In this chapter, we delve into the art of painting expressive skies, focusing on a stunning backlit sunset scene from Malaysia. This lesson is a small part of a larger course I'm developing, aimed at enhancing your ability to capture the drama and beauty of the sky in your paintings. In this scene, we're looking directly into the sun, with clouds and an island creating a captivating silhouette. The backlighting effect means that these elements are mostly in shadow, but they exhibit a beautiful rim lighting that adds depth and intrigue. You'll notice a striking gradation in the sky, transitioning from warm light near the sun to cooler, darker tones further away. This chapter will guide you through a straightforward four-step process using acrylics or oils, starting with creating a smooth gradation in the sky, followed by layering clouds, painting the island, and finally the sand. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, allowing you to experiment and incorporate these techniques into your own work. I hope this lesson whets your appetite for the full course and I welcome any feedback you have to help me refine it further. Let's bring this beautiful scene to life on your canvas.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
I cover the sky and a bit of the foreground where the water will go with a layer of white. I thin it down with water if it's too thick, aiming for a wet but not thick layer to create a couch for the paint.
Maintain Wetness
I give the canvas a little squirt with the water bottle to keep it wet, which is crucial for smooth gradations. The drying time will vary based on room temperature, humidity, and the type of paints used.
Apply Sunset Pink
I mix a little red for a sunset pink and block it in at the bottom of the sky. I smooth it out across the bottom and down into the water area, letting it blend nicely into the white.
Pro tipKeep the canvas wet with a light mist of water to ensure smooth blending.
In this chapter, we embarked on an exciting journey to capture the beauty of expressive skies with backlighting. From the initial block-in of the sky to the final touches on the sand and seagulls, each step was a chance to explore the interplay of light and color. I aimed to guide you through the process of creating smooth gradations, dynamic clouds, and reflective surfaces, all while maintaining a sense of spontaneity and expression.
I hope you found joy in experimenting with the various techniques, such as using retarder medium for extended workability and playing with the contrast of hard and soft edges. The goal was to encourage you to embrace the flexibility of acrylics and the drama of backlit scenes. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to add character and depth to your painting.
As you continue to practice, I encourage you to take risks with color and composition. Let your creativity guide you, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as you go. I look forward to seeing how you interpret these techniques in your own unique way. Happy painting!
Points to remember
Keep the canvas wet with a light mist of water for smooth blending.
Enjoy the visible brush strokes in the sky for added character.
Use retarder medium to achieve both soft and hard edges in clouds.
Maintain the brightness of highlights by keeping the brush clean.
Avoid pure black; use it to mix greens or darken colors instead.
Be mindful of the edges where sand meets water for a reflective effect.
Create large shapes with single brushstrokes for a strong foundation.
Remember that paint dries darker, so mix highlights lighter than necessary.
