Carole Heyes created this atmospheric, glowing sunset castle scene using acrylics and water mixable oils:
While touring Scotland, last year, I spotted this scene of Eilean Donan Castle at sunset. I took a picture with my iPad and, when it came to planning the painting, I decided I wanted it to have a warm, glowing sunset. Knowing that a different set of colours can create a change of mood is fascinating. It’s worth taking the time to experiment with different palettes.
Mix acrylics – Raw Sienna with a touch of Cadmium Red – then use the 1″ acrylic brush and a little water to paint the board. The mix should not be too watery and there should be just enough added to give a light covering which will remove the stark whiteness of the board. This also adds an overall warmth to the final painting and creates atmosphere.
Once the board is completely dry, start on the drawing. Initially, I did a thumbnail sketch of the scene to plan my painting, before drawing with pencil on the canvas board. If you wish to establish the drawing with paint, this can be done over the pencil drawing with an acrylic mix of French Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna and a Size 0 acrylic brush.
Painting the dark areas with acrylics provides an excellent base before beginning to paint with oils. Once I felt the placement of buildings was correct, I mixed French Ultramarine with Burnt Sienna and began painting these darker areas: the castle, reflections in the water and foreground rocks, varying the depth of colour as necessary, using a Size 6 Acrylic brush along with a Size 4 Acrylic Round brush for small areas. For the background hills I added a little White to the mix as they are in the distance. Leave to completely dry.
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With a palette knife, paint the sun with Cadmium Red Light and Cadmium Yellow Light. Then mix Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Red…
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