Learn Landscape Painting with Oil - Episode 4

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Preparing the Colors
3. Choosing the Source Image
4. The Influence of Arthur Street
5. Painting the Landscape
6. Working with Abstraction
7. Creating Depth and Shadows
8. Using Geneva Paint
9. Tips for Working with Greens
10. Adding Texture and Details
11. Final Touches and Reflections

Introduction

In this video, I will be painting a landscape using an image I obtained from a mid-Journey as my source. I decided to pre-mix some colors for this painting to save time and ensure a consistent base. Throughout this painting, I will be making intentional changes while maintaining an abstract brushstroke. The layout and color scheme of the landscape are influenced by the AI's interpretation of Arthur Street's style. I will be sharing tips and techniques for working with colors, achieving abstraction, and adding depth to the painting. Let's dive in and see the process unfold.

Preparing the Colors

For this landscape, I made the decision to pre-mix some colors, which is something I haven't done in my previous paintings. This allows me to save time during the painting process and ensures consistency in the colors I use. If You're interested in learning how to mix colors, I have a variety of videos that can guide you through the process. One of my most popular videos is about matching colors, and you can find the link in the description below.

Choosing the Source Image

I generated the source image for this painting using an AI program called Mid-Journey. You can find the prompt I used in the description of this video if you're curious about the inspiration behind the image. As I Mentioned earlier, I have been asking the AI to generate landscapes in the style of Arthur Street, one of my favorite landscape artists. The AI has been doing a remarkable job in capturing the essence of his style, which is why I Continue to explore this approach.

The Influence of Arthur Street

Arthur Street's style has had a significant influence on my landscape paintings. I appreciate the way the AI captures the colors and values characteristic of his work. While I do make intentional changes and add my own personal touch to the paintings, I trust the AI's interpretation to lay the foundation for the color scheme and overall aesthetic. In this particular painting, I am drawn to the color scheme and layout the AI has generated.

Painting the Landscape

Now that I have pre-mixed some colors and have a source image to guide me, I can start painting the landscape. I begin by painting the skyline, allowing the mountains to stand out against the sky. This helps me establish the values and overall composition of the painting. I follow my usual practice of working from dark to light, ensuring that I capture the essence of the landscape in a realistic yet abstract manner.

Working with Abstraction

Maintaining abstraction is a crucial aspect of my painting style. I strive to avoid replicating every Detail I see in the reference image, instead focusing on capturing the overall impression of the scene. Nature is unpredictable and messy, and I want to convey that Sense of complexity and natural beauty in my paintings. While I do Create recognizable shapes and forms, I intentionally add abstract brushstrokes to maintain the essence of the landscape.

Creating Depth and Shadows

To create depth in the painting, I focus on defining the shadows and highlights. I carefully observe the reference image and use the values to guide me. By working from dark to light, I can establish the shadowy areas in the foreground and the milky tones in the distance. This technique helps me create a sense of space and Scale in the landscape. I also pay close Attention to the details, ensuring that I capture the intricacies of nature while maintaining the overall abstraction.

Using Geneva Paint

In this painting, I am using Geneva paint, which is a brand I manufacture. Geneva paint is known for its excellent coverage power and high pigment content. It allows me to achieve the desired colors and values without the need for multiple layers. If you're interested in trying out Geneva paint, you can visit our Website for more information and product availability.

Tips for Working with Greens

Working with greens can be challenging, especially when painting landscapes. I prefer to start with "dirty" greens, which are less vibrant and closer to browns in hue. This provides me with a base to work with, and then I can gradually add brighter greens on top to achieve the desired effect. By layering the colors, I can create depth and variation in the vegetation, making it appear more natural and realistic.

Adding Texture and Details

Texture plays a crucial role in my paintings, as I aim to capture the essence of nature's complexity. I avoid blending colors too much, as this can result in a smooth and uniform appearance. Instead, I embrace the natural texture of the brushstrokes and leave some areas more rough and abstract. This technique adds visual interest and enhances the overall impression of the landscape. I also pay attention to the finer details, such as delicate branches and variations in color, to create a sense of realism.

Final Touches and Reflections

As I approach the final stages of the painting, I carefully assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments. I strive to maintain a balance between abstraction and realism, ensuring that the painting captures the beauty and essence of the landscape. In the end, I decided to make a few intentional changes to bring more sunlight hitting the grassy fields closer to the mountains. I find that these final touches add depth and dimension to the painting, giving it a sense of completion.

Highlights

• Pre-mixing colors for efficiency and consistency
• Exploring the influence of Arthur Street's style
• Embracing abstraction while maintaining realism
• Working with greens to create depth and variation
• Using Geneva paint for excellent coverage and pigment content
• Enhancing texture and adding fine details to enhance realism
• Balancing abstraction and realism in the final composition

FAQs

Q: Can you provide more information about Mid-Journey and how it generates source images? A: Mid-Journey is an AI program that uses prompts to generate images. By providing specific instructions and references, the AI creates unique landscapes that can serve as inspiration for paintings.

Q: How do you achieve abstraction while still maintaining the essence of the landscape? A: It's a delicate balance. I aim to capture the overall impression and complexity of nature while avoiding a strict replication of every detail. By embracing abstract brushstrokes and maintaining a sense of unpredictability, I am able to convey both the beauty and intricacies of the landscape.

Q: What is the AdVantage of using pre-mixed colors in your paintings? A: Pre-mixing colors saves time and ensures consistency in the painting process. It allows me to focus on the artwork itself and eliminates the need to frequently pause and mix colors. This approach also helps me maintain a consistent color scheme throughout the painting.

Q: How do you achieve depth and dimension in your landscape paintings? A: Creating depth and dimension in a landscape painting involves careful observation of values and shadows. By working from dark to light, I establish the shadows and then build up the lighter areas. This technique helps create a sense of depth and scale in the landscape, making it more visually engaging.

Q: Can you provide more information about Geneva paint and its benefits? A: Geneva paint is known for its high coverage power and excellent pigment content. It allows for vibrant colors and smooth application, eliminating the need for multiple layers. The result is a rich and vibrant painting that captures the true essence of the landscape.

Q: How do you add texture to your paintings without creating a uniform appearance? A: To add texture, I avoid blending colors too much and embrace the natural texture of brushstrokes. By varying the direction and intensity of the brushwork, I create visual interest and depth. This technique helps maintain a sense of abstraction and prevents the painting from appearing too smooth or homogenous.