TUTORIAL: CLOUDS & BLUE SKY OIL PASTEL
In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore how to create a lovely cloudscape using oil pastels, from building up a gradient sky to adding realistic cloud shadows and highlights. Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, follow along as we capture the beauty and depth of the sky with this versatile medium.
This video is at 2x speed. The entire drawing took me about 10 minutes. You may want to pause the video so you can read the instructions and keep up with the process.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
A few tips before you begin....
Use a reference photo of clouds for your drawing. Achieving a realistic cloudscape can be challenging without guidance.
Chalk pastels follow a similar process; you can use chalk if preferred.
STEP 1: Start by adding a dark blue color to the top of your page for the sky.
TIP: Maintaining a firm, even pressure while drawing will help you achieve a smooth and consistent application of color.
STEP 2: About 1/3 of the way down your sky, start adding a lighter blue color. Since the sky is darker higher up and lighter near the horizon, we’ll be creating a gradient of blues.
TIP: Gradient can be achieved by overlapping lighter and darker colors. When you’re layering color, use a lighter touch and increase the pressure as you blend outward. If your work is patchy, don’t worry – we’ll blend it out later.
STEP 3: Next, use a light gray color to add the shadows of your clouds. Start with a light touch and gradually build up intensity by adding more layers.
TIP: Before adding shadows, determine the direction of the light source to guide where shadows will fall. Typically, the undersides of clouds or areas behind other clouds receive less light and appear darker.
STEP 4: Adding blues to the darker areas will help create overall harmony of the piece. Again, using a very light touch.
STEP 5: Using a firm touch, add white to the clouds. As you lay down the white color, you’ll also bled out the shadows. Keeping in mind your light source, identify the areas that would catch the most light – typically the tops and edges of the clouds facing the light.
TIP: If darker colors have built up on your white pastel, clean it before use.
STEP 6: Using your finger, tissue, paper towel, or blending tool, blend out the pastels.
TIP: Be sure to clean off your finger or tool before moving on to the clouds.
STEP 7: As you start to work with the clouds, blend softly and gradually to create a smooth transition between the highlights and the darker shadow areas of the cloud.
STEP 8: Using the white pastel, intensify white highlights to add definition.
TIP: Use the white to further blend out your previous work with the shadows.
STEP 9: Using a very light touch, soften the edges of the clouds by adding wisps of cloud in the sky.
STEP 10: Refine and define the clouds by going back in the light gray color. Blending along the way.
TIP: Gradually build up color and blend until you are happy with the result.