Painting Dynamic Skies in Watercolour
Saturday, 10 January 2009 19:59 Joan
Posted in Painting Tutorials
Clouds are often a vital part of a landscape either as a complementary part of a beautiful landscape or even as the focal point. In the latter case the horizon should be painted two thirds down the page and the landscape painted in simple fashion. Never paint the horizon through the middle of the paper!
Clouds, like everything else, must also be painted in perspective with those closest to the viewer larger and more detailed. They probably become smaller and flatter as they go into the distance.
One way to paint clouds is to lay down a wash and lift out the cloud areas with a natural sponge or damp tissue removing more colour in some areas than in others so the clouds are appearing in “3 D”! You can also start by painting around the cloud shape to give them hard edges but then go back and soften here and there to depict a soft fluffy look.
You can incorporate a variety of techniques to make them interesting and dramatic as they so often can be. They can also show direction by swooping towards the lines of the landscape.
Keep practicing and you can gain great enjoyment in developing your own style and techniques.
Use your eyes and observe clouds as often as you can and note the great many designs in their formation which makes them ever fascinating!
