Pastel Painting - How To Paint Sky Holes

In this paint-along video, learn how to paint sky holes in your tree-filled landscapes that look both loose and realistic. Download your free guide, “4 Ways To Paint Convincing Sky Holes” here: mailchi.mp/1aeb99aed9c8/sky-h...
Alain's Workshops: www.picardstudio.com/workshops/
Get seven free underpainting videos here: mailchi.mp/46c0c874901f/under...
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[@wizzardofpaws2420]

Alain should read bed time stories. I love his soothing voice. Perfect for an artist!

[@darrenedwards5929]

I love this demonstration. I’ve been struggling with sky holes for some time now, but this tutorial is really helping me. Alain is not only an amazing artist, but he’s also able to explain and demonstrate the technics and marks required in a clear and easy manner. Than you so much. 🙏

[@roslynr9767]

Excellent mark making! Fun to watch and easy to listen to. You have a very nice voice!

[@mikeh7935]

You, Alain Picard, are such an inspiration, and your voice is so soothing. Just watched your Live Q&A session, and I could sit and watch you paint for hours. Thank you for, once again, sharing your gifts to help those of us who are all at different points on our journey but all gaining knowledge from your videos. You simply explain things so very well and we pastelists are so fortunate to have these videos available to us! Looking forward to the next Q&A! Many thanks!!

[@deedunn9811]

I swear, your blending brush is a magic wand, and watching every stroke and mark come alive just makes me giggle - best videos EVER to watch in this COVID year.

[@mjpete27]

I have put off watching this video as I tore my bicep muscle and you are just to inspiring I want to go do! when I watch your videos and I just have to NOT until my arm heals! I broke down and watched tonight after everyone else went to bed. You continue to amaze and inspire. I want to thank you for your continuing encouragement and encourage You to keep presenting your videos and IG posts too! Your videos are so amazing your Wife is a real talent too! Thanks to everyone who gets your message and Art online for so many to enjoy and be inspired by, THANKS!

[@AlainPicard]

Hey Michael, I am so sorry about your bicep! Hope it's healing well. Thanks for pumping me up to keep painting and sharing, it's a real joy and excites me to help great people like you to keep pushing forward to improve your art! Keep painting and talk soon

[@radudelacluj]

The mark of a unique artist: when everything he/she does seems easy! Alain Picard is an outstanding technician and ARTIST, everything he does has purpose ... Bold and confident, a true inspiration! Thank you Mr. Picard, I am a huge fan of your artistry!

[@AlainPicard]

That really means alot, thank you very much!

[@mattyrsofar]

I don’t think you “go crazy with color”, I LOVE how much color you use!!! I also really enjoy your videos. I work with acrylic paint, but still learn from watching you work in pastel.

[@AlainPicard]

thanks Matthew, that's great! Keep painting

[@jancarlton6674]

Alain, Thanks for another great teaching video! You are quite generous with sharing your expertise and it is tremendously helpful!And great timing for me as I am currently planning a tree painting . My biggest challenge is keeping sky hole marks fresh, need to remember to plan carefully and not "mess" with them once placed. Jan

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Jan, so glad this came at a great time for you! Along with the intentional planning is the carefree playing, they each have a fun place in the painting. I love your marks, keep going!

[@susannamclean6485]

Thank you Alain for another super tutorial. I particularly enjoyed your choice of colours for the sky, and your advice not to overdo the sky holes.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Susanna, I'm so glad you enjoyed the lesson! That's great, and now I hope it will really help you to develop your own work!

[@jenniefrench1338]

Alain Picard my biggest obstacles to successfully making sky holes is really my perception that they have to be "perfect". I become my worst critic even though others or some like my art. It is a constant insecurity that has been there since I first started art contests at 5. That's why I do not do them. I love that my favorite color was put in the sky holes and it didn't have to be a cobalt color. Your work is refreshing. I also appreciate the importance of thumbnails. The photo can be put away and work can continue pure in form. Thank you again and greetings from the land of Lincoln.🤗

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Jennie, thanks for your vulnerability, the inner artists critic is one of the hardest parts of the creative process. But keep painting and enjoying the process, I'm sure your work is far better than you think! Many blessings to you

[@myartprocess6003]

M A G I C A L ! I love watching Alain Picard paint!

[@michep.169]

Very good video. I have learnt so much not only about creating holes but about creating trees and landscape. Thank you

[@victoriagadd6831]

Wow such masterly strokes and an amazing piece from start to finish. Even at various early stages it was already a masterpiece :) You are so talented and a wonderful generous tutor, Alain.

[@AlainPicard]

I really appreciate your kindness, thank you! Keep painting

[@margaretpollard5507]

I’m just loving your tutorials. All your subjects are so well done. Thank you so very much.

[@AlainPicard]

it is my pleasure, all my best to you on your creative journey Margaret!

[@janetbailey7600]

Thankyou so much. As usual you are very generous with your knowledge.

[@Ann-rg9bt]

Thank you, Alain! It was a beautiful demo and came just at the right time for me.

[@patriciabrutchin6851]

Loved the sky hole demo! It just glows! Thats what I want...Thankyou!

[@roslynburgess-clay1419]

Thankyou Alain for being so generous in freely sharing some of your strategies. So helpful and a much needed subject to address. God bless 🙋🏼🙏🏻

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, Roslyn, it's a joy. Thank you for your gratitude, and God bless you too! Keep painting

[@pattihowe2136]

An excellent & instructive video. Thank you so much, learned a great deal about creating convincing skyholes.

[@denisegrossman3840]

So grateful for this video, it answered such a big question for me, which is, at what point is best to paint the sky! Now I know... so generous Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Awesome, really glad I could answer that one for you!

[@birgitblume7877]

Just what I needed! Thank you for another wonderful lesson - and the guide!!! That's so helpful! 😊

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Birgit! Glad it was helpful.

[@arabellahorwitz2622]

love it!

[@andrearhoda2802]

Thanks for all the good info and the printable guide. I've started a notebook with all your guides and have referred to them many times. My biggest challenge with sky holes has been keeping them from being too square, or triangular, or too big!!!

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, Andrea! I'm so glad you have a notebook of guides! That's great. Keep up the great work, and you'll get the hang of those sky holes!

[@a_numbers_girl7025]

Beautiful, as always!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much Victoria, glad you enjoyed!

[@judicleghorn7582]

another wonderful video. I learn so much by watching! Thank you, Alain!

[@AlainPicard]

Such good news, thanks! I'm so glad you are learning, all the best!

[@dslart9576]

Turned out beautiful ~ thank you for the sky hole lessons.

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Dsl Art, thanks for appreciating! All the best

[@Debnfl]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jodiroman4521]

Awesome lesson! Beautiful painting. Thanks Alain!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Jodi, that is very kind. I'm so glad you enjoyed, and I wish you all the best in your painting!

[@seasidestudioart5380]

Loved this one Alain. Thanks so much!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you, that means alot. Have fun painting your own tree filled skies!

[@TimtheRedBot]

Awesome!

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Tim, so glad you enjoyed! All the best

[@josephineherrera8508]

I loved this. You are such a great teacher. Thank you.

[@AlainPicard]

You are so welcome Josephine!

[@susanzolton6730]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@bethglaude8749]

Great information! I think I understand better about including sky holes. Thank you for doing this video!

[@AlainPicard]

I'm so glad you gained understanding from this video Beth. Keep painting, and all the best!

[@suzypastel5206]

Parfait comme toujours👍😍

[@AlainPicard]

merci beaucoup Suzy!

[@friedastewart1105]

Thank you for another great lesson and for the guide too!

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Frieda!

[@ellenpillersdorf2986]

Thanks, Alain. Great tips

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, Ellen, I'm so glad you found them helpful. All the best!

[@tamlikazaidi1656]

Thank you so much for ur videos.. today I painted with u n it came out really good.. thank you so so much 💗

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Tamlika. I am glad you enjoyed the lesson.

[@coleharmon1678]

I love it!!! just started following your channel. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Cole, that's wonderful. Thanks for the subscribe and keep in touch! All the best to you

[@marktrubisky6271]

A great video using a painters touch.

[@ARTROOTLEAF]

So pretty and beautiful. I'm an artist, but you're so great. ❤️You are the best !!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Keep up your great work!

[@fredasidaravicius232]

Fabulous.

[@AlainPicard]

thank you so much Freda

[@billrighter]

Thanks! Awesome video. Much Appreciated.

[@AlainPicard]

William, you are very welcome. Thanks for your response!

[@michaelmcewan432]

Fantastic work again and tutorial 😁

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Michael, I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@pameladiez4933]

Thank you.a beautiful work of art.its amazing how those colors made the painting come to life.my favorite colors by the way.teal and royal blue.i seam to gravitate towards those colors.maybe I love the beach so much.i love your class.thank you.sky holes,very important.for sure.😁👍💡

[@AlainPicard]

appreciate it Pamela, thanks! All the best in your painting

[@ranjanachand9306]

Lovely.. And very useful

[@AlainPicard]

thank you so glad you enjoyed the lesson Ranjana!

[@tel5891]

Thanks Alain

[@AlainPicard]

You're very welcome Tel!

[@mayrazamora9323]

Excelente!!!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Mayra, that is very kind!

[@Engelhafen]

Beautiful job - I thought your surprise was cookies 😀

[@shamsart]

Very beautiful

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you very much that means alot!

[@sylvianblue]

Really inspiring

[@AlainPicard]

Hey thanks for sharing, I am truly honored that you've been inspired in your creative journey!

[@vicbinkhorst4992]

Heb weer met veel plezier en interesse gekeken en hopelijk geleerd. Ga proberen het toe te passen. With Thanks from Holland. watched with interest and admiration how you did this. Still not capable to do it myself, but I will try. Bye, bye.

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Vic, I am so glad you will give it a try! I wish you the very best!

[@joanndoane4346]

So sorry. I was able to find it after all. Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Wonderful! Glad you found it JoAnn.

[@user-jl6rj5kj5f]

Thanks! Many thanks! 🤗💞👏👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome!

[@magalysuarez3233]

🥰 thanks

[@AlainPicard]

What is your biggest challenge when painting sky holes? Comment below! You can get your free guide here: mailchi.mp/1aeb99aed9c8/sky-holes

[@corakiart]

Alain Picard This came in handy as I am going to attempt a intricate challenge from a place I traveled through, called Luck NC. It’s an old one stop gas and general store building. No longer in use. I love those old buildings. In my sketch I lowered the mountain so it doesn’t overwhelm the little store. Needless to say some close up trees will be backed up by the sky.

[@heatherkitching780]

I try too hard to get it right on the first attempt which tightens up my marks, rather than just letting it be an easy back and forth of tree and sky until it clicks in. Your style is so different from mine, I love watching your process. And I really enjoy your attitude toward painting, it's had a great influence on me! Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Wow, Cora, sounds very interesting! I wish you all the best in your painting attempt. Be sure to create a thumbnail to work out that composition! Have fun

[@AlainPicard]

Heather, I'm so glad I'm rubbing off on you a bit in the sense that you can relax and enjoy the process some more. Blocking in the early stages in a loose way can really help keep the painting from getting too tight and detailed too early. I'm rooting for you! Keep painting

[@angelabradshaw189]

Hi Alain, lovely tutorial. I have been making the mistake of not graduating the colours of the sky tones down through the tree, I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with my sky holes but now I know! I now need to relax and be happy with the marks I make and trust the colours. Also I have to slow down! Just because they’re small marks doesn’t mean I need to be fast. Going to have a go at this scene, see how it goes! Thank you for a great video. Angela

[@joannschoenleber813]

Wow! As always, you are masterly Mr. Picard! Hey your shirt matched the light values in your painting and your sweater the dark values. .was this planned?

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Joann, thanks for the kind words! I didn't plan to match the values of the painting, but I thought it might be good to wear a blue/green shirt for this one. You are very observant! I'm impressed.

[@philamos8914]

An excellent informative lesson, thank you. I always find my pastels are too broad in shape to place the pigment exactly where I want. Do you ever shape or sharpen your pastels?

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Phil! Glad you enjoyed. Yes I will break soft pastel into smaller sized pieces to make smaller marks. I will also use a single edge razor blade to chip a portion of the edge off and create a sharp edge on the soft pastel for a thin edge. And once in a while I need to rub the side on a piece of sanded paper to flatten the edge for a nice smooth mark. All the best to you!

[@joanndoane4346]

Hello: I love watching you paint. I’m on a mission to paint more loosely. I didn’t see your guide for sky holes. Can you repost it? Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you JoAnn. You can find the guide here: mailchi.mp/1aeb99aed9c8/sky-holes

[@lindakriegel5552]

Love the effect you get with the brush. What kind of brush is it? I’ve tried with various brushes and it wipes it out. Thanks for sharing. One day soon I hope to be able to finish the course I started with you a few months ago. Is there an easy way to find it again?

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Linda, if you signed up for the course you just need to login again with your email and password. If you cant find it, just email us and we can help! [e-mail] Oh, and the brush is a Hake brush. Using it softly it doesnt remove all the pastel. All the best!

[@christineessler3632]

I might be commenting a second time; something happened to my previous comment. Its always a treat to see a new video; and the wonderful part of this is that it can be seen over again. While the result is beautiful I just want to ask, if you can describe, what inspired you to use the teal/turquoise color in the lower sky. I didn't see it at all in the photo. But it works, and I'm mystified. Once again, many thanks for your fantastic lessons. Chris

[@jrightone]

I had the exact same thought - what's with the teal and turquoise? What's the color theory here that drove that decision? Would love to know!

[@AlainPicard]

Hey Chris, so glad to hear from you, and thanks! Regarding the color choices, I've painted alot of skies and observed the shift in the atmosphere to the cerulean or teal blue family in that lower horizon layer. So I have fun with it, exaggerate at times, add in pink too at the horizon when it works. But that teal shift is something enjoy using in the lower third of the sky. It's one of my favorite colors!

[@denisegrossman3840]

OOps most importantly I remember the central focus which is understanding simultaneous contrast. The idea, that light value surrounded by dark values will apear brighter. Now I will experiment with changing color of sky as I move toward lower portion of tree trunk. Thank you...

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome, Denise, I'm glad you were able to learn some great points that can be applied to your work. Keep painting!

[@maryorr467]

Great video! I'm always hesitant to paint sky holes because I don't feel like I know what I am doing at all. Your video and handout have given me some strategies to think about and ideas to try. Thank you, Alain! On a side note… I've seen you use that same brush in other videos to soften and blend edges. I think you call it a "hake" brush ( I'm not sure how you spell it). Why did you decide to use this particular type of brush and where can it be purchased? I continue to look forward to opening emails with new videos from you! I always learn so much!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Mary. The hake brush can be bought on Amazon or any art supplier. I think it's called Yasutomo Lacquered Hake brush. I just like that it's not too hard, and not too soft. Just a nice balance to wisp across the edge and create a misting or softening of the pigment. Hope that helps! Keep painting and keep in touch!

[@maryorr467]

@@AlainPicard Thanks for the specific details about this brush! I googled it and you are right, it is readily available at a number of places. And affordable too! I just finished watching your Live Q&A on KZbin (Feb 5). Thank you for offering advice in a live format. At the end of the Q&A someone asked about how to break a pastel into smaller pieces. I offered up an idea that has worked for me but not sure if it posted before you ended the livestream: I have taken an xacto blade and scored a pastel around the entire perimeter at the place where I want to break off a piece of the pastel. The pastel gently snaps off in that spot. You get a cleaner, straighter break and far fewer small little broken pieces. I learned this trick from watching a Bethany Fields video--and it really works quite well! Sharing this info here in case anyone else wants to try it.

[@susanszathmary5541]

What materials do use for your thumbnail sketch?

[@RetireMentalityChallenged]

"sky holes" and other negative area created with positive marks interest me a lot. .

[@luharris-burr9913]

what paper are you working on? black tape from? Better to work on a Black Background?

[@AlainPicard]

UART 400 Sanded Board. Pro Art Tape from Amazon. I use a black background so the video is distraction free, I don't think it's necessarily better than white when painting. But I like it. All the best in your painting!

[@dslart9576]

I have a very hard time with multiple tree trunks in a forest even though I do the mass first I seem to get lost in the woods. ( bad pun )

[@AlainPicard]

Hah, that's cute. I can relate. It's a balance between the drawing component of the trees and the loose painterly marks of the foliage. Maybe just a bit of restraint with the tree trunks to render a bit more of the trunks and you'll have it! I'm rooting for you

[@hofmanno1]

I didn't get any of your free guides, Alan...! I tried it for the free underpainting videos and now also for this free guide. I sent you my e-mail adress and my name...but nothing happened. Not in the past...and not today.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Olaf, I'm so sorry to hear that. Can you just sent me a regular email to: [e-mail] and ask for the resource you would like, and we will help you out. I'm not sure what's going on, but want to be sure we can resource you! All the best.

[@hofmanno1]

@@AlainPicard Thank you for your quick help...now, it works very well...:-)

[@georgeslesur1259]

ça parait facile ! mais pas avec l’expérience de Mr PICARD

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you, Georges, you are kind. Keep painting and it will get easier for you too!

[@renzo6490]

If you are the sort of person who prefers to pronounce words in the language that the words come from, know that ' HAKE ' Brush is not pronounced like cake or rake but more like Haw-KAY or Haw-KEH.

[@erasmusshirley]

I have a hard time consentrating coz this guy is so yummy!!!