A Rainy Day Adventure: Creating a Playful Rain Scene ☔🌧️

This Moment by  - Shruti Deshpande

In my latest painting, I wanted to capture the joy and humor of a rainy day where a girl, determined to take her dog for a walk, battles against her pet's reluctance. The scene unfolds in the outdoor area of a house with the door open, and as the rain pours down, the girl wearing a parrot colored raincoat and holding a blue umbrella drags her hesitant dog out for a walk. The stairs outside the house are bordered by small patches of freshly sprouted green grass, and a vine climbs up toward the door, adding a lively touch to the rainy scene.

1. Observing the Scene and Gathering Ideas 🌧️🏡

I always start with a bit of research and observation. For this painting, I looked at various images of rainy days, dogs walking in the rain, and scenes of greenery around homes. The challenge was to capture not only the rain but the playful dynamic between the girl and her dog. I focused on how the rain affects the environment, how it splashes on surfaces, and how it adds life to the grass and vines.

Reference Images for painting I use

2. Preparing the Materials 🎨

Once I had my vision, it was time to gather my materials:

Acrylic paints: I chose a range of colors, from the blue for the umbrella, parrot green for the raincoat, and various shades of green for the grass and vines.

Canvas: I selected a medium-sized canvas that would allow me to include all the small details, from the stairs and house door to the girl, dog, and rain.

Brushes: I used a mix of fine brushes for details like the rain, vines, and the dog, and broader brushes for the background and larger elements.

Palette knife: To create texture, especially on the grass and outdoor area, giving the scene a more tactile feeling.

3. Starting with a Rough Sketch ✍️

With everything set up, I began sketching the scene on the canvas. I outlined the house’s open door, the girl holding her umbrella, and the dog being reluctantly dragged outside. I also included the stairs, with small patches of green grass on either side, and the vine creeping up the side of the door. The rough sketch helped me organize the composition and ensured that all the elements of motion, especially the rain and the girl’s struggle with the dog, would be captured.

4. Painting the Scene: Bringing Rain to Life ☔

I began by working on the background, using shades of grey and blue to give the sense of a rainy, overcast sky. For the house, I used soft tones so that the girl and the outdoor area would stand out. The next step was to paint the girl in her raincoat, ensuring her bright parrot-green color contrasted against the rainy backdrop. The blue umbrella added a striking touch, giving the painting a pop of color.

I then painted the dog, focusing on his body language resisting the rain as the girl drags him with a rope. For the rain itself, I used quick, vertical strokes of white and light grey to create the effect of a heavy downpour.

5. Adding the Final Details: Grass, Vines, and Stairs 🌿🐾

Around the stairs, I added small green patches of grass using a fine brush to create texture. I also carefully painted the vine, which climbs up toward the door, adding to the fresh, natural vibe of the scene. I paid special attention to the water running off surfaces, giving a realistic feel to the wetness of the rainy day.

Conclusion: A Lighthearted Rainy Day 🌧️🐕

This painting was a fun and whimsical take on a rainy day, with the playful tug-of-war between the girl and her dog adding a lighthearted twist. The scene captures both the beauty of rain and the humor of a pet who doesn't quite share the love for rainy walks. I hope this inspires you to create your own rainy day masterpiece!

This Moment by  - Shruti Deshpande