Create that dreamy lake-day look with a smooth ombre blend in the sky and water. This simple technique uses a few shades and gentle blending to give your background depth, movement, and a polished finish.
Using three tones (light + mid + dark) makes your ombre look natural instead of flat. Placing the lightest shade between the two darker shades helps everything blend seamlessly—no harsh lines.
• Choose 3 sky colours (dark, medium, light)
• Paint the two darker shades first, leaving space between them
• Add the lightest shade in the middle between the darks
• Blend where the colours meet using a wet brush, adding a little more paint as needed to make blending easier
• Keep your brush strokes soft and light to avoid streaks
• Start with the bottom water layer and paint it a lighter base coat first so the next layer pops more
• For the bottom layer, use your darkest blue (two coats if needed)
• On the next water layer, use your second darkest blue, either:
• over a lighter base coat, or
• as two coats for a richer finish
• On the top water layer, repeat the ombre effect by blending a darker + lighter blue together
• If your sun will be in the top right corner, make the right side lighter on the top water layer to mimic reflected light
Follow along with the video for a step-by-step guide, and don’t forget to share your finished Lake Life Shadow Box—we love seeing how everyone makes the same kit their own.
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