Landscape Painting Tips You Can Start Using Today

Ever set up your easel in the park and felt stuck before the first brushstroke? You’re not alone. The good news is that a handful of simple habits can turn a shaky start into a confident finish. Below are the basics that work for beginners and seasoned painters alike.

1. Master Light and Color First

Light decides the mood of any landscape, so treat it like the main character. Instead of painting every tree or rock in detail, block in the biggest light‑and‑shadow shapes with a large flat brush. Notice where the sun hits the horizon, where clouds soften the light, and where shadows linger. Once those zones are in place, pull colors from the same palette – warm yellows and cool blues – to keep the scene cohesive. A quick tip: mix a “mid‑tone” by blending your warm and cool colors; it helps you bridge the gap between bright highlights and deep shadows without over‑mixing.

When you’re choosing colors, think about temperature. Warm tones (reds, oranges) come forward; cool tones (greens, blues) recede. This simple rule lets you create depth without adding a ton of detail.

2. Use the ‘Rule of Thirds’ for Strong Composition

Imagine dividing your canvas into a 3 × 3 grid. Place the horizon line along the top or bottom third, not dead center. This instantly adds a sense of balance and keeps the viewer’s eye moving. If you have a striking element—a lone tree, a winding path—position it on one of the intersecting points. It feels natural and draws attention without the need for extra gimmicks.

Don’t forget foreground interest. A patch of grass, a rock, or a small pond at the bottom third adds layers and makes the scene feel alive. Even a simple suggestion of foliage can do the trick.

Now, let’s talk tools that make the process smoother.

3. Choose the Right Brushes and Mediums

A big flat brush (½‑inch or larger) is perfect for laying in sky and water washes. For foliage and texture, a medium‑size round brush (size 6‑8) lets you add quick stipples. If you work with oils, keep a small amount of linseed oil handy to thin the paint for smooth gradients. Acrylic users can add a drop of water or medium to keep colors vibrant.

Experiment with a palette knife for rugged rock faces or tree bark. A few quick strokes give you texture that a brush can’t replicate, and it adds a tactile feel to the painting.

4. Sketch Lightly, Paint Boldly

Start with a loose pencil or charcoal sketch—just enough to map out major forms. Keep lines faint; you’ll erase them as the paint covers the canvas. When you move to paint, use confident, decisive strokes. Hesitation often leads to muddy colors and a vague scene.

If you make a mistake, don’t panic. With oils you can scrape away wet paint; with acrylics, a dab of water and a clean brush can lift the error before it dries. Embrace the fact that every “mistake” can become a texture or a new highlight.

5. Practice ‘Atmospheric Perspective’

Objects farther away look lighter, cooler, and less detailed. As you paint, gradually reduce contrast and saturation for background hills or distant trees. This trick creates depth without needing to paint every leaf.

Try this: pick a single color, say a deep green for nearby foliage. Mix it with a touch of blue and white for distant trees. The result is a natural fade that reads as distance.

Putting these tips together will give your landscape paintings a clearer structure, richer depth, and a more inviting feel. The key is to keep experimenting, note what works for your style, and enjoy the process. Grab your easel, step outside, and let the scenery guide your brush.