I don’t usually choose to paint – drawing just seems easier and more forgiving – but when I do, I remember how fun and rewarding it can be.
I recently decided to paint again after seeing a stunning sunset the other evening. Unfortunately I didn’t bring my camera along with me to capture the moment and I was mentally smacking my forehead for it, but I tried to remember the vivid colours and dramatic lighting. Then when I sat down ready to paint, I found a few good reference photos and paintings of my own and from others. I was a bit apprehensive since I’ve never painted a sunset before.
My first “draft” of the painting looked like this:
I liked how it started, but I wasn’t quite happy with the sunbeam or the mountains. It didn’t feel like it matched my mental image of that gorgeous sunset.
The next day, I looked closely at my reference images and observed important details about lighting, colour, and perspective. I added more highlights, detail, and vivid tones. Finally, it turned into this:
I used acrylic paint on canvas for this, with a bit of pencil crayons and white gel pen to add more colour, detail, and highlights.
This piece was so much fun to paint and a definite learning curve for me. I always enjoy trying new things and experimenting with art, as well as going outside of my comfort zone a bit. I’m happy with how this painting turned out and I look forward to trying new versions of it. I also realized through this piece how much I love painting clouds – so expect to see lots more cloudy pieces from me in the future :)
Your painting is beautiful. Attention to detail is one of your super powers. This was an awesome anniversary gift for Lorinda and me. Thank you again, Hazel!
You’re so welcome! Thank you for your comment <3
Beautiful, you are such an inspiring artist Hazel…I really need to try painting!
Thank you so much, Do. If you do dabble in painting, let me know how it goes!
Love it!
You are so attentive to detail Hazel. Loved reading of the process.
I appreciate your comment <3
Your are the 3.0 version of Paul Peel. From my understanding, your Greatx3 Uncle Paul Peel captured changes in his paintings by starting over or making multiple sketches of the variations.
Thanks for your comment, Gramps!
That was a gorgeous bike ride, and so beautifully captured in your piece <3
Thank you, Mom <3 I appreciate that.
Well done Hazel.. It’s interesting to see your thought process
Thank you, Nancy!
I just love the way that you capture color in this painting. The clouds, the beams, even the glow of the mountain tops.
Beautiful!
Thank you, auntie! <3