Matt Ryder: Painting Rocks & Sunlight

Recently, we asked a group of artists about how confident they are when painting rocks in their landscape work.

The heavy sighs and moans clearly pointed to their answer … not so confident.

As the discussion continued, we heard everything from “my rocks look like blobs of muddy-colored play-doh” to “I’m finding that all of my rocks look the same … help.”

Incredible opportunity to view a training event that was recorded live with a sole focus on painting rocks

You’ll be able to nail the right colors, include amazing textures, add in the most important details, get the lighting down solid, and even bring in realistic shadows — those cast by the rocks and those that are cast onto the rocks by neighboring elements.

Yes, Matt is prepared to paint a few rocks for us! All along the way, he’ll share the tips, tools, and techniques he uses to expertly capture all kinds of rocks — from the tiniest pebbles to the biggest boulders.

He is just the right instructor because he is from Dubai where he is surrounded by a rocky, sunny landscape. This landscape reignited his passion for painting. His excitement shines through as he shares the multiple ways he has discovered to simplify the process so you have successful paintings every time. No more over-complicating the early stages which can cause all kinds of headaches when you try to progress through the painting.

And not just the rocks … Everything Matt has for you will be helpful for all of the things you love to paint.

Here’s just a glimpse at what Matt demonstrates:

• Color vibrancy
• Value relationships and control
• Edges
• Effective color mixing
• How simplifying the structure leads to more dimension
• Brush application
• The right way to start
• The hazard of laying paint down too thick
• How to build texture and form
• Composition techniques that will make your work more appealing to those who view it
• Bring in the beauty of the sunlight to your rocky scenes
• Creating detail without actually painting detail
• Techniques that work for painting from photos as well as when you’re painting from life. (Matt’s Tip: Do both in order to improve quickly)
• Tools to create paintings of rocks that are full of light, texture, and color that you’ll be proud to share, show, and even sell
• And so much more …

“I strongly believe anyone can paint well. You must have the passion and desire to put in the work.”  — Matt Ryder

It’s All About the Techniques

Some of the techniques you’ll see Matt demonstrate are oil painting, alla prima, thin-to-thick, effective brushwork, and palette knife work. Even if you haven’t tried any of these techniques for yourself, you’re going to want to incorporate them into your own paintings.

Designed for Every Skill Level

Artists at every stage will benefit from this workshop-style presentation. Matt has designed the instruction so anyone who struggles to create form and texture with rocks can see immediate improvement.

If you’re stuck in an artistic rut, you’ll find a way to push through and experience a whole new sense of creativity and enthusiasm for painting.

If your landscape paintings feel more illustrative and no longer have texture and they lack life, you’ll soon be providing some much needed resuscitation to your artwork.

Love color but mixing results in a dull or muddy look? No more. Matt will show you his simple rules regarding color and he’ll give you the tools to mix any color with ease. 

“I strongly believe anyone can paint well. You must have the passion and desire to put in the work.”  — Matt Ryder

In this video, Matt’s goal is to show you how to simplify a complex subject like a group of rocks by increasing your understanding and use of values. This will help your rocky scenes look real, showcase the right amount of detail, and increase your confidence in painting sunlight — a topic many artists find difficult.