Want to start painting landscapes?
I’ve talked to so many of you who are interested in learning how to paint landscapes but you aren’t sure where to start. I’ve listed some of my favorite books below as a good starting point but there are so many good resources that exist now. Youtube and Skillshare are also amazing tools for learning and I’ll share my favorite instructors soon! I found most of these books at my library or on Amazon. While these books help, remember that the MOST important way to improve your skill as an artist is to practice and experiment daily. Observe nature, play, and remember that you can always paint over anything you don’t like. ;)
"Landscape Painting Inside & Out" by Kevin Macpherson: This book provides valuable insights into the techniques and thought processes involved in plein air (outdoor) landscape painting. Macpherson shares his knowledge on composition, color, value, and more. Linked Here.
“Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" by John F. Carlson: A classic in the field, this book offers comprehensive instruction on landscape painting principles and techniques. It covers topics like atmospheric perspective, light and shadow, design, and creating mood in your paintings. Linked Here.
“Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice" by Mitchell Albala: Albala explores the fundamental principles of landscape painting and provides practical advice on capturing the essence of nature. He covers topics like simplification, color mixing, and developing a personal style.
“The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting: Techniques for Rendering Sky, Terrain, Trees, and Water" by Suzanne Brooker: Brooker focuses on the technical aspects of landscape painting, offering step-by-step demonstrations and explanations of various techniques. She covers topics like underpainting, brushwork, color theory, and capturing different natural elements.
“The Oil Painting Course You've Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists" by Kathleen Lochen Staiger: While not exclusively focused on landscapes, this book provides a comprehensive guide to oil painting techniques. It covers topics like composition, color mixing, brushwork, and more, with examples and exercises that can be applied to landscape painting.
Happy Painting!
xx,
Megan
