In this chapter, we'll explore the serene beauty of a summer landscape featuring graceful willow trees and a shimmering river under the bright sun. The scene is set with a simple yet effective composition, utilizing an S-shaped curve that guides the eye through the painting, suggesting rhythm and flow. This approach often results in the most compelling landscapes, as it avoids unnecessary complexity. The willow trees stand as a focal point, embodying the essence of summer with their lush foliage. The distant mountains, rendered in lighter tonal values, add an element of grandeur and atmospheric depth, enhancing the illusion of height. Throughout this lesson, I'll guide you in mixing vibrant greens and capturing the play of sunlight on water, all while infusing art theory into our practice. By the end, you'll not only recreate this tranquil scene but also gain techniques applicable to your own artistic endeavors. Whether you choose oil or acrylic paints, this project promises to be both rewarding and enlightening, offering a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment for your painting journey.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Use a simple S composition to create rhythm in your painting, with the river snaking into the distance. Focus on the willow trees as main areas of interest against a pleasing backdrop. Keep the composition simple for a more engaging landscape.
Paint Dark Values First
Begin by painting the darkest values and shadows. Place the darkest darks and lightest lights in the foreground. As landforms recede, reduce the darkness and lightness to create a sense of distance.
Desaturate Distant Colors
Use paler, less saturated greens for distant elements. Green and yellow wavelengths don't travel well over long distances, so desaturate these colors to enhance depth.
Block In with Loose Brushwork
Start the block-in stage with loose, gestural brush marks. Focus on creating a solid foundation without worrying about detail. Let this layer dry before adding more detail.
Model and Detail in Zones
After the block-in dries, begin the modeling stage by adding detail to the forms. Work in zones, starting with the sky and background hill, then move to the trees and water. Keep detail sparse in the background to draw attention to the foreground.
Adjust Values and Saturation
Constantly assess your values to ensure they are neither too dark nor too light. Adjust values as needed and pay attention to color saturation. Build up lighter layers gradually, saving final highlights for the end.
Pro tipUse paler, less saturated greens for distant elements to enhance depth and create a sense of distance.
Embark on your painting journey by preparing a stable canvas and selecting your preferred medium. Whether you choose oil or acrylic, ensure your surface is ready for the vibrant colors of a summer landscape. Begin by sketching your composition with a burnt sienna base, setting the stage for a harmonious palette that will bring your scene to life.
As you progress, focus on establishing values and shadows, using ultramarine blue to unify the elements of your painting. Build depth by varying the value scale between foreground and background, and mix colors thoughtfully to achieve natural tones. The key is to maintain color harmony across different zones, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing result.
In the final stages, refine your painting by blending colors smoothly and adjusting values to enhance depth and contrast. Gradually build up lighter layers to add dimension, and restate shadows to bring out the three-dimensional form of your landscape. Remember to save the lightest highlights for the end, allowing your painting to truly come alive with the brilliance of summer sunlight.
Points to remember
Use a manageable canvas size of around 12x12 inches.
Employ a limited palette to maintain color harmony.
Identify and paint dark values first to establish depth.
Use ultramarine blue consistently for cohesion.
Apply the full value scale in the foreground for contrast.
Mix shadow colors with less titanium white for depth.
