ready to apply paint? What I see is all of you drawing lines, and a rust colored (something) on your canvas.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Jean, heres a video I did that shows the whole process. The difference between the linked video and this video is that I printed my transfer drawing on my own printer since it wasn't oversized, and i toned my canvas on this video with burnt sienna instead of yellow ochre. Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbQm399iLObi7c

[@nrs8873]

Fantástico! !👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you for watching Nailza!

[@michaelwood5519]

Where do you purchase your frames? I used to get some in Santa Fe but I think the lady closed her outlet. Manny Houston was also another dealer but not sure if he's still selling.

[@randyrucker5287]

another great painting! Do you have any books published? Thanks for your videos.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Randy, I'm sorry to say that I haven't published any books, though I am going to be doing some painting DVD's before too long for subjects that are too long to cover in depth here. I wish I didn't have to speed things up or cut things out, but no one would watch the videos here if they were 3 hours or more. I can include much more info and take my time on a DVD. Is there a particular subject you're looking to know more about? Let me know. ~Steve

[@paintmania1]

Nice, maybe you've answered this, but how do you transfer your drawing to the canvas?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi David, here's the video I did of my process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbQm399iLObi7c

[@paintmania1]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Excellent, thanks!

[@dsethsmith]

Past Your Bedtime or Pasture Bedtime?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Well played Seth... well played! LOL!!

[@johncollado1151]

Another beautiful piece. Do you do prints from your originals?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi John, I can and often do canvas prints from my paintings, though I won't do prints until the original painting has sold. If you're interested in one of my pieces, drop me an email at [e-mail] and I can put you on the list to be contacted when the painting is ready to have prints made, or order one for you now if the painting has already been sold . Thanks!

[@majeddraws5104]

so our name is 'Repeaters" from now on?! :)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I think it is! Congratulations!!! LOL...

[@aartadventure]

So magical to watch. Thank you for such clear explanations, and for showing us the reference photos. Did you take the reference pics yourself, or you use online sources?

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Aartadventure! You're welcome, I'm glad you found this helpful. I took the photos of the landscape and the cowboy on his horse. The calf is a stock photo that I bought the rights to use. 99% of the time I use reference photos I took myself. Great question!

[@aartadventure]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt You take great photos, and thanks for taking the time to answer me!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

By-the-way, I love the music.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Taylor, me too! There's nothing like a good old cowboy song to set the mood and tell a story!