Using Gradated Washes to Paint Skies

     This entry was originally posted on Friday, April 6, 2012 

Cattle Point Sunrise

7x10"

 Layering (also called glazing) your gradated washes make a fabulous sky.

Start with your lightest color first (usually yellow).

Then layer other colors on top of that color.

Allow each color to dry before layering the next color.

 

In Cattle Point Sunrise, I first did a gradated wash of yellow from the lower third portion of the painting and gradated it out to the top. Next I added my red just above the yellow, allowing it to gradate out the top.

Last, I added my blue at the top and washed it out toward the bottom.