Remember, the goal isn’t to create a perfect painting, but to learn and improve with each stroke. Every artist, from Vincent van Gogh to Bob Ross, had to start somewhere, right? As you continue to practice, you’ll start to develop your unique style, and painting night landscapes will become second nature.
Beginner friendly landscape painting: Morning Field
This video is a two-part demonstration by artist Vinita Pappas as she paints a beautiful early morning scene on location. Watch as she starts with a thumbnail sketch to plan the composition and values of her painting. Then, she does some color studies to determine the colors she wants to use, which she keeps as a reference next to her painting. Throughout the video, Vinita provides tips on how to mix different greens, including how to use Chinese white to get pastel colors. She works slowly, filling in the passageway with a variety of greens, creating subtle variations in the process. Whether you’re an experienced watercolor artist or just starting out, this video is a great resource for practicing these techniques while painting an early morning landscape with watercolor.
Watercolor Class Preview: How to prepare color schemes for plein air paintings. Why you want to scribble an initial thumbnail sketch. How to pick the right size of watercolor paper for plein air. Why temperature and wind should influence your planning. How to paint fields. How to paint trees. How to paint shadows. How to paint clouds. How to paint blue skies. When to let paint dry before continuing. How to paint mountains. Reference Photo Initial Sketch Final Painting What does yours look like? Send it to us via a message on our Facebook page so we can admire your work and if we have your permission, we can also share it on the page and our website: www.facebook.com/watercolorpaintingcom
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Grab the Right Gear
Before you start painting your night landscape, let’s ensure you have all the right tools. Just like a chef needs the right utensils, a painter needs the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
Choosing the Right Paints
When painting a night landscape, your color palette will be a bit different than daytime scenes. Here’s a quick guide:
- Black and white: These are the backbone of your night landscape. Use them to create different shades and tones.
- Cool colors: Think blues, purples, and greens. They help set the night mood.
- Warm colors: Use them sparingly for light sources like stars, city lights, or the moon.
Acrylics are a great choice for beginners due to their versatility and ease of use. Brands like Liquitex and Golden have a wide range of colors to choose from.
Selecting the Appropriate Brushes
Your brush choice can make a significant difference in your painting. For night landscapes, variety is key. A large flat brush can help you lay down the base colors, while smaller round brushes can be used for details like stars and lights. Don’t forget a fan brush for those dreamy clouds!
Other Essential Equipment
Apart from paints and brushes, there are a few more items you need:
- Easel: An easel holds your canvas at a comfortable angle while you paint. If you don’t have one, no worries. A flat table works just fine too.
- Palette: This is where you’ll mix your colors. A simple plastic one works well for beginners.
- Cloth or Paper Towels: These come in handy for wiping off excess paint or cleaning your brushes between colors.
With your gear ready, you’re well on your way to painting your first night landscape!
Set Up Your Workspace
Now that you’ve gathered your painting tools, it’s time to set up your workspace. A comfortable and organized workspace can make your painting experience more enjoyable and productive. Let’s get started:
Organizing Your Space
Keeping your workspace tidy is key to a smooth painting process. Here are some tips to keep things in order:
- Arrange your tools: Have your brushes, paints, and other equipment within easy reach. This way, you won’t have to interrupt your creative flow to search for a tool.
- Protect your space: Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface from any paint spills. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Keep cleaning supplies nearby: Have a water jar for cleaning brushes and some paper towels for wiping them dry. A clean brush gives you the best color application.
Lighting Considerations
Your workspace lighting is crucial when you’re painting night landscapes. You want to see your colors accurately, and for that, natural light is best. But, of course, we can’t always paint in daylight. In those cases, a daylight bulb for your workspace can help. These bulbs mimic natural light and give you a more accurate view of your colors.
One more thing: remember to position your light source so it doesn’t cast shadows on your canvas. Ideally, the light should come from above and slightly to the side. With your workspace set up, you’re ready to start painting night landscapes. Remember, a well-organized space can enhance your painting experience and lead to better results. So, happy painting!
Learn the Basics
Now that your workspace is set up, it’s time to dive into some painting basics. Here are essential painting concepts you should familiarize yourself with before you begin painting night landscapes:
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is like the grammar of painting—it’s fundamental. Here’s what you need to know:
- The color wheel: Start by familiarizing yourself with the color wheel, which comprises primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. This wheel will help you understand how different colors relate and interact with each other.
- Complementary colors: These are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel—like blue and orange, or red and green. When used together, they can make each other pop!
- Color values: This refers to how light or dark a color is. For painting night landscapes, you’ll often work with a darker value range. But remember, even the darkest nights have variations in color value.
Exploring Brush Techniques
Brush techniques can bring life and texture to your night landscapes. Let’s look at a few useful ones:
- Dry brushing: This involves using a brush with very little paint to create a textured, uneven effect—perfect for painting craggy rocks or trees.
- Wet-on-wet: This technique, where you apply wet paint onto an already wet surface, can help you blend colors smoothly—great for painting soft, diffused lights in your night landscape.
- Glazing: This involves painting a thin, transparent layer of paint over a dry layer. It can add depth and luminosity to your night skies.
Getting Familiar with Textures
Texture in painting refers to the perceived surface quality or feel of the painting. It can make your night landscapes more dynamic and interesting. You can create texture with different brush techniques, like stippling or sponging, or even by adding materials like sand to your paint. Experiment with different textures on practice canvases to see what effects you can create.
With these basics under your belt, you’re ready to start practicing your painting skills. Remember, learning is a process—don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as you expected. Every brush stroke will bring you closer to mastering the art of painting night landscapes.
