Nocturne Notes

Christopher Leeper

Night Wharf 14 x 18” Acrylic © Christopher Leeper

In our previous Voices of Experience interview with Christopher Leeper, we noted his facility with multiple mediums—watercolor, oil and acrylic. He has used all three mediums in his nocturnes as well, but says that acrylic seems to fit the unique conditions of working at night best for him. Leeper sent us examples of his nocturnes in all three mediums along with his tips for artists wanting to explore night time painting en plein air. Visit our interview with Leeper to see more of his work or go to his website: Christopher Leeper Fine Art.

Christopher Leeper’s Five Tips for Painting Plein Air Nocturnes in Oil and Acrylic

1. When starting a painting, put down a dark ground. It can be deep blue or violet or even a deep umber or red. I avoid using tube black and always mix my black. You can use a black pigment but be careful that it does not cause your darkest values to get too dense and flat looking.

2. Establish your …