Landscape Paintings: How to Paint, Who Inspires, and What to Know

If you love the look of a sunrise over a mountain range or a quiet river winding through trees, you’ve probably thought about turning that view into a painting. Landscape painting isn’t just for pros; anyone can start with a few basic tools and a willingness to observe the world outside.

Getting Started with Landscape Painting

First, choose a medium you feel comfortable with. Oil paints give rich colors and a slow drying time, which is great for blending the sky. If you prefer something quicker, acrylics dry fast and let you layer without waiting. Watercolors work well for soft, atmospheric scenes, but they need a lighter touch.

Next, pick a simple composition. A classic rule is to place the horizon line either in the upper third or lower third of the canvas – this keeps the view interesting. Sketch the main shapes lightly with a pencil or charcoal. Don’t worry about details yet; focus on where the biggest blocks of color will go.

When you start adding paint, think in layers. Begin with the background – usually the sky and distant land – using thin washes or thin oil mixes. Build the middle ground after the background dries enough to hold the next layer. Finally, add foreground details like trees, rocks, or water. This “back‑to‑front” approach creates depth without making the painting feel flat.

Lighting is a game‑changer. Notice where the light hits the scene at the time of day you’re painting. Warm reds and oranges show up in sunrise, while cool blues dominate midday shadows. Capture those color shifts early; they guide the mood of the whole piece.

Learn from the Masters of Landscape Art

Studying the greats can speed up your learning curve. American artists such as Thomas Cole and Albert Bierstadt defined the Hudson River School with dramatic skies and massive wilderness scenes. Their work shows how to use contrast between light and dark to pull the eye into the painting.

European masters like J.M.W. Turner used loose brushwork to suggest mist and movement. Try copying a small section of a Turner piece to feel how he layered thin glazes for atmospheric effects. You’ll see why many modern painters still reference his techniques.

For a modern twist, check out artists featured in our “America's Best Landscape Artists” article. They blend traditional composition with digital tools, adding texture overlays that give a fresh, contemporary feel. You don’t need a tablet, but looking at how they combine media can inspire you to experiment with mixed media.

Finally, keep a sketchbook of quick studies. Spend a few minutes each week drawing the scenery you see on a walk or from a window. Those sketches become a library of ideas you can return to when you sit down to paint. Over time, you’ll notice patterns – the way you capture trees, the angles you favor, the color palettes you repeat.

In short, start simple, build layers, watch the light, and learn from the masters. Landscape painting is a rewarding way to bring the outdoors inside, and with regular practice, you’ll see noticeable progress in just a few weeks.