To create drama and interest in a painting, it often helps to use the flow of the sky, clouds, and or sunlight to move the eye towards the focal point. A layered, multi-colored approach will usually appear most natural.Ĥ) Let the sky lead the composition. Clouds rarely look like individual cotton balls floating in the sky. Unless you’re going for a really dramatic effect, a solid layer of blue across the sky will probably look a bit like a kindergarten painting. But don’t break up the blue too much. Evaluate your work at arm's length, at least.ģ) Break it up, but not too much. Let watercolor flow and move where it will just be there to guide it with a gentle hand. And like a real sky, a painted sky will always look its best when situated over land and viewed from a distance. The longer you try to paint a sky, the greater the chance you have of mucking it up. Plus, the skyline always flows behind any landscape elements so painting the sky first allows successful layering.Ģ) Paint confidently and quickly, and then back away. It's one of the easiest things to paint but also the most volatile so if you mess it up, you don’t have a lot invested in a painting. When you're finally ready to put brush to paper, follow these tips for success.ġ) Paint the sky first. Take reference photos, make notes, and sketch cloud formations. Before beginning, spend as much time as you can observing the sky.
#Blues painting how to
One of these sumptuous selections is sure to make it on your walls.The best way to learn how to paint skies and clouds is to look up. "A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking, challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective, and open the flow of communication," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a statement.įor inspiration on which blue to choose, we reached out to top designers all over the world. Described by the Color Institute as "solid and dependable," the true blue asserts a sense of stability and tranquility, making it a standout hue to carry us into the new decade. The shade's innate connection to nature also influenced Pantone's decision to name Classic Blue as their color of the year for 2020. “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky-the horizon spot, creating serenity in any space,” explained Dee Schlotter, PPG’s senior color manager, in a statement. The relaxing and serene qualities of this hue have even caught the eye of PPG Paints, which announced their brand’s 2020 Color of the Year is a cobalt and moody, ink blue called Chinese Porcelain. Delicate pastel-blue walls can even transform modest bedrooms into peaceful and calming retreats that draw you in. A rich midnight evokes a more reflective feeling suitable for a home library while a glossy aquamarine exudes just the right amount of energy within a living room. With its diverse range of undertones and ability to pair seamlessly with other hues, this color proves why it is a standout among designers. Blue just may be the most versatile shade on the color wheel.