How to paint LANDSCAPES with DEPTH - Atmospheric PERSPECTIVE!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of painting landscapes with atmospheric depth, inspired by Andrew Tischler's techniques. You'll learn how to effectively mix tones and colors to create layers that enhance the sense of distance and perspective in your landscape paintings.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you start painting, gather the necessary materials to ensure a smooth process.

• Oil Paints: Use high-quality oil colors. Consider the Blue Ridge Oil Paint sets available here.
• Brushes: Choose brushes that suit your style, such as those from Rosemary & Co, linked here.
• Canvas: Select an appropriate size canvas for your landscape.
• Palette: Have a clean palette ready for mixing colors.

Step 2: Establish the Composition

Create a solid foundation for your painting by planning your composition.

• Sketch the Layout: Lightly sketch the major elements of your landscape, including trees, water, and any other features.
• Identify Focal Points: Determine where you want to draw the viewer's eye and arrange elements accordingly.
• Plan for Depth: Think about how to create layers—foreground, middle ground, and background.

Step 3: Mix Your Colors

Color mixing is crucial for achieving atmospheric perspective.

• Foreground Colors: Mix vibrant, warm tones for elements in the foreground.
• Middle Ground Colors: Use slightly muted and cooler tones for the middle ground.
• Background Colors: Create light, desaturated colors for the background to simulate distance.
• Tip: Always test your mixed colors on a scrap piece before applying them to the canvas.

Step 4: Start Painting the Background

Begin with the elements that are farthest away to establish depth.

• Use Light Strokes: Apply thin, transparent layers of paint to create a hazy effect.
• Blend Colors: Soften edges where the sky meets the land to enhance the sense of distance.
• Layering Technique: Allow each layer to dry before adding more details to avoid muddying the colors.

Step 5: Add the Middle Ground

Once the background is dry, move to the middle ground.

• Introduce More Details: Add trees, hills, or water features using your previously mixed colors.
• Maintain Atmosphere: Keep colors softer than in the foreground, preserving the sense of distance.
• Use a Larger Brush: This helps to keep the strokes fluid and natural.

Step 6: Paint the Foreground

Finally, focus on the foreground elements.

• Vibrant Colors: Use rich, saturated colors to draw attention to the foreground.
• Add Texture: Employ thicker paint to create texture in grass, foliage, or water.
• Focus on Detail: Incorporate finer details, such as highlights and shadows, to give depth.

Step 7: Final Touches

Complete your painting with essential finishing touches.

• Evaluate Balance: Step back and assess the overall composition. Adjust colors and add details where needed.
• Consider Highlights: Add final highlights to areas that catch the light, enhancing the three-dimensional feel.
• Varnish: Once dried, consider applying a varnish to protect your painting and enhance colors.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a landscape painting that conveys depth and atmosphere. Focus on color mixing and layering to achieve a realistic perspective. As you practice, explore variations in technique and materials to develop your unique style. Happy painting!