Lesson 1: Simplifying Complexity

In this lesson, I dive into the transformative power of digital overpainting, showing how simplifying a complex landscape can elevate a painting while retaining its essence. Using a photo of Lake Sabrina in the Bishop area as my starting point, I explore how thoughtful editing and subtle adjustments can make all the difference in creating a striking composition.

Why I Love Digital Tools

One of the best things about working digitally is how it lets you experiment and iterate quickly. The ability to test ideas, adjust compositions, or experiment with color overlays—without committing to permanent changes—is a game changer. Digital tools have really helped me speed up my learning process, and I love using them as creative partners.

My Approach to Simplification

The first thing I tackle in this process is complexity. The photograph I chose is stunning, but it’s also packed with intricate rock formations, layered textures, and subtle shifts in the water’s color. Too much detail can overwhelm a painting, so I focus on breaking it down into large, medium, and small shapes. This way, each element has a clear role in the composition.

Simplifying isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making intentional choices. By grouping shadow shapes and minimizing repetition, I create clarity and flow. Not everything in a scene needs to demand attention. My goal is always to guide the viewer’s eye, highlighting what truly matters in the artwork.

Drag the slider left and right to see how I simplified this rock shape.

The Power of Less

One of the hardest parts of painting is knowing what to leave out. It’s tempting to think that more detail will make a painting better, but in reality, too much can dilute the impact. I’ve learned to think of myself as a sculptor, chiseling away the unnecessary to reveal the essential.

In this scene, I simplified the rocky foreground and background, leaving just enough detail to maintain visual interest. A single crack in a rock or a small submerged detail becomes so much more powerful when surrounded by areas of quiet simplicity.

Adding Depth with Color

Once I simplify the composition, I shift my focus to adding depth. Color temperature is such a powerful tool for this. Near the water’s surface, I use warm tones—rich browns and greens—to create a sense of closeness. As the depth increases, those warm tones gradually transition into cooler greens and aquamarines, eventually fading into deep, rich blues in the darkest areas.

Using a transparent layer in Photoshop, I demonstrate how to glaze over sections of the painting to achieve these subtle transitions. It’s a technique I love because it mirrors traditional oil painting, but with the flexibility to adjust and refine digitally.

Drag the slider left and right to see how I added depth by shifting colors.

Guiding the Viewer’s Eye

Composition is all about movement. I always think about how to guide the viewer’s eye through the painting, placing rocks and shapes strategically to create natural pathways. It’s a subtle but essential way to keep the artwork feeling cohesive and intentional.

I also like to play with balance, adjusting the size and placement of elements to keep things visually engaging. A rock here, a shadow there—it’s about creating a rhythm that feels natural yet deliberate.

Why Digital Overpainting is So Rewarding

One of the things I love most about digital overpainting is the freedom to experiment. I can add, adjust, and remove elements without fear of making irreversible changes. It’s such a liberating way to explore ideas and push creativity further.

By the end of this demonstration, the scene transforms from a visually overwhelming photograph into a painting with depth, clarity, and purpose. It’s a great example of how simplification and digital tools can work together to bring out the best in a piece.

So, next time you’re working on something complex, remember this: simplify, refine, and let your choices do the talking. You’ll be surprised at how much more powerful your work becomes when you embrace the beauty of less.