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Landscape Painting Tips For Oil Painters
There is something quite magical about painting outdoors. I feel
comfortably secluded with nature having an almost spiritual
connection when I paint a landscape. Landscape painting is a
passion of mine. I would like to share some tips and techniques
that I have become accustomed to using over the years.
My first bit of advice - try not to get overwhelmed by the scene
in front of you. I recall when I first began painting
landscapes; I tried to copy everything exactly as I saw it. I
tried to squeeze in every detail, paint every leaf, branch, and
blade of grass. You will go crazy approaching a landscape this
way. Try and paint your own impression of what you see and not a
copy of it. Squint your eyes and see the landscape as a series
of shapes, lights and darks, as opposed to seeing every detail.
You can accomplish some amazing things that you never thought
were inside if you just relax and let the painter inside come to
the surface.
Painting on location is certainly a beautiful experience, but
remember that you have to paint quite fast as the lighting will
change quickly. Begin your painting with a larger brush so you
are not focusing on detail at this stage.
Try toning your canvas with acrylic paint first before applying
your oil paint. I find starting a landscape with toned ground
makes it easier to judge values. You can also let some of that
underpainting show through in some areas of your painting for an
interesting effect.
Creating the illusion of depth or distance in your paintings can
be accomplished using different techniques. You can adjust your
colors by making them cooler and less intense for the distant
objects, warmer and more intense for closer objects. Reduce the
size of objects as they recede. You can also take away details
and sharp edges to make objects appear more distant.
You should have a focal point, otherwise known as "center of
interest" in your painting. All other objects in your painting
should not
compete with your focal point and should serve to
draw the viewer to your center of interest.
Instead of jumping right for the paint, use a pencil and paper
instead. Drawing is great practice. When I am drawing, I am more
relaxed and intimate with the scene. I am training myself to see
the various lights and darks of the scene without the use of
color.
Bring only those items that you know you will need and use. When
you focus too much of your time on lugging around unwanted
materials, it takes away from the enjoyment of what you came
there to do, paint!
Painting clouds appears to be one of the bigger challenges for
beginners; I know it was for me. What I mentioned in the
beginning about trying not to paint every detail applies to
clouds as well. Clouds are three-dimensional objects made up of
water and ice particles that reflect light so the color of your
clouds will vary depending on the weather and lighting
conditions. Remember general perspective rules when painting
clouds. Clouds closer to you will generally be more detailed. As
they recede into the distance they begin to lose detail and get
smaller in size. Pay special attention to the edges of the
clouds as sharp edges advance while smooth edges recede.
Make your composition as interesting as possible by balancing
positive and negative space in your painting. The negative space
is what surrounds your objects or positive space. The negative
space is just as important as the positive space. Do not neglect
the negative space, but at the same time, do not let it dominate
your composition.
I hope this article on landscape painting tips was helpful. Just
relax, let go and most importantly enjoy yourself!
About the author:
Ralph Serpe is Webmaster for Creative Spotlite a free
educational art and craft community. Visit Creative Spotlite
today for more landscape painting tips.
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