Priya Kapoor
Painting Paris in the rain is a popular subject for artists, and it can be a fun project for beginners too. There are many ways to approach this topic, from using a paint-by-numbers kit to following an online tutorial. For beginners, a simple watercolour technique can be a great way to start, using loose shapes and simple reflections to create the iconic Parisian scene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting medium | Watercolor, acrylic paint |
| Brush type | Round brush, e.g. Silver Brush company’s Black Velvet line #8 or #12 round |
| Technique | Loose sky, washy trees, a few lines for reflections, simple shapes |
| Subject | Paris in the rain, including the Eiffel Tower |
| Tutorials | Available on YouTube, SkyePratt.com, and EllenHutson.com |
| Kits | Paint-by-numbers kits available from Crafty By Numbers |
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What You'll Learn
Watercolour techniques for beginners
Painting Paris in the rain using watercolours can be a daunting task for beginners. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can create a beautiful and eye-catching piece of artwork. Here are some watercolour techniques to help you get started:
Choose the Right Paper
The type of paper you use is crucial when working with watercolours. Unlike other mediums, watercolours require specific paper that can withstand water without warping. Look for paper that is specifically designed for watercolour use. Good quality watercolour paper is typically made from 100% cotton and has a weight of 140lb (300 GSM). This type of paper will allow you to develop a good technique and understanding of watercolours.
Brush Selection
When it comes to brushes, it is recommended to invest in a good-quality brush or brush set. The Silver Brush company's Black Velvet line is a popular choice for crafters. A round brush in size #8 or #12 is versatile and can be used for both small details and large, washy backgrounds. Remember, as one painting instructor advised, "Use the largest brush you can. It'll make you looser!"
Basic Techniques
There are three basic techniques that are considered the building blocks of watercolour painting:
- Wet-on-dry technique: This involves applying watercolour paint to dry paper. It is a straightforward technique that is great for beginners as it allows for more control over the paint.
- Wet-on-wet technique: This technique involves applying paint to already wet paper, creating soft and blurry edges. It is perfect for creating loose skies and washy trees in your rainy Paris scene.
- Dry brushing: This technique involves using a dry brush to paint onto dry paper, creating a textured look.
Contouring and Blending
Contouring is a technique used to blend different tones of the same colour, giving your painting a sense of depth and realism. By pretending there is a light source on one side of an object, you can create shadows and highlights, making the object appear three-dimensional. Load your brush with paint and apply it in a half-moon shape next to the object to create shadows. Use a clean, wet brush to blend the light and medium shades together, softening the transition between colours.
Remember, watercolour painting is a flexible and dynamic medium that requires practice and perseverance. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes, as it is all part of the learning process. With these basic techniques and a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to capturing the beauty of Paris in the rain.
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Recommended brushes for beginners
When choosing paintbrushes, it is important to consider the type of paint you are using, the style of your painting technique, and the size of your hand.
For beginners, it is recommended to start with a medium-sized brush with soft bristles. This will allow you to hold plenty of paint while still being able to create finer details.
If you are using watercolour paints, sable, squirrel, or synthetic hair brushes are a good choice as they are soft and can hold more paint. Polar brushes, for example, are white synthetic watercolour brushes that are great for beginners as they are affordable and allow you to see the colour of the paint being applied.
For oil and acrylic paints, hog hair or stiffer synthetic brushes are better suited as they can handle the thicker paint consistency. C-Hog brushes, for instance, are a more affordable option that uses natural hog hairs to create interesting textures.
Additionally, flat brushes are useful for laying down colour blocks with smooth, even strokes, while round brushes offer versatility for fine details, outlining, broad strokes, and washes.
Remember to always clean your brushes properly and store them upright to maintain their shape and quality.
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How to paint the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, and has been the subject of many paintings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint the Eiffel Tower for beginners, inspired by a rainy day in Paris.
Firstly, decide on your materials and colours. Acrylic paints on canvas work well for this subject, and you only need a few colours. For a grey Eiffel Tower, you will need black and white, and possibly some shades of grey. You can also add pops of colour to the painting with reds and greens for the trees and the reflection of the tower on the ground.
Next, sketch out the shape of the tower. The iconic shape can be simplified to a curvy triangle that gets smaller towards the top, with a few crossbars at the bottom and a rounded arch. You can use a printable or traceable outline to help you get the proportions right, or draw freehand.
Now, you can start painting. Mix your black and white paints to create different shades of grey, and perhaps add a little black to the edges of the tower to create depth and make it stand out from the background. You can use expressive brushstrokes to fill the shape, and vary the shades to create a sense of light and shadow. Use a small brush to paint the black beams of the tower, and add some vertical or diagonal lines.
Finally, add the details. Paint a tree line using red and white, and add some horizontal marks to represent the reflection of the red on the ground. Use a round brush and white paint to add dots along the horizon line, and then paint the branches of the trees with black. You can also add the reflection of the tree trunks on the ground for a final touch.
There you have it—your very own painting of the Eiffel Tower on a rainy day in Paris!
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Using acrylics step-by-step
Painting Paris in the rain for beginners using acrylics step-by-step:
Firstly, it is important to remember that acrylic paints dry much more quickly than oil paints, so you can easily paint over parts that need a quick redo. However, once the acrylic paint is dry, it cannot be blended any further, and it will have a slightly darker hue than when wet. Therefore, it is recommended to test out your paints on some scrap paper before beginning your project.
Now, for the painting itself, you can start by choosing a landscape, cityscape, or subject to paint with acrylics. For Paris in the rain, you might want to choose a busy street scene with lampposts and people holding umbrellas. You can achieve good perspective without a ruler by working out the vanishing point and aiming your brush towards that. Confidence is key when it comes to your brush strokes.
Once you are happy with your painting, set it aside to dry completely before adding the rain to the foreground. To create the rain, squirt transparent mixing white onto your palette. Dip a dry, flat brush into the paint, and then hold the brush vertically and tap it onto your palette a few times to distribute the white. If your brush is still wet, it will make your painting appear cloudy. Then, swipe the brush diagonally across your painting to create sheets of falling rain. You can also flick the paintbrush on the canvas to make splash marks, especially in areas where rain would bounce off, such as hard surfaces or water sources.
To add depth and a natural look to your painting, you can experiment with different paint thicknesses and textures. Thickening agents like acrylic gel and modelling paste can help create texture, height, and depth in your artwork.
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Painting a loose sky
Planning and Composition
Before you begin painting the sky, it is important to consider its role in the painting. Ask yourself: Is the sky part of the background, or is it the focal point? How much space do you want to allocate to it? What mood are you aiming to convey? Planning these aspects beforehand will help you achieve a harmonious composition. Remember that the sky is often the most abstract part of a landscape, so you can be creative and expressive with your brushstrokes.
Brushes and Brushwork
Use the largest brush you can when painting the sky to encourage looser brushwork. Embrace the freedom of big brushstrokes to convey energy and drama. Remember that you can adjust and experiment with different elements, such as composition and brushwork, to create more or less drama in the sky. Vary the application of soft and hard edges to create interest and texture in your sky.
Colours and Techniques
When mixing colours, use pigments present elsewhere in your painting to maintain harmony. Embrace dull grey areas in the sky to enhance the brightness of highlights. Your brightest lights will often appear more intense next to grey clouds. Avoid the tendency to over-blend colours, as this can result in a muddy grey puddle. Instead, create distinct areas with visible brushstrokes and a combination of soft and hard edges.
Clouds and Dimension
When painting clouds, think of them as three-dimensional objects affected by sunlight. The sides of the clouds furthest from the sun should be darker, while the sides closest to the sun should be lighter. View clouds as solid objects with shape and form to avoid them looking out of place. Thicker or whiter clouds can be depicted with strong brushstrokes and hard edges, while thinner or paler clouds can be suggested with more subtle marks.
Working with Layers
Consider working with layers when painting the sky to avoid smudging and colour mixing issues. Paint the sky in connection with the rest of the scene, especially when painting elements such as trees, where the foliage and sky overlap. You can paint the sky around the dark mass of the tree, filtering the colour through the leaves, and then add small patches of loose branches.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple way to paint Paris in the rain is to use the paint-by-numbers kit from Crafty by Numbers.
You will need a canvas, paint, and brushes. For watercolour painting, a round #8 brush from the Silver Brush company’s Black Velvet line is recommended for beginners.
Some easy watercolour techniques include loose skies, washy trees, and a few lines for reflections. The Eiffel Tower can be depicted as a curvy triangle that gets smaller toward the top, with a few cross bars at the bottom and a rounded arch.
Yes, there are step-by-step tutorials available on Skye Pratt's website and YouTube channel. These tutorials are designed for beginners and teach acrylic painting techniques.
To create a rainy atmosphere, use loose shapes and delicate details. Focus on capturing the reflection and light of the rainy scene, and consider including iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower.
