Step Three painting the northern lights

First we will need to mix some of the colors we will use in this step. You will need these colors:

*Pthalo Blue,*Alizarin Crimson, *Dioxide Purple, *Titanium White. We will be mixing some light colors: 1. Light blue- Mix 1 part Pthalo blue with 6 parts Titanium white. Before we mix the other colors, paint in the shaded side of the mountains . Using the pallette knife use the same techn ique described in step 2 (load the back of the knife with the light blue mixture, line up the edge of the pallette knife with the ridgeline, and pull the paint in the direction of the mountain slope. ) Next using a liner brush and inky consistency white paint (add water) sketch in the snow banks. then, using either the pallette knife or a 1/2" flat brush paint in the snow banks with titanium white. Time to mix some more colors. 2.Dark Blue-purple- mix 2parts Pthalo blue with2 parts dioxide purple and 1part Alizarin crimson . 3.Medium Purple- 1 part dioxide purple 3parts white. 4. Warm purple light- 1part Alizarin crimson 1part dioxide purple 4parts white. These colors will be used for the background trees, shown in detail in step 4)

Step Two northern lights gold pan

The next step is to paint the highlighted sides of the mountain. Using a pallette knife,pick up some white paint on the bottom side of your knife. Line up the edge of your pallette knife with the ridgeline and pulldown at the angle of the mountain slope. (This step can be rather messy, so have lots of papertowels on hand),

Step One....paint the Northern Lights

The 1st thing I do when painting any gold pan is spray paint it with rustoleum. This is a brand of enamel spray paint, that prevents rust. Don't skip this step! Use black rustoleum (may use deep purple or navy blue with black if you prefer). Next mix white acrylic paint with water drops to get an inky consistency, and using a liner brush, sketch in the mountains.

Then paint the bottom 1/4 of the pan with a thicker white paint (not watered down). Use a 3/8" to 1/2" flat brush.

" The Northern Lights", handpainted goldpan

This goldpan was painted as the demonstration for a workshop I taught. I start many of my students on their 1st class with this painting. Whether painted on a goldpan or canvas, the techniques used are easy to learn and this painting introduces many different brushes. The pan itself is large (14"diameter). This was painted with acrylic paint followed by oil glazes. This one is still available for $75plus shipping, call1(907)333-0307 to order.

If you would like to paint one yourself I have included in my next few posts, step by step directions. Teaching people to paint is my passion, so if you get stuck call me at the number listed above, and I'll be happy to help you. For instructions go all the way to the bottom of this page and click on newer post.