Standard Gradient

• A standard gradient is one that is linear in form. This typically involves a straight horizontal or vertical line, in which one color evenly moves into another. Gradients can also run diagonally from corner to corner. To paint this on a canvas, long strokes with a foam brush are preferred, as this allows the two colors to blend together evenly. If you wish to create a gradient digitally, use your graphic-editing software's gradient tool to pick two colors and map out a straight path.
  
  

Radial

• A radial gradient has one color that originates at the center of the image and then changes to another as it moves outward. If this is being painted, long swirls of different colors are needed. These swirls should gradually change from one color to another as the picture moves outward. Most graphic-editing programs have an option to create a radial gradient with the gradient tool, so simply select this option.
  
  

Lost and Found Edges

• Paint a gradient edge that moves from a bold color to white using watercolors. Use a large brush with one hand, then, using your other hand, immediately paint alongside the edge of it with a brush that only has clear water. This is called a lost and found edge, because one part of the image is bold (found), while the other softly fades away (lost).
  
  

Abstract Gradients

• Using digital image-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, create abstract gradients that blend into one another. First create a linear gradient that takes up your entire image, then use your mouse to warp the gradient a little bit so it looks a bit like a swirl. Finally, layer second or third gradients on top of the first one and watch as all of them begin to blend together.