How to start landscape painting

by Tissa Hewavitarane

There is nothing more terrifying to a beginner-painter than going out into the countryside to paint for the first time. Everywhere one looks, there are scenes just waiting to be painted; but everything also seems too vast compared to one's little canvas and there is so much of interesting subject-matter it is difficult to decide what to paint.

A finished landscape painting done with watercolours.

My suggestion is to make a small view finder, similar to the ones that photographic slides come in, only perhaps rather larger to act as a frame.

Hold the view finder in front of your eyes, look through it and scan the area until you strike upon a subject or area that interests you.

Next, looking through the view finder, first bring it closer, then push it further away from you (to act like a telescopic lens on a camera) until you can decide how best to frame or compose your painting and whether you want your subject, for example, close-up or in the distance.

Remember, however, if you are not experienced to begin with simple subjects which demand a few colours, for example a tree, a country lane, or a fence in the hedge. Simple subjects such as these can make a delightful painting.

When you have selected a subject it is a good idea to make a few rough sketches. This way, by the time you begin the actual painting, you will know your subject well and feel at ease with it. This preparation will also help to eliminate too much rubbing out and beginning again.

Always keep a sketch book with you so that when there is no time to paint, you can make a quick sketch. Water is endlessly fascinating a subject-matter and many people find landscapes which include it both serene and peaceful. Ponds and rivers constantly attract artists but many, when beginning to paint, shy away because they find it difficult to paint water.

The important thing to remember is to forget about the surface and look deeper. Squint your eyes. Look for large light or dark shapes, the colourful patchwork that reflects sky and landscape. Put it together like a jigsaw puzzle, add a few horizontal ripples and the water is painted.

With traditional watercolour, the painter always has to be careful when applying a second wash so as not to remove parts of the previous one.

Using acrylic as watercolour is especially advantageous as once the acrylic is dry, the next wash will not disturb it. In a painting best done is to cut down unnecessary details.

To do this, look at your subject with half-closed eyes, so that you see only the more important subject matter to paint. Try to select some principal objects - a temple, church, mountains, lake or a distant village - to give focus and interest to the painting. You will turnout a delightful painting.