Set Your Paintings on Fire with Backlighting || Poppy Flower Oil Painting Tutorial

Do poppies make your heart sing? In this oil flower painting timelapse and tutorial video, I will show you how to paint a poppy field in oils, using alla prima techniques and layering! We will also cover how to make your painting look backlit, colour theory, and brushwork. I'll give you some tips and tricks for working with colour to create landscape paintings that pop, as well as share strategies for working with compositions that are busy with lots of detail.
I painted this piece as a commission for my parents after their trip to Juno Beach in 2019 to witness the 75th anniversary ceremony. My grandfather was a child in WWII Nazi-occupied Holland, and his family made the incredibly difficult decision after the war to emigrate to Canada. They spoke no English, and my grandfather learned solely due to a caring teacher who taught him in her free time. I remain exceptionally grateful for the Canadian Armed Forces who participated in the liberation of Europe in WWII, and towards the men and women who have served or continue to serve.
I poured my whole heart and soul into this work, and I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed creating it!
I am donating a portion of all prints sales to Wounded Warriors Canada, a registered charity. If you would like to purchase a print, you can do so here: fineartamerica.com/featured/d...
You can also donate directly to Wounded Warriors here: woundedwarriors.ca/donate/
I am beyond grateful for your support of my teaching, and if there's anything you'd like to see in a future video, please don't hesitate to write me a comment!
If you enjoyed this tutorial and like painting flowers, you'll love my brand new course "Painting Flowers in Acrylic" - Use code KZbin25 to take $25 off! courses.mariannevanderdussen....
Receive my FREE 36 page "Introduction to Acrylic Painting" ebook: tinyurl.com/42ye4srx
✨Connect with me✨
Instagram: / mariannevanderdussen
Facebook: / artbymariannevanderdussen
Facebook Art Support Group: / artincubatorwithmarianne
My website: www.MarianneVanderDussen.com
🎨Materials Used🎨
Paint colours: Winsor Lemon, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Deep Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Orange, Quinacridone Red, Cadmium Red Medium, Quinacridone Violet, Sap Green, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, and Titanium White
My preferred paint brands are Winsor & Newton, M. Graham and Co., and I am currently working my way through the last of my Stevenson brand of oil paints (they were a Toronto based Canadian company that sadly closed their factory down when they retired). I also use some Gamblin and in future works, I'd like to try varnishing with Gamvar.
Varnish: Kamar by Krylon
Gesso: Liquitex Professionals Artist Grade Gesso, with Golden Artist Materials yellow ochre Liquid Acrylic added to the mix with some water for thinning
After I have applied my gesso with a foam brush, I sand it down using a 300 grit sandpaper, before repeating the process at least three times total.
Link to my Amazon shop for art supplies and materials: www.amazon.ca/shop/artbymaria...
Please note: as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Special thanks to photographer Rachel Baker for granting me permission to paint her beautiful photo.
Rachel's Facebook profile is "Dorset Delights": / saintsmadmomma73
Her Instagram is: / saintsmadmomma
Thank you so much for your support and for watching this video!
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Painting the Sunset Sky
03:25 Background - Rolling Hills
05:03 Painting the Poppies
09:26 Second Layer
11:23 The Final Painting

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching! I am so happy to share that my first course, "Painting Flowers in Acrylic," is now available. Use code *KZbin25* to take $25 off! The course is available here: courses.mariannevanderdussen.com/offers/sTGLNjHa/checkout Don't forget to use the code, and happy painting!

[@gildaalmeida5589]

❤❤❤❤

[@steverichardson266]

What a spectacular work. The sun is so vibrant, I feel like I need my sunglasses. You are an amazingly talented artist and a phenomenal teacher.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for this amazing comment, it means so much!!! 😎

[@user-dl3kb2lz4f]

Очень красиво ! Талантливо! Браво!!!

[@bilalpazarl2007]

👏👏👏

[@ginnyaitchison2616]

This is incredible. I am waiting for my large print from Fine Art America so I can put this painting up as soon as possible. I too, have sentimental feelings towards this painting as my Dad, a WW2 Veteran died 5 months ago. I will always remember him but this painting will help to honour him. Marianne's work is astonishing, my daughter has an original that she loves, we are becoming a family of Vander Dussen works.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my gosh, what an amazing comment!!! Thank you SO much for all your support throughout the years. Please let me know when your print arrives, I am so excited for you to have this piece in your home!!!

[@rojin1986]

Wow wow wow Is that possible someday I could paint like you? Very beautiful 😍👏👏👏

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I have no doubt you could! I definitely didn’t get here right away, and I’m so excited to see where I’ll be painting in 10 years. It’s a process not a destination, enjoy the journey!! 🎨🥰

[@rojin1986]

@@MarianneVanderDussen thank you 🙏 I am trying to learn and practice. I never draw or paint at all but I just started . Thanks again 🌺🌸

[@aida087]

OMYGOD it's absolutely GORGEOUS!! I love Poppy flowers and the Sun is brilliantly shining!!❤❤❤🥰

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh yay I'm so happy that you like it!!!

[@robertradocha6871]

💕💯🎨🎨🎨

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Robert!!!

[@robertradocha6871]

@@MarianneVanderDussen YOU are very welcome Marianne 😊😊🙏 and very best regards from Salzburg Austria 🎨🎨

[@nataliepitcher2612]

Incredibly beautiful. Amazing work. You must be sp proud. Hugs from South Africa

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Natalie!!! It feels SO good to have this one finished 🥰

[@jfrancisartistkottayam]

👌

[@savedraven5096]

BREATHTAKING!!!! You are an incredible artist 🎨♥️ This is so special. Your parents are so blessed to have you paint this for them! Thank you so very much for sharing your process 🎨 Raven

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for this amazing comment!!! You made my day!!!

[@andreagrubisic]

Oh my, the sun sky is phenomenal… ✨ I love all your work but this sky just blew my mind.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Andrea!!! Definitely one of the most vibrant skies I’ve ever made, I used so much pure colour and I have to admit, I’d do it again!!!

[@MrHiArt]

Super cool flowers! You create very cool art! I love the positive energy of your little piece of art! You are a magical artist! With a smile, Mr. Hi! :)

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ritchardwilliams3874]

Thank you for this piece of great inspiration. As someone attempting to learn to paint one of the big problems to overcome is finding a subject that inspires. This is even more so on a big canvas. Painting size does impress but amplifies any problems a painter has as there is simply more space to get it wrong. You have provided a beautiful subject in a way that I could follow your process. Thanks again - simply brilliant!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

This was the most wonderful comment to wake up to!!! Thank you so much, Ritchard, for taking the time to write this and for your kind words. This painting took months and there were many problems to solve, so I’m so grateful you found the video helpful. I wish you great success on your painting journey!!!

[@gulayhala]

You truly have a special talent! I adore your art. ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh thank you so much!!!

[@Harper.s_Art]

Thank you so much for this and I’m SO happy to see you posting videos again, I’ve watched all your older ones over and over

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I am SO sorry it’s taken me so long, I’m going to be focusing on much smaller paintings now so I can produce more tutorials!!!

[@vincentsantos1246]

Thank you for this video. My kids are just becoming interested in painting and were excited to show me. We all watched the whole video together and talked about how talented you are.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my gosh, seriously?! That’s so amazing, thank you for making my day!!! I hope your kids do take up painting; I may be a little biased, but I think it’s one of the best things in the world. Have a lovely day!

[@geethasaketh7501]

Great work I will confuse to complete the work definitely if start the painting.

[@johannebrun3409]

This is absolutely incredible

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Johanne!!!

[@SS-ok6li]

Amasing ❤👋👋👋 thanks 👍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@gunk1645]

SUPER ❤❤👌

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@elizabethstanley6701]

Im speachless. If you knew me youd know thats a big deal. This is absolutely breathtaking. 😍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Awwww thanks Elizabeth!!! That means a lot!!!

[@jimcricketbug-]

Spectacular Marianne! Chirp~

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@leeba786]

This is a very beautiful painting. You have shown each and every detail very minutely.❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@rosiethebear300]

This artist impresses me like no other!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Awwww thank you so much!!!

[@oddievandijk4252]

My family of nine arrived in 1952, I was 2 1/2 years old. Dad eventually became head gardener at Castle Loma and bought some land near Aurora where we built a house and greenhouses. The poppies are grown on slopes in the Nederland to best display the red which represents the blood spilled by the wars that so devastated Europe and gave USA/Canada a huge leap forward as a safe havens for immigrants.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

What an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@reganpictures]

Outstanding Marianne!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so so much, Ed!

[@Bijoy_krishna]

Beautiful artwork... Beautiful colour combination, Sunlight glow is just mazing God bless you dear Artist 🖌️🌺

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much 😊

[@kingjay6009]

Sensational 👏🏾 😁

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Wow!! That is just stunning!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Jackie!!!

[@andreatorraca8755]

Sooooo beautiful.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you, Andrea!!!

[@PolynHoare]

Wow amazing poppy oil painting. I love all the technique your brush stroke.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much! I absolutely loved creating this painting, thank you for taking the time to write this comment!

[@brookstorm9789]

Wonderful!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Brook!

[@ashleighzee1611]

I knew this was going to be worth waiting for!!! Absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful story you shared too, it really does make the painting even more special.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my gosh Ashleigh THANK YOU! It took forever to complete the painting and the video so I’m so grateful that people feel it’s worth the wait. My intention is to focus on small again this year so I can release tons of content. Can’t wait!!!

[@ashleighzee1611]

@@MarianneVanderDussen You are most welcome, Marianne. Please know that the effort shows and you always deliver a high production value video. I personally love to take note of the colour tips and info and always watch the brushwork which I am slowly getting better at. I'm only sorry I can't click the like button for each time I watch!

[@Maria_Lourdes]

Soooooooo lovely! It's like a segment of very nice dream. 😍😍😍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Awwww thank you so much Maria!!

[@BrandiWineRn]

Your tutorials are great ! Very easy to understand and u clearly have a huge gift for teaching ! How did u learn so much on your own ? I read that u were self taught but did u take any classes and how did u learn to draw? Thank you for all u have done on this channel! I have been painting with acrylics going on my second year now and I have been interested in using oils for better blending tword the end of my acrylic paintings . So your knowledge and help in that area is appreciated. I also started dabbling in watercolor to . Thank you can’t say enough how much info u have shared that has helped me .

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Hi there! Yes, I am self taught! If you follow me on Instagram I’ve actually kept my original paintings and postings from when I first started so you can see the full progression. I learned by reading “Painting in Acrylic” by Lorena Kloosterboer obsessively, and watching other KZbinrs. My favourites were Will Kemp and Lena Danya. I also practiced and practiced, and every single time would aim to improve the painting ever so slightly more than the previous. After a few years, I sought out my favourite artist in Ontario, and after speaking with him by email booked a private week long workshop with him in his studio where he showed me how to use oil paints. That was immensely helpful. The best advice I can give is to keep going, keep learning, and keep experimenting. You’ll do great!

[@minniejones641]

wonderful, just wonderful, cannot figure which part of this masterpiece is the most striking...thanks again for sharing...from Niagara Falls Canada

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Minnie this is the loveliest! Thank you so much for commenting from beautiful Niagara, I'm hoping to do some cycling there this summer!!!

[@toddgipe1748]

Masterful! Your comments and instruction are also very appreciated.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Todd!!! I’m so glad you found it helpful!!!

[@rubygilmer7825]

This painting is so well done. You have given depth and vibrancy to the painting that you alone can give. You have painted your heart and soul in this painting and showed your expertise and talent. I just finished reading Irena's Children and was stirred by the constant turmoil and action for self-preservation taking place in Warsaw, Poland. What an incredible heritage you have.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Wow Ruby, thank you so much for this incredible comment!! I will definitely take a look at the book that you’ve recommended. Thank you!!!

[@tiffanyshiels]

So beautiful

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Tiffany!!!

[@jasminekaur336]

This is incredibly beautiful 😍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@asherrogers2687]

Gorgeous! I can't believe how the poppy's glow! It's almost easier for me to think you have each flower lit up from a light source on the back of the canvas. The ability to paint a FIELD of flowers, with so much detail, is just amazing. Incredible talent! Glad I found your channel. Loved your story as well. Greetings from Arizona Subscribed :)

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Hi Asher from Arizona! Thank you SO much for these lovely comment, I'm so happy you found my channel as well!!!

[@vanniekerkjohannes5568]

Absolutely Stunning!❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@thedarkghost5880]

You explain everything so well , even I can understand it 😊 beautiful painting too , you just got a new subscriber 🤗

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh wow, thank you so much for this very kind feedback!!! I appreciate it!!!

[@LiterallyCant87]

Stunning work!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@carolfillmore6533]

This is stunning!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Carol!!!

[@carolfillmore6533]

@@MarianneVanderDussen you're very welcome I do like poppies!

[@linsaraillustration]

Beautiful

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@luzmarinadiazgutierrez5180]

Sencillamente hermoso

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@eddielindaa]

U what u say and do...beauty

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@Swati.CreativeWorld]

Amazing artwork. looking beautiful and very real.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@silviartchannel3377]

Amazing art work 👍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@the-life-of-art]

You are an incredible artist ❤🎉, beautiful beautiful beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!

[@the-life-of-art]

@@MarianneVanderDussen ❤🌻

[@oval606]

Excellent spectacular painting! Congratulations Marianne!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MrKiehn]

Sooo NICE to see 😀

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@Sinc33rity]

I love ur work sm i will take inspiration from you fpr now on in a visual art student and i am trying my best to be better and to improve each paint i make this video helps me sm thank you i love u for posting u literally helped me sm ur tutorials taught me more than my v.a teacher thank you i hope u life a long life❤️

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you Jodee, this means so much to me!!! The more people feel empowered in their art, the happier I am!!!

[@KavindhyaJayakody]

Exactly awesome ❤❤❤❤👌

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@user-xn3ev3sg5y]

Поразительно! Как мы совпадаем в работе с картиной я на другом континенте пишу практически так же! Закат потрясающий ❤❤❤❤😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Это очень круто! Большое спасибо за просмотр и за то, что написали мне, хорошего дня!

[@user-xn3ev3sg5y]

Спасибо! Творческих успехов!

[@karenbaumanis5750]

Incredible work

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Karen!!!

[@breannakuhn9336]

This such an amazing beautiful painting, thanks for the tips!😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so happy you liked it and found the info useful, Breanna!

[@breannakuhn9336]

@@MarianneVanderDussen keep up the amazing work! And God bless!

[@pacoperezgarcia]

Por encima de lo extraordinario Enhorabuena

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@thetravelleands]

You are so talented

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

That is so kind of you, thank you so much

[@brendawillems4804]

Prachtig! This is stunning. As á Dutch women we see this poppy fields á lot in The Netherlands. Are they also in Canada?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

They’re definitely nowhere near as prominent! Poppies are a desirable garden flower but rarely grow in fields here. The reference for this one was taken in Dorset, England 🥰 I’m so happy you found me all the way from the Netherlands!

[@Classicartist169]

Question philosophique : l’art est-il une représentation de la réalité ou de l’imagination ? Thank you for your wonderful art ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I was painting from a beautiful reference photo provided by a photographer from Dorset, her page is Dorset Delights and she's wonderful. I wish I could create something like this from my imagination but unfortunately not! Thank you for watching!

[@Classicartist169]

@@MarianneVanderDussen Thank you very much for your kindness😊❤️, i'm 17 years old, i painted four paintings and I have a special philosophy about art. In the future, i want to write a book about the philosophy of art, but I am busy writing my first philosophical book that deals with the philosophy of society. I am from Morocco and i think i am the youngest writer in Morocco🇲🇦

[@LynnePriceStudio]

This was very exciting to watch. It turned out beautiful. I am wondering what you used for shadows in the red poppies. Some of the shadows look purplish. I am thinking how burnt umber or green might work.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Hi Lynne, great eye! I used Quinacridone Violet to create those rich darker tones in the poppies. I first tried using ultramarine blue, but it was muddying the colour. Quinacridone Violet gave me the exact colour I was looking for when combined with the Quinacridone Red or Cadmium Red Medium!

[@LynnePriceStudio]

@@MarianneVanderDussen thanks!!!

[@laupereira6697]

Show!

[@rosemaryclark610]

I just found you tonight. It's late right now, but I'm looking forward to watching your videos tomorrow. Thanks for sharing! I'm also from Ontario, although have been living in Colorado with my husband and now grown children since 1986. Are you of Dutch heritage? My maiden name is Van Giesen :)

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I am Dutch!!! Third generation 🥰🇨🇦 I’m so happy you found my channel!

[@rosemaryclark610]

@@MarianneVanderDussen my parents came over from Holland to Canada, different years, different boats. Met and married in Canada, had five of us kids. My other brothers and sisters are still up there. I'm the only one that married and then moved down here to the States. Anyway, nice to "meet" you!

[@susyaguero8968]

Hola! Por favor...permite la traducción a español ❤❤❤❤gracias por eso❤❤❤

[@BetaGolchin]

Wow what a masterpiece! May I ask what size canvas you used for the painting?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

This is 30”x60”!

[@turtlefairy5336]

This is amazing! I liked how you talked us through the complex process. How long does a painting like this take?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

This painting took several months because I had other projects on the go, but if I had to guess I think at least 100+ hours!

[@malca1945]

wonderfull / thank you so much . can I do the same with Acrilic? 🌼🌷

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Definitely! Just be prepared that there’s little to no blend time on the canvas, so you may need to cheat it by blending colours on the palette instead. Check out some of my other acrylic tutorials for a tip on creating a wet palette if you need to keep your paints workable for a long time!

[@ajitkumarpal2241]

Hello Ma'am. I am new to your channel but I am learning a lot about painting. I love to do acrylic painting but I do want to learn oil painting. Regarding that I have a question to ask. How much time is it required for oil painting to dry (before I can apply varnish)?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

It depends on multiple factors! Because I paint in thin layers, the painting is usually fully dry within a week or two, and I use a varnish that has some breathability and is a little forgiving if there is a little bit of wetness still. However, if you paint with a very thick style, you’re going to want to wait multiple months. It also depends on humidity levels where you live, if it’s very humid you will need to wait longer before varnishing. Many artists like Gamvar because it has some breathability. I like Kamar by Krylon, which sprays on.

[@ajitkumarpal2241]

Oh. Thank you Ma'am. The place where I live is actually quite hot and dry. I am from India and the state where I live is Gujarat. Thank you for your guidance. Will follow your tutorials and will follow the burning passion of painting. Thank you so much 🥰❤️

[@oliviathenerd15]

I'm not sure if you've already mentioned it, but how long did this take you to make?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Several months! I’m slow, that’s why I’ve been releasing so few videos per year, it definitely takes time!

[@RoshniDayaramani]

What is your canvas size?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

This is a 30”x60”!

[@forereally710]

I am knowing

[@Turkishloveboy]

How can i get full video.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Hi there! I am currently working on releasing a series of courses through my website, I’ll continue to offer free content through KZbin but it will be shorter and condensed. I’ll also be offering some livestreams in the future as I continue to develop this channel. If you subscribe to my newsletter (the link is in the description and you get a free ebook or reference image) you can remain up to date on everything. Thank you for your support!

[@Turkishloveboy]

@@MarianneVanderDussen yes.I want to learn.N Tommarrow will be my competition topics is on " Flowers" n i am practicing your this painting right now.Your paintings are really really outstanding.

[@cutegirlnabila3714]

pleas colour mix vidio😭

[@forereally710]

Hi?

[@asadjaanasadjaan688]

Barbie doll's painting

[@user-oc9of7yb5s]

Рисуйте больше с натуры! Фотографии это инструмент. Но цветоведение формируется не правильно, без этюдов с натуры.

[@asadjaanasadjaan688]

How are you so beautiful?