In this chapter, we embark on an artistic journey through the breathtaking Paradise Valley in New Zealand, a scene that offers a wealth of inspiration for any painter. As we explore this majestic landscape, I'll guide you through five essential techniques to master the art of painting mountains. We'll start by focusing on the unique shapes of each mountain, moving away from the common mistake of repetitive triangles, and instead, capturing their distinct character. You'll learn to exaggerate the steepness and height for dramatic effect, a technique employed by many great mountain painters. We'll delve into the subtleties of atmospheric perspective, where distant mountains blend with the sky, and I'll show you how to achieve the perfect balance of warm and cool colors to create depth. Adding mist at the mountain bases will enhance this depth, introducing a touch of mystery and romance. Our brushwork will be crucial, with flat strokes in the distance and bolder ones in the foreground to amplify scale. Finally, we'll use spotlights to highlight key areas, adding drama and interest. This lesson is suitable for oils or acrylics and designed for intermediate to advanced painters. Let's paint together, one brushstroke at a time, and unlock the expressive potential of this stunning landscape.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Paradise Valley" 19x20" Oil on Linen by Richard Robinson
Step 5Designing the Composition
Sketch the Big Shapes
Dip a long rigger brush into some Gamsol and mix a little phthalo blue with magenta. Sketch the big shapes, placing the horizon slightly above center to allow space for the mountains and an interesting foreground. Avoid placing the horizon dead center.
Design with Variety
Focus on creating variety in your shapes and angles. Avoid making any shapes or angles identical, especially with mountains. Ensure the spacing between peaks and distances from one peak to another are varied to prevent a mirrored or pyramidal effect.
Pay Attention to Details
Notice small details like cutaways in the landscape that indicate distance. These details add depth and interest to your composition. Be mindful of how lines slope gradually as they recede into the distance.
Plan Dynamic Shapes
Decide early on how your shapes will flow. Create dynamic diagonal shapes and avoid placing elements directly in the middle. Adjust elements to create interesting countering curves and reflections.
Focus on Light and Shadow
Plan for the foreground to be in shadow, with light filtering through and illuminating the mountains. Concentrate the most intense light and color in the section leading to the distant elements.
Pro tipEnsure variety in shapes and angles to avoid a repetitive or mirrored effect in your composition.
Embark on your painting journey by carefully mixing a neutral gray, setting the foundation for your Paradise Valley masterpiece. Choose your canvas and painting medium wisely, as these decisions will influence the texture and technique of your work. Whether you opt for oils or acrylics, remember to maintain the workability of your paints and embrace the unique qualities each medium offers.
As you progress, focus on the composition and the dynamic flow of shapes and angles. Use your brushes to sketch and block in the major elements, ensuring variety and avoiding repetitive patterns. Pay attention to atmospheric perspective and color variety to create depth and interest in your landscape. Allow the mist and light effects to enhance the mood and distance within your painting.
In the final stages, refine your work with highlights and details that bring the scene to life. Use careful brushwork to add texture and dimension, and apply color adjustments to emphasize the natural beauty of the mountains and sky. Remember, the key to a successful painting lies in the balance between detail and simplicity, allowing the viewer's imagination to fill in the gaps.
Points to remember
Start with small amounts of color to mix a neutral gray.
Choose a smooth canvas for visible brushstrokes.
Use a stay-wet palette for acrylics to keep paint workable.
Pre-mix major colors for consistency on large canvases.
Ensure variety in shapes and angles to avoid repetition.
Keep initial paint layers thin for easy adjustments.
Leave some areas unblended for a painterly texture.
Use a clean brush for adding green tints to maintain clean color.
