Ombré Gradient Rock Painting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your colour family

   Select three or four colours from a single hue family that transition from light to dark: white to blush pink to dusty rose to deep burgundy, or pale sky blue to cobalt to navy. Squeeze a small amount of each colour onto your palette in order from lightest to darkest.

2. Apply the lightest colour first

   Paint the top quarter of the rock with your lightest colour using a medium flat brush. Apply two even coats for full opacity. Leave this section to dry completely before moving to the next colour. A clean, opaque first band is the foundation of a successful ombré gradient.

3. Apply the second colour and blend the join

   Paint the second colour band directly below the first. While both edges are still slightly damp, use a clean small brush to feather and blend the boundary where the two colours meet, working in short crosswise strokes. The blended zone should span about 1 cm - subtle and gradual.

4. Add remaining colour bands

   Continue adding and blending each subsequent colour in the same way, working down the rock from light to dark. Each new band should be blended into the one above while both are still damp. Work quickly within each blend zone before the paint dries to maintain a seamless transition.

5. Refine and seal

   Once all bands are dry, review the transitions. Touch up any harsh colour boundaries with a barely-damp brush and a tiny amount of each bordering colour to soften. Allow the entire painting to dry fully for at least 30 minutes, then apply two coats of clear sealant spray.

6. Add RoxGeo Code

   On the bottom or back of your rock, write ROXGEO.COM followed by a slash and your rock’s unique code (e.g. ROXGEO.COM/ABC123). This lets the finder go directly to your rock’s profile page and log their discovery. If the rock is too small for the full address, write #ROX followed by the code without spaces (e.g. #ROXABC123) — it’s short, easy to search on Google, and leads straight to your rock’s journey page. Use a fine-tip permanent marker or acrylic paint pen, and seal it with clear varnish so the code stays readable through rain, sun, and adventure.