Welcome to one of my favorite painting spots on the planet—Paradise. In this chapter, you'll embark on a journey to capture the breathtaking beauty of this scene, learning to paint receding mountains, the interplay of light and shadow on snow, and the delicate wisps of autumnal willow trees. We'll start with a 13 by 10 and a half inch canvas, but feel free to adjust to a size that suits you. Using Cobra Water Mixable Oils by Royal Talens and a selection of Rosemary & Co brushes, I'll guide you through each step, from sketching the horizon line to adding those final touches with a palette knife and a detail brush. This lesson will help you master the art of creating depth and interest in your landscape by varying shapes and avoiding repetition. By the end, you'll not only have a stunning piece of art but also a deeper understanding of how to bring such a rewarding subject to life on canvas. Enjoy the process and the beauty of Paradise as you paint along with me.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Paradise" 13x10.5" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.
Step 1Sketching the composition
Establish the Horizon
Begin by sketching the horizon line lower than halfway down the canvas. This placement ensures that the mountains dominate the composition, emphasizing their grandeur over the foreground.
Position the Mountain Peaks
Carefully place the tops of the two main mountains, considering the angle of the slope between them. This helps create a dynamic and accurate depiction, compensating for any distortion from wide-angle lens photography.
Create Variation in Shapes
Focus on achieving variation in your drawing. Ensure that each mountain and shape is distinct, avoiding repetition to add interest and uniqueness to the composition.
Pro tipPosition the horizon lower to emphasize the mountains in your composition.
Embark on your painting journey by setting a strong foundation with a well-planned composition. Begin with a lower horizon line to let the mountains take center stage, and sketch with attention to variation and dynamic angles. As you progress, mix vibrant chromatic blacks to maintain color richness and avoid dullness in your work.
Layer your colors thoughtfully, starting with distant mountains and gradually moving to the foreground. Use a combination of blues, reds, and yellows to create depth and atmospheric perspective. Pay attention to the thickness of your paint and the cleanliness of your brush to keep your colors vibrant and avoid muddiness.
As you add final details, focus on the interplay of light and shadow to bring your landscape to life. Use subtle variations in color and texture to enhance realism, and ensure your shadows align with the light source for a cohesive look. With the addition of small elements like sheep, your scene will gain character and charm. Finish with precise accents and your signature to complete your masterpiece.
Points to remember
Position the horizon lower to emphasize the mountains.
Use chromatic black to maintain vibrancy in your painting.
Thin your paint with walnut oil for even coverage.
Keep your brush clean and renew the paint frequently.
Begin the mist at the base and blend upwards for a natural transition.
Use a light touch with the brush to prevent blending.
Ensure lines are horizontal and straight to maintain perspective.
Ensure all cast shadows point towards the sun in a radial fashion.
