8999 Chopping Block
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

In this beginner acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this peaceful rustic woodland scene on an 18 x 24 canvas during a 106 minute lesson. A weathered chopping block, old axe, neatly stacked firewood, and towering trees create a quiet country setting filled with warmth and rustic charm. Soft morning light, patches of lingering snow, and muted background colors combine to capture the peaceful simplicity of country living.

You'll learn how to paint realistic wood grain, weathered tree bark, stacked firewood, and natural lighting while creating convincing depth and distance throughout the composition. Jerry demonstrates how to establish the major shapes first, then gradually refine the chopping block, axe, logs, grasses, tree trunks, and surrounding woodland using simple, easy-to-follow techniques that are perfect for beginning artists.

Special focus is given to painting realistic wood grain, chopped logs, tree bark textures, old axes, weathered stumps, soft snow patches, woodland grasses, natural lighting, and rustic country details using layered acrylic techniques, controlled brushwork, and blended color transitions. You'll also explore techniques for creating convincing wood textures, realistic bark, soft backgrounds, and the peaceful atmosphere that brings this woodland scene to life.

By the end of this lesson, you'll gain confidence in painting rustic country scenes, realistic wood textures, and natural outdoor settings while learning how to combine everyday objects with beautiful landscape elements into a harmonious composition. This is an excellent beginner project for artists wanting to strengthen their acrylic painting skills while creating a timeless woodland painting filled with rustic character and realistic detail.