-
Michelle
Landscape – My Process
Today I wanted to share with you the process I took with this painting.
Step 1
I began by adding a ground colour of Alizarin Crimson and Hansa Yellow, creating a warm undertone that contrasts with the green landscape. This foundational layer adds depth and vibrancy to the painting.
Step 2
Using a greyed purple, I roughly sketched in the drawing lines. I then mixed a muted green by combining Phthalo Green with Alizarin Crimson to start blocking in the foreground. Note my rough brush marks here; I’m not aiming for perfection but rather for a suggestion of form. Most of this painting is done using my hog brushes.
Step 3
Next, I started to block in some of the sky and clouds. Notice how rough they are at this stage. I’m laying down the elements with vigorous and expressive marks, focusing on the overall composition rather than fine details.
Step 4
I began adding lighter mixes into the sky, gradually lightening the clouds. Remember, the process starts with darks and more de-saturated colours, slowly building up to the lighter, more vibrant tones.
Step 5
In the final stages, I scumbled more colour and lightened various elements. I introduced some variation to the greens but ensured it was subtle enough not to detract from the focal point. I intentionally left pops of the ground colour to add warmth. You’ll notice I used a flat brush to apply lighter green to vary my brushstrokes and draw the eye while keeping the foreground simple. Adding too much detail elsewhere would make the composition feel chaotic and distract the viewer’s eye.
Stay Wet Palette
The stay-wet palette was essential throughout this process, especially on a hot day. The last thing I wanted was for my colours to dry up, forcing me to stop and remix them, which would have disrupted my creative flow. This tool helped maintain the consistency and workability of my paints, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
I hope you found this guide useful. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
22 thoughts on “Landscape – My Process”
Hello Michelle. Very glad to learn from your knowledge.
You are so welcome and I really hope it helps. Thank you.
The way you use colour is inspiring. I am going to try your method.
Thank you. I hope it helps.
I love the way you layer the paint. Gives a beautiful result .
Thank you, that’s very kind of you : )
Thank you. Found this very interesting looking forward to landscapes in the future Dabbled two years ago and know with your help I will again create a landscape I am happy with.
Thank you that’s so lovely to hear. It’s so lovely to have you on the programme and I can’t wait to see what you create and share more with you.
This was very helpful! Understanding the time and space in the layering of a composition, gives the rest of us permission to slow down and let the painting emerge. I love the roughed in steps… I think I look for perfection too quickly and that feels like a mistake. It also takes away from the fun! Thank you so much!
Amazing I’m so glad it helped and yes sometimes slowing down can help. It’s typical to strive for perfection but the great thing with acrylic is you can often edit and build the layers so there’s little room for error and as you say, it’s more fun this way too!
Nagyon köszönöm a hasznos információkat!
You’re most welcome.
Hi
Thanks for yr comments. I have just recently “found” you and I am enjoying following you.
You mention a “wet palette” would you be able to give instructions on how to make one? How does it work? It’s new to me.
Thank you for your message. I actually buy the stay wet palette. However you could easily create one.
Damp sponge at the bottom of a large air tight container then some greaseproof baking paper on top should be sufficient.
Hope that helps.
I’m enjoying see how you begin and progress through a painting. I dabble a bit here and there so I’m not a professional, but I appreciate how you build up layers with other colors to get the effect that you want. Thank you for sharing with us! I love your work with all the bright colors.
Thank you so much Karen for your kind words. I do love adding lots of layers when I work. I’d love to see your work so please always share : )
This was amazingly helpful for us beginners! Love your style and color choices!
Thank you Jo. I’m pleased you found it useful.
Wow. This was very helpful.
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you.
That is very useful information as I just started learning about impressionistic painting.
I started painting detailed landscapes just a few years ago as a relaxing hobby.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing Ron. I’m so pleased you found it helpful.