How to Paint Landscapes

When an artist is face to face with a beautiful view, there would be one and only thought in his or her mind. And the thought would be, "What a spectacular painting this beautiful scene would make!" The art of landscape painting is as old as the art of paintings itself. But there have been certain techniques, which have evolved with the passing of the time. Let us see how the landscape painting is painted, or how it can be painted in a better manner. Here are some of the techniques used by the master artists.

Painting in Stages

Unlike other paintings, which can be done in one go, the landscape paintings should be done in three phases. In the first phase, start painting the objects which are at the far end, at a distance from the eyes. So the sky and the mountain peaks would come first. After painting the things lying at a distance, paint the objects which are closer than those things painted. Finally start painting the things near to you.

Choosing the Colours

The colour scheme would also follow this pattern, more or less. Take the lighter objects first and then proceed onto the darker ones. The things lying in the near vicinity would be darker and attracting more details than the objects at distance. The final stage would be to paint the details. If there are trees, then consider painting the trunks of the trees and the shadows falling on the ground. If there are buildings, then try making them appearing solid. This could be done by painting the surrounding area of those building darker than the other objects. The nearest objects are to be done with smaller brushes and with minute details.

How to Paint Trees

The trees painted in middle distance would require precise treatment regarding their shape, the colours to be used, the tonal values to be ascribed and the shades of colours, including the shades of the shadows that these trees creates on the ground. However minute details like the precision in painting the leaves and branches would not be necessary. Here in the distance, the portion of the land would be painted with subdued green. A tint of transparent golden yellow would make the green subdued and looking warmer. That would give a firm ground for the trees painted in the middle and in the distance.

A painting done in this manner would create "the atmospheric perspective".

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PAINTING LANDSCAPES