Apr 262 min read

L I F T - O F F

Updated: Apr 29

It's always inspiring when I get to watch a live steam of a shuttle launch. I feel very fortunate to live in a time that sees launches happen relatively frequently! The glow of the flames was particularly captivating during the last stream, and I knew I'd be painting it later. For this one, I wanted to give the dust cloud a real sense of depth, so I had some fun with modeling paste. Let's goooooo!

Preparing the Canvas

Started with 2 coats of Liquitex brand gesso using Princeton Select brand 1" flat brush (not shown in video).

Background

Blended Winsor and Newton brand Mars black with Winsor blue (phthalo blue) for the background using a Princeton Select 1" flat brush.

Creating the Shuttle and Dust Cloud

Applied Liquitex brand modeling paste with a silicone-tipped tool for the shuttle's dust cloud.
Used a white 0.7mm Posca acrylic marker to draw the shape of the shuttle and some of the dust cloud.

Painting the Engines

Used a 20/0 round detail brush to apply different tints of phthalo blue to the engines' lower flames.
Applied a cadmium orange wash for the bright top part of the flames.

Adding Details to the Shuttle

Used Mars black to add shadow and detail to the shuttle, with some cadmium orange for subtle glow.

Adding Mediums and Highlights

Applied gel gloss medium and iridescent medium with a #3 round brush on and around the brightest part of the flames, nearest the shuttle.
Used a 1/4" Princeton Select angular shader brush to add a peachy orange tint made of cadmium orange and titanium white to the tops of the dust cloud.

Final Touches

Filled in the bottom of the cloud with dark grey, made with Mars black and titanium white.
Used detail brush to touch-up the orange in the cloud, as well as pure Mars black to give more depth.
Drew in the moon and stars with white 0.7mm Posca marker.

Final Considerations on Varnishing

Would choose a spray-on matte finish for everywhere but the shuttle, which would be taped off and varnished separately with a glossy spray-on.