At Golden Hour: Here's my painting process


1. Starting with the Sketch.

Then, I added masking fluid to the brighter areas of the painting; this is an important step since it helps maintain the paper's white color in those spots. Afterwards, I taped the sides with masking tape, giving the painting a nice clean edge and framed border.
2. The Background Wash.
To create a golden undertone, start with a bright orange. For the background wash, use paint with a more watery consistency to make it easier to mix and blend. After that, I added some blue above the orange to create a gradient sky effect.
3. Deepen the Shadows.
This blue can also be used to create some of the shadow areas. When mixed with the orange and some brown, it makes for a great dark color.
4. Add structure + remove masking fluid.
Once the basic values (the lights and darks) of the painting are clearly defined, the rest is about building on the structures and details. This is a good time to remove the masking fluid, it will help you see the structures more clearly. Make sure the layer is dry before removing the masking fluid.
5. Finishing Touches.
Afterwards, use a damp small brush to "lift" some of the color off the painting. This is to create more light spots and to blend and blur the masking fluid bits from the beginning. This might make more sense in video form; you can watch my process video on YouTube (scroll down to see).

Watch the video process on Youtube:
Aussie Red Gold (Daniel Smith): https://amzn.to/3L8BLxq
Quinacridone Sienna (Daniel Smith): https://amzn.to/41sv26S
Verditer Blue (Holbein): https://amzn.to/3GRX0RC
Cobalt Blue (Holbein): https://amzn.to/43E5uWj
Masking Fluid (Winsor and Newton): https://amzn.to/3A5VsiX
Watercolor Paper (Baohong): https://amzn.to/3onDupJ
Palette Box: https://amzn.to/3KIlkGJ
Mixing Palette: https://amzn.to/43KBd87
(you can find these at your local art shop, I have also shared my affiliate links to amazon here.)

More watercolor paintings by RAINB.W


Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Watercolor on paper, by RAINB.W

Meet the artist:
Hey! I'm Rainbow.
I am an artist based in Hong Kong. Among the various mediums with which I have worked, I found particular interest in the art of watercolor early on. I appreciated its fluid, flowing properties - it had a life of its own. The process of painting was like a dance with water; I was drawn to the movement of this medium, one that can never be fully controlled yet is wholly beautiful in its nature.
Over the years, I have created a number of series and collections exploring light and color in depicting environments and spaces. Painting has become the medium through which I ventured to see the world around me with wonder; to see the world in all its glorious beauty and serenity, with awe. In the last decade, I have been fortunate enough to share my work with others through exhibitions and workshops locally and internationally. I am honored to be sharing about my art with you here.


Here's where you can find more information about me and my work:
A look inside my painting process: On youtube
Learn to paint cityscapes with me: In my online class
Find my available original paintings: On my website
Find my art prints: On my website
Glimpses into my art practice: On instagram