Beginner Painting Tip: Developing Shapes with Edges, Colour & Atmosphere @MalcolmDewey
Beginner Painting Tip: Developing Shapes with Edges, Colour & Atmosphere  @MalcolmDewey
Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this second video of the beginner painting series for oils and acrylics, we take the next important step: developing the big shapes you blocked in during the first lesson.

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A strong painting doesn’t come from rushing into details. It grows by gradually refining what’s already working.

In this lesson, you’ll see how to:

Soften, sharpen, and vary edges within the main value shapes

Introduce subtle colour temperature shifts inside light and dark areas

Create a sense of atmosphere and depth, especially in distant shapes

Strengthen the overall light and shadow pattern without losing simplicity

By the end of the video, you’ll see how far the painting has progressed with just a few thoughtful changes — clear proof that a good start really is half the painting done.

This stage is where confidence grows. The painting begins to breathe, the space opens up, and the scene starts to feel convincing without adding unnecessary detail.

In the next video, we’ll move on to completing the shapes and adding suggested details, always guided by the original light and shadow structure.
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Malcolm Dewey |

Beginner Painting Tip: Developing Shapes with Edges, Colour & Atmosphere

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