Painting Skies in Watercolour - When Sky Meets Land

In this video, I show you how to paint successful skies in watercolour, with a focus on what happens when sky meets land. Understanding the relationships between these two landscape elements is important and I show you some simple exercises that will help you to understand this, especially how to avoid clumsy and awkward transitions at the horizon by managing your edges when you combine different washes.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
02:38 - Painting over the horizon
08:48 - Soft edges
10:49 - Broken edges
14:43 - Soft + hard edge combo
22:03 - Painting into the horizon
27:29 - Managing complex boundaries
38:38 - Similar tones
45:44 - Summary notes
47:04 - Outro + message from me

[@khrisabuid4315]

I get annoyed when I think of all the time I have wasted watching tutorials that taught me nothing, and then I found these!!!!

[@paintingdrawing8935]

My God Oliver, I hope you read this. you just cleared up so much for me with your watercolor gold dust statement. This has been a longstanding problem for me and I wasn’t even aware of it! This is life changing for my paintings. Gold dust indeed. Thank you sir!

[@elsagrace3893]

I envy Oliver’s children. To have a grounded, solid, patient, caring parent, probably parents. A healthy start and support throughout their lives.

[@attadudepc]

Not only are you a talented artist, you're an excellent teacher as well. It takes a special type of person to accomplish what you've accomplished.

[@sinydedeugd6989]

Oliver, it's so nice to be able to watch tutorials where painting is done in real time! It is so easy to follow and you are clear with beautiful examples. I have found great treasure in your lessons. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it!🙏☺

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you Siny - you're very welcome

[@huguettegabrial478]

I love to listen to you explaining those exercises I learned a lot more from you than anyone else. At 81 it’s about time for me to learn the right way to paint thanks to you. Thank you.watercolour

[@carlospointelin]

También para mí a mis 83. Muchas gracias Olly!!!

[@attadudepc]

Olly, you are a most talented teacher/ instructor. Your teaching method is extraordinary as is your ability to communicate.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Really appreciate that Paul - thank you.

[@sylviasondermann6342]

Deine Bilder machen glücklich! Vielen Dank!!!

[@darnissar]

This is simply charity...parting away with the techniques that can help millions to enrich their paintings. I salute you Mr. Oliver Pyle!

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

I am very excited about this!

[@normaneames5901]

Thank you. You have made me think before I start rather than impatiently rush into a painting.

[@barbararosselot2025]

I’ve only recently become very interested in watercolors. I almost exclusively paint in oils, but already I am acquiring some watercolor paints and brushes thanks to viewing your videos. Thank you so very much for these! They are so informative and it truly seems like magic when I see you paint. Watercolors are so different than oils, but fascinating. They definitely have a mind of their own at times. I’m just sorry I waited to paint until after my retirement almost 10 years ago!

[@inherjyze1ify]

With your talent and your ability to teach i believe 100 G is quite reachable.

[@marypaulic6528]

This lesson was very helpful. I've been struggling with this issue, and your explaination makes perfect sense. Thank you!

[@Thamesfisher]

Excellent video from you Oliver and your son, watched it twice, just to implant all the information into the little grey cells As Hercule Poirot would say.

[@sylviamok675]

Thank you, Oliver. What a great and helpful Video. Greetings from Vienna

[@christinedekeuster7378]

This is just a "pépite" (French word to indicate that sth is really valuable, essential). Thank you a lot for all these technical information, Oliver. You are very generous.

[@williambalogh9293]

You, unquestionably, have the best loose painting watercolor fine art instructional channel, sir. Well done, you.🥂

[@Linda-kh6rl]

In all my years of painting i have never seen any Artist explain this. An it certainly has helped me understand your artwork .An you or so good at explaining an taking your time of explaining.Thanks For Your Lesson.

[@kathrynoreilly6064]

i love the simple, yet subtle depiction of the tree, thank you.

[@marypartridge5154]

I love the way you teach which is understandable as I get tired of all the American channels with all the talk of mark making and demonstrative hype.

[@wernermaier4835]

Oliver deine Erklärungen sind erste Sahne. Das beste was ich bis jetzt in der Aquarellmalerei gesehen habe. Bin noch Anfänger und suche professionelle tips und Tricks die du mir auf brillante Art und Weise zeigst. Thank you very Match 😊🙏

[@lesleyking2815]

Thanks Oliver, these tutorials must take you so long, they’re so appreciated, really instructional and inspiring 😊

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thx Lesley. They do - but they're enjoyable to make.

[@chandramurugaiah4641]

Thank you very much for this wonderful tutorial . I have always had this problem where the two edges meet resulting in unsightly darkened edges from the previous layer. You explained this so simply!!

[@fransymes3924]

Such a greatly informative series thus far. Can’t wait for the next video. Thank you so much for your great tutorials.

[@christinemay9155]

This is a brilliant tutorial. I started watercolour painting last year and couldn't really work out why my paintings always had hard lines instead of merging softly or seamlessly. I was on the verge of giving up and throwing all my painting equipment away. Watching you demonstrate the different techniques and explaining everything so clearly has inspired me to give it another go.

[@emilymanning2606]

True. Once! That is the magic word.

[@efwhitedc]

You, Sir, are a beautiful painter and a superlative teacher. Thank you.

[@edbiggs7168]

What an eye-opener - yes, the series is about skies, but the strategy is what struck me. Thank you for the time and effort you have spent on your videos.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's a pleasure. Thank you

[@jeffreyhill4574]

You are a good man, Oliver Pyle. Thank you.

[@iwqmaster]

Probably one of your best and most impactful!

[@davidsmith812]

I tried the evening landscape (quartered a sheet and did 4 of them) and it DOES take practice. WOW, did I make mistakes (and LEARN!!)! This was a great exercise. I'll quarter another sheet and try it again and again and again.... :). You were exactly right, sometimes it was WAY to wet, sometimes I had it too dry, they paint was too watery, the paint was too thick, I had back runs and all sorts of issues. But....I LEARNED!! And I gained experience. This is so simple an exercise, as you mentioned, but oh so difficult!! :). Thanks again for you wonderful instruction! Painting on....

[@renskee.jellema8697]

Many thanks for this in-depth series on how to paint the sky in watercolour. Oliver, you are an excellent teacher: clear in what you say and what you do, and all this at a relaxed pace, so that it is also easy to follow for the non-native speakers and for beginners. I hope that you are inspiring many to start painting landscapes, a subject that I find to be somewhat intimidating.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you Renske - pleased that the tutorials are helpful

[@hasthandlarn]

Thank you so much for sharing all those tutorials with a very nice educational tone. I'm quite sure I finally will make some progress in my painting. Your channel is one of the best, if not the very best, I've stumbled upon. Thank's

[@dixieeddy4999]

I so appreciate you and your teaching, thank you!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you for the time you take to give us newbies these lessons - it is much appreciated!

[@chloemaxwell2628]

Thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge!

[@liaclark2393]

thank you Oliver this kind of demos are what I was looking for , for a long time understanding principals makes it all so much easier , love your work , much gratitude 🎨

[@irmareitz701]

Brilliant as usual. Congrats on getting to 50k! Always so chuffed to see another tutorial! Thank you for your generosity.

[@monalisamackey783]

Thank you Oliver for giving of your time, experience and skill to help all of us who wish to become better at watercolour. I am so happy I discovered you on KZbin! I have vacation coming up over the Christmas holidays and I plan to do a lot of painting and practicing of techniques with the help of your videos 🙂. Have a happy, festive and blessed Christmas! 🙏🏻

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're very welcome and thank you. Yes, the holidays are a great time to get the paints out......Merry Christmas to you too!

[@ryanhenderson4868]

Wow. Brilliant! The buildings and trees at the end were wonderful. Thanks a ton Oliver!

[@susanwilson1276]

Hello from Leeds, West Yorkshire, near the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors, quite close to the Lake District also....lots of inspiration round here 😊

[@connielester1641]

This was a fantastic teaching session. Thank you so much! I really appreciate you for sharing these game changing truths and techniques ❣️

[@sarahjackson8252]

Thanks Olly, brilliant techniques and advice as always!

[@bparsons7337]

Just caught up after a Zoom call with friends in the UK - but this is so helpful! It orgainizes the process in a way I have never heard articulated so clearly, and applies to every watercolor painting, whether it's a landscape or a still life or a portrait. Can hardly wait for the next one!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - pleased you found it helpful

[@shannlakho561]

Brilliant as always ! Hope to see more from you soon! You are truly the Best! Shanna

[@thewanderess]

Thanks Oliver! You've been really helpful.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. As well as learning so much and being really motivated to give it a go, I just love watching you paint. - magic!

[@patriciaharris8213]

Thank you so much for a brilliant and much needed informative tutorial for us beginners. Much appreciated.

[@yunzers]

Brilliant examples thank you.

[@pamelabozzi239]

THANK YOU. So very helpful to describe this approach.

[@lindyhyam1495]

Simply fabulous! Thank you.

[@jant4741]

Subscribed! Sweet how techniques are explored in simple exercises -that really look good in my daily practice water color note book! 👍

[@edwinacollins6691]

I have watched several of your videos and find a good amount of information. Thank you.

[@sandrade1734]

Thank you Olly for the time and effort you take to clearly explain your process for painting skies. After watching you I am always inspired to have another go at painting. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Xmas.

[@katherineclough1772]

I so enjoy your explanations and ideas you have help us with ! Thank you! Love your videos!

[@johnthulborn4713]

Thanks Oliver for these videos. looking forward to the next one

[@renitalopez9100]

Just found your tutorial and find it very helpful on my watercolor journey. I look forward to watching more.

[@daleshawn1910]

Your videos are priceless. I thank you so very much.

[@bl9531]

Great video, thx for posting

[@cockatielnation5425]

Articulate, clearly thought out, addresses problems I didn't even know I had. Thanks for this brilliant video!

[@lilyo1788]

Thank you Olly Pyle, you’ve stopped me giving up on this glorious unpredictable medium with your ESSENTIAL foundation (not just beginner) series! I’m encouraged to find primaries for the tropics. Really appreciate the generous teaching. Merry Christmas!

[@mikeburton1955]

A tremendously useful explanation and practical demonstration. Thank you so much Oliver. Your videos truly inspire me.

[@mariel1852]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge. This video is detailed and precise and really helps to understand the problem of dark circles and raw edges as well as the possibilities of the wash. Continue to give us such advice and it is certain that we will progress for our greatest pleasure. Friendly thought from France...

[@nancybrink3701]

Thank you Oliver for a great and thoughtful lesson!

[@HSkyler]

Thank you so much! Excellent and useful tips beyond measure. I will be going over and trying exercises from this and past videos. Cheers!

[@cadair4736]

Thanks for this, I learned a lot, super helpful!

[@asayeed2853]

Another excellent tutorial; a huge thank you as always for sharing your masterful techniques!! Here's to 100k and beyond! :)

[@lindaknox9908]

I found this video to be incredibly useful. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and techniques.

[@kerriclarke9366]

Another great tutorial - fabulous.

[@RaviKajari]

Thank you ! nice demonstration

[@leahferrell3110]

This has helped me immeasurably. I am at a point where I need to level up with techniques just like these. Thank you so much.

[@lisabennett5078]

Thank you, super helpful, Oliver. The examples are *great*.

[@heatherdavis2579]

So happy to have found you! I've learned so much already and appreciate the quality of your tutorials. I look forward to being a student. Kind regards.

[@hotspursam4972]

Super yet again Olly, thanks so very much

[@jeancollier2930]

Brilliant info! Thanks so much, Oliver

[@paintlady2268]

Excellent demonstration and expainations. Thank you!

[@TomCatSg]

Can't thank you enough for another enlightening video. Basic concept very well explained. Thanks for helping the community improve! ❤️🙏🏻👏🏻

[@christinefortney3565]

This video is what I have been struggling with. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skill.

[@suel4269]

Thankyou for sharing !

[@marywilliamson2559]

This video instruction gave me better results and I felt as though I had more control in my watercolor painting. Thanks for your excellent artist input

[@jennintransit8034]

I had many "aha" moments while watching this! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@luisaavelar4134]

Excellent helpful advices! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@kitsutherland6445]

Thank you again! My skies are starting to look much better! And yes, observation is crucial to get a feel of the sky that day and what was going on around me. A snapshot is very handy as a reminder of the original sky when the light starts to change (almost immediately). And I am using my brushes far more specifically now.

[@shaistaaga9295]

Its so simple to understand this tutorial with examples. Thanks Oliver

[@sergiopinto08]

Love your videos. Thank you so much! They have been helping me a lot in my first steps in watercolour. And I have a feeling they will keep helping along all my "career".

[@laurahopkinsday7338]

I really enjoyed doing these exercises too! Thank you for taking the time to teach this medium to us. I know I'll be watching each and every one of your videos because I have not found another artist that spends as much time teaching as you do. As someone else said previously...you are a treasure.

[@SCHMIDGIUSI]

Thank you Oliver. Your Video's are great.

[@heronalvarez3600]

Gracias Maestro! It is a lesson to see several times.

[@brigitteloranger8692]

Great series on skies. I have been painting for years but still found i was making some basic mistakes. And techniques that can be applied to more than skies. Really enjoyed the “cityscape” sky.

[@voliabrandaolaveneremachad7849]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@carolt.7354]

This is an excellent video lesson! These edges are brilliant! Thank you.

[@smokeyalmond6039]

Thank you for this wonderful stardust

[@ritadrake2289]

Such a pleasure to learn from you- and I love that you are left handed since I am too!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You have made my day with your art work ❤

[@caroldaniels7076]

What a fabulous channel. Thank you Oliver. Your teaching manner is superlative, I’ve learned so much from your thorough way of explaining methods to achieve what we see.

[@ARUNSHARMA-ld6df]

amazing demo Oliver , thank you

[@justinwr092]

Wow I found these videos at a great time. I've been wadding up failed sky paintings and throwing them in the trash quite a bit lately. This is helping me so much! Thank you!

[@nyonyoaye9050]

Thank you Oliver for your time and very detailed and informative explanation. You're a great teacher. Merry Christmas and happy New year ❣️ much love.

[@yipyip2020yip]

Thank you for your tutorials and let me learn more about watercolour painting skills. You're so kind and nice. 😊