by: Jay Moncliff
One of the most popular forms of art is that of a landscape painting. A landscape painting captures the feel and the beauty of a certain special place. A good landscape painting will make the viewer feel that they are right there in the painting. They feel as though they can breathe the very air of the painting and reach out and touch the landscape as if it were real. But to make an audience feel this way when they view your landscape painting, you are going to need a bit of practice.
A landscape painting should make you feel like you are in a deep space. When viewing it you should feel as though you were right inside the painting. It should be both spellbinding and beautiful. To attain this, there are some tricks to it. The first trick is to use clarity. An example of this is to show a thick fog over some hills in the distance, and have the fog fade as you get to the hills towards the front. A second trick is to use a winding path, such as a trail, a creek, or a river. This makes people feel as though they are deep within the painting. A third trick is to use size to your advantage. A tree up close should be large, while a tree far away should be small. This enhances the viewer's feel of the distance and expanse of the landscape.
One thing you have to remember about a landscape painting is that it doesn't have to show exactly everything you see. If you don't want to paint every tree you see, then don't. If you want to put a bird in the sky, then put a bird in the sky. If you don't like the color of some flowers, then feel free to change the color to one you approve of. If you don't like to include the people you see in the landscape, then take them out. If you want to change the color of the sky from a grey evening to a dark evening, then change away. Use your imagination and do as you will. It is all up to you. Your goal with the landscape painting is to dramatically capture the feel of the landscape, not to show everything in it. If a landscape painting was supposed to be an exact duplicate it would be called a photograph, not a painting.
A great landscape painting will enhance your artist capabilities. It can also help you make some extra pocket change being how popular these paintings are. Anyone would want a beautiful landscape painting to compliment there home or office. With all of these tips and tricks in mind, you should be on your way to creating a masterful landscape painting. Perhaps one day you can be a world renowned landscape artist!