I do not, typically paint sunsets or any scenery, but, occasionally, one just happens. I think I do not have confidence, or the ability to just let things happen. A few months ago, I was trying out techniques for my Kid’s Art Class and tried out Balloon Painting. This led to me giving a sunset scene a go. And, actually loving doing it. I learned some things from my try.
There is deep emotional drama from sunsets. It draws the attempt at language to describe it and often that is impossible for how can we express such awe it draws from us. Some of us are drawn to our blank canvases to try to describe that awe with shapes and colors, hues and vibrancy, trying to capture light and shadow, transience, and the contemplation and introspection that comes from being allowed to see such beauty.
1. Study sunsets, sunset paintings, etc. and seek and memorize the brightest colors. Paint your brightest colors first. Layer colors without blending.
2. Paint your cool colors. The gray colors actually make your vibrant colors look more vibrant.
3. Paint the foreground dark, bringing in vibrant colors from the background into the foreground.
Sunset paintings are strong imagery. By deftly making sure the vibrant colors are silhouetted with gray and darker images of clouds, etc., it will draw the viewer into the painting. Every sunset is unique and very temporary. Adding a peculiar cloud, a reflection in the foreground, a bird in flight, can add a pop of interest. A sunset can give rise to wonder, to nostalgia, to sensory reactions. This is what we want, as painters. This is what the viewer seeks.
©Carol Desjarlais March 19.2024
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