ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR PAINTING SKIES

In this video I demonstrate a set of skills that will help you develop a strategy for painting convincing skies in watercolour. I also show you three different colour combinations that I use regularly to paint different skies, showing you an exercise that will help you to gain familiarity with the three primary colours that you use. I finish up by showing you how to avoid mixing green in your skies - a common occurrence for beginners.
The skill tips that I cover in this video are:
1. Be methodical
2.Plan your colours
3. Use large, soft brushes
4. Have your colour mixes ready before you start
5. Test your colours
6. Use a flat board when painting wet-on-wet
7. Concentrate on your timing
8. Use a smaller brush for cloud detail
9. Stretch your paper if you can
10. Fine-tune your skies with glazing
11. Don't over-work your skies
12. Use blending
13. How to lift out areas (but sparingly)
14. Be decisive
15. Watch your paint dry!
The following link takes you to the paints that I use:
DALER ROWNEY ARTIST'S RANGE - geni.us/rwRJa6A
DALER ROWNEY AQUAFINE - geni.us/8bXMGe
MAIMERI BLU - geni.us/sKIh
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:
This video contains affiliate links to products, which means that I receive a small commission on a purchase of those products without additional cost to you. The purpose of this video is to share my knowledge and experience of landscape painting and watercolour with you and from time to time that may involve me recommending products that I use. I receive some of those products from manufacturers for free, but the products that I recommend are only products that I believe in, have used for many years and am comfortable to recommend to you.
The products that I receive are not contingent on me making any video tutorial content, nor are they part of a legal sponsorship arrangement.

[@sulabhdhanuka2773]

In a world of TikTok and KZbin shorts, thank you for putting out these detailed videos on core topics that beginners like me struggle with. KZbin may not reward these longer videos, but there are many of us who love watching them and benefit tremendously from them. Thank you and I look forward to many more such videos. Really appreciate the effort that goes in and you sharing your talents.

[@shelleynichols9626]

Agreed! 💯

[@AM-ui9mc]

100%

[@Pixieshade]

🎯 💯

[@diannebertold3602]

Amen! Timelapses and shorts are so discouraging when one is learning.

[@janeswalden1]

Agree wholeheartedly. Very much appreciated 👏

[@jeangrotberg5806]

This is "teaching"... and thank you so much. The preparation, the thought process.... where to start and plan a painting... as you say - before you ever touch the paper. It's so nice to be shown and included.... not just an observer. Thank You again!!!

[@1msfit]

These lessons are incredible. You provide so much information that my head is spinning😂 but that’s a good thing! Tomorrow I hope to get started practicing and trying out different combinations of my own colors. This is very exciting. Thank you very much for all that you do for all of us beginners. It means everything when you have no teacher and no compatriots to discuss things with-which is why I also love Our Landscape, which is a very helpful forum.

[@pammcreynolds]

I have a lot of skies to practice. I love how you show messing up beside doing it right.

[@helenlittle3075]

Another fantastic video, thank you Olly! These really are the 'gold standard' of watercolour lessons - can't wait for the next one!

[@kerriefearby9542]

I totally agree. Well said.

[@kathleenpotter8453]

Thanks so much for taking the time to break down the steps and colors you use to create your gorgeous skies!! Can’t wait to see your next video.

[@trishwoods]

Yes!!! Thank you for these detailed tutorials instead of time lapse and shorts that actually make me feel sick. They don’t teach me anything. I truly appreciate your style of teaching and also having a “visiting” with artist feel. You are so appreciated!!! ❤

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Trisha

[@trishwoods]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 you’re welcome

[@kristingoethals4330]

I painted one of my first beautiful skies. Thanks to your sky-tutorials. They are amazingly helpful. Thank you so much !

[@margaretmcallister5422]

Yes, you have actually managed to make watching paint dry into something interesting. Thank you. Good tips and great video.😀

[@lesliedroogmans3491]

This is such a great video. It gives you true instruction - you’re not just watching someone else paint - he shows you HOW ahead is doing what he is. Really really good.

[@Marimhage]

Thank you Oliver for this second video on painting skies, full of useful informations as every time. I did’t yet practice the exercises but will do soon. I want to tell that after having watched your first video of this série and practised the exercises I look to real skies in a quite different way.

[@keithatkins6931]

Simply brilliant. Thank you for the clear and precise narrative. There are hours and hours of tips to help my practice and so much more helpful than many videos that either simplify or time lapse the detail out and just add to my frustration at not being able to produce a result that I am happy with. Please keep sharing your experience and skill.

[@kerriefearby9542]

The colour combo doodles is a great idea, thank you. Guess what I will be doing tomorrow? I hope to come up with some useful 'Australian' colours.

[@rohinirsundar]

This was super helpful! And for someone like me who struggles with skies that turn green….you’ve explained it so patiently and well! Many many thanks 🙏

[@paul-oram]

Great exercises. Thankyou for spending the time to film this. I will make a go at all these and post my results on the blog.

[@atelierthhun1165]

I've just enjoyed this for the second time and learned a lot. Your considered approach is delightful. I second your appeal for practice and experiment. Many people regard this as wasting paper and pigment when the reverse seems to be true. Keep up the good work and many thanks.

[@artdavisstudios]

Such a useful video. Gets to the nuts and bolts of how to achieve a sky that adds drama without looking false. Love the non-wet in wet technique. I've always started by wetting my paper in the sky. Also the little playing with trios of color exercise is going to be fun.

[@herzbabeworld]

you are greatest teacher, share all your techniques. It is really help me to improve my watercolour more. no words to say. Thank you

[@magpiegirl3783]

SO HELPFUL. Love your commentary - hearing this from an experienced artist helps make sense of what seems an most impossible puzzle in watercolour use. Thank you - I learned a lot and am going to start a “doodle book” for jus the purpose of watching watercolour do its thing!

[@peterkotlowski4613]

Thank-you so much for your expert advice in doing skies.

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Forever grateful for these tutorials. Thank you, Oliver!

[@irmaclarkson8203]

Brilliant! Thank you Oliver 👍

[@lizinfrance1]

Now it makes sense! Thank you

[@mahirakhan-rea9625]

Can't wait to try this one. Thanks Oliver.

[@jonimarsicano4642]

Being new to watercolor, this video was so helpful! Your advice was so easy to understand. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to try your color exercises!

[@juliechen8710]

I just want to thank you so much for making this skies series. It is incredibly informative and truly the most helpful material I could ever find on this subject!

[@ianproudfoot8372]

I just love these clear, well-constructed teaching sessions combined with the opportunity to practise during and afterwards. I am working my way through so many of Ollie's videos. My weekly sessions are the highlight of my week. Thank you so much.

[@voliabrandaolaveneremachad7849]

Thank you so much! Very informative and beautiful painting! ❤

[@marilynbeeby6435]

Ollie, you really teach well. Thank you for all you have done to produce such an informative tutorial, I look forward to your next video 😊

[@elmineleroux2840]

Thank you so much...I have some practising to do! Your patience and step-by-step guidance inspired me to work more carefully and preparation is the key to achievement. So happy to have discovered you!

[@qumarhelali3981]

Wonderful and thank you.

[@HSkyler]

Thank you so much! You're a wealth of knowledge and greatly appreciate your videos.

[@daleshawn1910]

Fantastic!

[@jamesbooth5187]

Great Video, very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@debbieabruzzini7004]

Thank you for actually teaching!!! I am so grateful.

[@andystacey4760]

Thanks Oliver, enforces the need to think about design and composition before hand.

[@eirenmist2301]

Very helpful! Thank you for doing these sky videos. 🙂

[@karindodge9814]

Loving this video from Boston, MA. Great and helpful as always.

[@stuartayre7618]

Another video jammed full of practical advice--thank you.

[@CastleMc]

One of the best demonstrations I've seen on You Tube, thank you!

[@make-upalternatives5291]

Thank you so much Oliver, for all your wonderful tips. you are a gift. I love your delicacy and understanding.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I also thoroughly enjoy your members forum on your website. It's so mature . Thank you🙏

[@ccc8316]

Very helpful for learning these useful techniques. Thanks so much for sharing it! Really appreciate it!

[@patriciaharris8213]

Just brilliant. You are a great teacher. Thank you so much!

[@stevec-b6214]

absolutely riveting! that last sky was so real in its subtle changes to the horizon. Thanks again.

[@stevebromp9225]

Thank you Oliver beautiful presentation , full of real advice and full of inspirational for me .

[@sandywest4299]

brilliant tyvm. stay safe and blessed and keep smiling with joy.

[@evahagemeyer9142]

Thank you for that tip on transitioning from blue to yellow. PS: love your humor as well (" don't nick my idea")

[@rafaelsando8665]

Thank you so much. Very useful and inspiring material.

[@frankjoedicke5307]

Thank you Oli so much! Very informative and beautiful painting!

[@johnthulborn4713]

Thanks for sharing your videos Oliver

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

This tutorial was so helpful, thank you so much!

[@nancybrink3701]

So very helpful! Love the exercises. Thank you Oliver

[@caroleangel9287]

Wow! What an excellent tutorial. Thank you…

[@lesleyking2815]

Thanks Oliver, great lesson, you make it all look so achievable 😊

[@marie-lineclippe]

Excellent!!! Thank you for the share!!!

[@diannebertold3602]

Thank you so much. You are generous to offer so much of your process. I feel like I’ve been in a workshop because my notebook is full of notes.

[@normaneames5901]

Thanks very much for these detailed tutorials. Giving me insight and motivation and they are very helpful.

[@rihamel-ashry7565]

Very very helpful, thanks for explaining in details mixing of colors

[@annesestier-pu6yg]

Thank you very much for these very detailed and extremely useful videos ! Such a good teacher ! Thank you 🙏

[@joefenech4527]

Thanks for the lesson I've kept a note for the sky colors

[@gigismith4142]

I’ve so struggled with skies! This has been incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@gertrudelow4914]

Thank you for sharing. Luv them and its amazing how you so generously shared your techinques of blending skies.

[@paintlady2268]

Thank you for your in-depth explanations. Appreciate all the thought and effort you've put into these sessions.

[@auraservent7282]

Very helpful! Thank you Oliver 😊

[@Ss-fq3ue]

Thank you!!!! 🙌✨

[@terinagray9447]

Thank you so much Oliver, this was really interesting and informative. 🤗

[@jandaniel9133]

Brilliant.

[@lesleyfox6934]

Thank you so much Oliver it was a very informative tutorial and I look forward to trying out the different combinations you showed us. You are so generous with your time and I greatly appreciate that.

[@chanatipsuksang5532]

Absolute fabulous demonstration!!! Always learn so much from you!!!👏👏👏👏😍😍😍😍

[@irinashagovikova8943]

У вас очень нежные работы. Очень красиво. Я не знаю английского, просто слушаю вас и смотрю. Спасибо большое!

[@heronalvarez3600]

Gracias Maestro!

[@mattwj77]

An excellent second installment. The graded wash demonstration is especially helpful, that's a skill that can be quite tricky for new painters.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

Of course I like your videos. You are a great teacher and your channel has grown a lot.

[@patriciaharris8213]

Thank you Oliver, that was very informative.

[@melindaavila498]

Brilliant! I have had such difficulty working with water. This is so clear and concise.

[@elkakruger6714]

Thank you. This was very very informative and helpfull. You are a true teacher of watercolours.

[@dannychen1064]

thank you so much this is so much helpful!!

[@ninafotiadou2416]

I learnt a lot from this and other of your videos. Thank you for that!!

[@TheArghnono]

Thank you for this great instructional and inspirational video, Oliver. Watching it makes me pick up a brush and have a go again :-)

[@annawozniak6807]

thank you for the explanation on green sky ( how to avoid it). i am definitively going to practice that

[@amysunshine1159]

Beautiful Many thanks

[@leahferrell3110]

You're the poet of clouds!

[@paulineshelley4421]

Thanks very much! This is a superb video with a huge amount of information. It takes me back to my first watercolour classes, many years ago, when my instructor advised us to use this colour palette for English landscapes. Also the paper, even on a block, buckles when wet, I have found 😬. I don’t remember blocks in those days. So it looks like I need to return to my original instructions of stretching it. Incidentally, I haven’t painted for many years so your videos are confirming and reaffirming. Thanks! 😊

[@elsagarciavega4333]

Brilliant!!! Excellent! As always. You are a generous, patient and really beautifull teacher. Thank you so much for your explanations. Thank you from Spain.

[@user-is4dt4df2b]

Thank you for this wonderfully informative video. From Southwest Oklahoma

[@poppyburns3807]

This is so informative. So much really useful info. Thanks so much for these videos.

[@TheLiznz]

Thank you Oliver, very informative.

[@Gashinshoutan2009]

Great tutorial videos! Thank you very much. I would try the methodical approach and planning in my paintings to get more natural transitions of colours.

[@yaseminmutluclarke723]

Thank you very much for your excellent teaching, so beneficial, I appreciate. Looking forward to watching your future videos.

[@terrydevries914]

Hello from Northern California. I was looking forward to this. You did not disappoint Oliver

[@rebeccalyons1327]

Thank you. I’ll give it a go.

[@phyllissmith1105]

Thanks for explaining how to avoid green skies!

[@connieostroha8423]

I enjoyed your lesson immensely! Thank you. Subscribed.

[@mikebutterworth73]

Thank you for giving so much detailed information in a clear and understandable manner, very much appreciated on the ever learning journey of watercolour

[@rupamagdy805]

This was very informative . Thank you🙏🙏

[@Wolf-6567]

Another amazing tutorial. These really help novices like me, and encourage people like me to start out. Thank you for creating them have a wonderful day.

[@user-uw9eq8ez7x]

There is so very much to learn and few people who do tutorials on KZbin go into the detail that you do. It is so appreciated. Silly me, before I started watching yours I thought red was red, blue was blue and yellow was yellow. I had no idea about the nuances between them (and often between manufacturers!) Thank you so much for being so very helpful. I started doing this rather late in life so have to catch up quickly! 😅

[@sambill2045]

Great video, thanks👍

[@sroux7027]

Vos conseils sont précieux et votre approche très pédagogique, est un bonheur pour une débutante.