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Painting - Dunnottar Castle - Scottish Castles
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Sketches, drawings, grid and colour palettes...

Original painting of Dunnottar Castle
Original
Tonal version
Tonal (B&W)
Painting with grid
Painting + Grid
Line drawing
Line Drawing
Line drawing with grid
Line + Grid
Sepia sketch
Sepia Sketch
Sepia sketch with grid
Sepia + Grid
Sketch
Sketch
Sketch with grid
Sketch + Grid
Colour wheel / palette
Colour Palette
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  • Start with outlines—no blank-canvas anxiety.
  • Artist grid guides ensure perfect proportions.
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  • Structured references remove guesswork.
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  • Painting reduces stress and helps you unwind.
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Browse: Similar paintings | All paintings | Same style | Same subject

See The Transformation

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Sketch with grid
Sketch
Original
Painting

How It Works

  1. Buy the Paint-it-Yourself Pack.: Check out securely, then instantly receive your PDF pack by email.
  2. Display on a Device or Print It: View the outlines, sketches, and grids on your iPad or phone—or print them out for easy tracing.
  3. Start Your Sketch / Tracing: Transfer or trace the line drawing onto your canvas/paper. Use grid lines if you want perfect proportions.
  4. Paint the Picture: Follow our tonal references, colour palette, or experiment freely. Enjoy a stress-free painting session!
  5. Showcase or Monetise Your Artwork: Gift it, hang it on your wall, or even sell it—we grant you the freedom to profit.
Artist with iPad and Easel

Painting Guidance

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Painting Description

The painting of Dunnottar Castle captures the dramatic and rugged landscape of this iconic Scottish fortress. Perched atop steep cliffs, the castle's silhouette is sharply defined against a soft, overcast sky. The palette is dominated by shades of cool greys, deep blacks, and hints of light blues, evoking a sense of mystery and solitude. The style is impressionistic, focusing on the atmospheric effect rather than intricate details, creating an emotive landscape where light and shadow play crucial roles.

Step-by-Step Painting Guide

Materials Needed

  • Canvas or suitable painting surface
  • Paints in the colors provided in your palette (mainly greys, blacks, whites, and light blues)
  • Brushes: Flat, round, and detail brushes
  • Palette for mixing colors
  • Water and cloth for cleaning brushes
  • Optional: Palette knives for textural effects

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Ensure your workspace is well-lit and all materials are within reach. Set up your canvas and arrange your paints according to the color wheel provided in the Paint-Your-Own Pack.

Step 2: Sketch the Composition

Using the line drawings provided, lightly sketch the outline of Dunnottar Castle and the surrounding cliffs onto your canvas. If you choose to use the grid method for accuracy, align the grid on your canvas with the grid version of the sketch to transfer precise proportions.

Step 3: Paint the Sky

  • Start by mixing light grey and white for the sky.
  • Use broad, soft strokes to cover the upper part of the canvas, blending in some light blue to create a soft haze, mimicking the overcast sky.
  • Pay attention to the subtle gradient from darker to lighter shades as you move downward.

Step 4: Define the Cliffs and Castle

  • Using darker greys and black, outline the silhouette of the cliffs and castle.
  • Focus on capturing the sharp edges of the cliffs. Use bold, decisive brushstrokes for these elements to contrast the softer sky.
  • Mix in some lighter greys to create the illusion of texture and light bouncing off the rugged surfaces.

Step 5: Add Details and Shadows

  • With a finer brush, add details to the top of the castle. Use very dark blacks to define windows or structural elements.
  • Emphasize the shadow regions of the cliffs to give them depth and volume.
  • If using a palette knife, apply it here to create textured rock faces.

Step 6: Paint the Sea

  • For the water, select a mix of blue, grey, and white.
  • Use horizontal strokes to suggest calm, reflective water beneath the cliffs.
  • Add deeper tones near the base of the cliffs for immediate reflection, transitioning to lighter shades outward.

Step 7: Final Touches

  • Step back to review your work, ensuring harmony between the sky, cliffs, and water.
  • Adjust colors and shadows where needed for balance.
  • Let the painting dry completely in a safe, flat area.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should achieve a resonant recreation of the Dunnottar Castle painting. Use the tools and versions provided in your Paint-Your-Own Pack to guide your artistic journey, bringing your unique touch to this stunning landscape.

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Same style Same subject

Prefer a Ready-to-Hang Version?

Framed version of Dunnottar Castle
Love this artwork? Explore even more ways to enjoy it at home—visit ScotlandPaintings.com to discover beautifully framed prints, premium canvas editions, and high-quality posters featuring this stunning Scottish scene. Each product is professionally printed and ready to bring the charm of Scotland straight to your walls.
Buy a framed print of this painting

Frequently Asked Questions

Right after checkout, you’ll get an instant download link and an email with a secure link to use for the next 72 hours.

Absolutely. We provide sketches, line drawings, grids, and colour guidance, so even first-timers can paint with confidence. No drawing experience required.

Basic paints (acrylic, oil, or watercolour), brushes, and a canvas/paper. You can even use crayons or pencils if you like—our references adapt to any medium.

Yes! We remove our copyright from our references, so you own your final artwork completely. You can sell it, gift it, or display it in exhibitions.

If you’re not satisfied, contact us within 14 days. We’ll work with you to ensure you love your painting experience.