How to keep sky clean when painting plein aire oil landscapes?

Question

I paint trees and sky next to each other - but end up getting bits and smears of green mixed into the blue sky b/c i'm trying to cover up the canvas. how do i avoid this? wipe the brush off between dabs of paint? any suggestions?

Answer 1

I think you should consider painting a different way...forget about the edges of tree and sky... work the detail levels simultaneously all over the canvas, not bringing one part (trees/sky edges) to finish before the rest. In other words, develop all parts of the painting simultaneously. If that degree of realism is needed, then make sure all parts of the painting are finished to that level. Mistakes can be wonderful so don't be too quick to re-work a green sky smear. It could look like blowing leaves.

Answer 2

It is not necessary to clean them so thorough because oil dries slowly. You can use one of these products that are actually hand cleansers for oils, tar, resin. I get it at the arts supply but also at the hardware store. It takes me about 3 minutes to clean 10-15 brushes good enough and all 10 fingers! In one go, and it is much better for the environment and my lungs than the paint thinner. I use turpentine/white spirit only if I don't use the brushes for more than 4 days because then the remnants of the paint dry and after a week or so kill the brush. You can additionally use, for groups of similar paint, separate brushes, so no wrong color remnant will come near your new palette.

Answer 3

Paint low, and you won't dirty the sky.