8936 Rainbow Connection
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A vibrant rainbow stretches across a sunlit landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains, with soft clouds breaking to reveal glowing light over fields of wild grasses and flowers. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this uplifting scene in a 109 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, capturing both the drama of the sky and the warmth of the land below.

You’ll learn how to build a strong composition by balancing the arc of the rainbow with the natural flow of the terrain, leading the viewer’s eye across the scene. Jerry demonstrates how to block in major landforms and sky areas first, then refine them with soft blending and controlled brushwork to maintain harmony and depth.

Special attention is given to painting clouds, atmospheric light, and the subtle layering needed to create a believable rainbow effect without overpowering the landscape. You’ll also explore how to paint distant trees and hills with softened edges, allowing the foreground textures to stand out.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting skies, light effects, and expansive landscapes while keeping all elements working together in a balanced composition. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to develop skills in both atmospheric painting and color harmony.