Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

5 Easy Steps to Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift
Does the thought of buying a gift for a friend or relative make you smile or does it stress you out? Is there a hiker or camper on your gift giving list? What can you give to the someone who already has everything? The secret of gift giving is...

A Kayaking Community At Your Fingertips
Do you have questions about kayaking? Do you want to seek the advice of kayakers that are more experienced and relate to kayakers that are at your level? Wouldn’t it be nice to connect with other kayaking enthusiasts? The Internet can supply you...

Dirt Hole Set - Ticket to Canine Success
Dirt Hole Set - Ticket to Canine Success The dirt hole set has probably caught more fox and coyote than all other sets combined. A properly made dirt hole set can catch every canine that passes, but the secret is learning how to make a...

Hunting By Moon Phase: Your Best Season Ever
Every season, millions of hunters take to the woods with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. Unfortunately, many come away empty handed, returning day after day to face similar results. It's every hunter's biggest dilemma, but some have found the perfect...

Thinking About Buying Redwing Boots?
Redwing boots have been a favourite choice of workmen for years. They come in a variety of styles, including motorcycle boots, and cowboy boots. They're tough and durable and, with proper care, should last you a lifetime. Before...

 
Landscape Painting Tips For Oil Painters

There is something quite magical about painting outdoors. I feel comfortably secluded with nature having an almost spiritual connection when I paint a landscape. Landscape painting is a passion of mine. I would like to share some tips and techniques that I have become accustomed to using over the years.

My first bit of advice - try not to get overwhelmed by the scene in front of you. I recall when I first began painting landscapes; I tried to copy everything exactly as I saw it. I tried to squeeze in every detail, paint every leaf, branch, and blade of grass. You will go crazy approaching a landscape this way. Try and paint your own impression of what you see and not a copy of it. Squint your eyes and see the landscape as a series of shapes, lights and darks, as opposed to seeing every detail. You can accomplish some amazing things that you never thought were inside if you just relax and let the painter inside come to the surface.

Painting on location is certainly a beautiful experience, but remember that you have to paint quite fast as the lighting will change quickly. Begin your painting with a larger brush so you are not focusing on detail at this stage.

Try toning your canvas with acrylic paint first before applying your oil paint. I find starting a landscape with toned ground makes it easier to judge values. You can also let some of that underpainting show through in some areas of your painting for an interesting effect.

Creating the illusion of depth or distance in your paintings can be accomplished using different techniques. You can adjust your colors by making them cooler and less intense for the distant objects, warmer and more intense for closer objects. Reduce the size of objects as they recede. You can also take away details and sharp edges to make objects appear more distant.

You should have a focal point, otherwise known as "center of interest" in your painting. All other objects in your painting should not


compete with your focal point and should serve to draw the viewer to your center of interest.

Instead of jumping right for the paint, use a pencil and paper instead. Drawing is great practice. When I am drawing, I am more relaxed and intimate with the scene. I am training myself to see the various lights and darks of the scene without the use of color.

Bring only those items that you know you will need and use. When you focus too much of your time on lugging around unwanted materials, it takes away from the enjoyment of what you came there to do, paint!

Painting clouds appears to be one of the bigger challenges for beginners; I know it was for me. What I mentioned in the beginning about trying not to paint every detail applies to clouds as well. Clouds are three-dimensional objects made up of water and ice particles that reflect light so the color of your clouds will vary depending on the weather and lighting conditions. Remember general perspective rules when painting clouds. Clouds closer to you will generally be more detailed. As they recede into the distance they begin to lose detail and get smaller in size. Pay special attention to the edges of the clouds as sharp edges advance while smooth edges recede.

Make your composition as interesting as possible by balancing positive and negative space in your painting. The negative space is what surrounds your objects or positive space. The negative space is just as important as the positive space. Do not neglect the negative space, but at the same time, do not let it dominate your composition.

I hope this article on landscape painting tips was helpful. Just relax, let go and most importantly enjoy yourself!

About the author:

Ralph Serpe is Webmaster for Creative Spotlite a free educational art and craft community. Visit Creative Spotlite today for more landscape painting tips.

 

Appalachian Mountain Club – Outdoor Recreation, Education ...
Members from Maine to Virginia participate in hiking, paddling, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Includes links to lodging destinations, local chapters ...
www.outdoors.org
 
Outdoors in the Yahoo! Directory
Explore sites dedicated to the great outdoors. Find information on boating, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
dir.yahoo.com
 
Adventure Travel and Outdoor Recreation - GORP.com
Resource for outdoor sports, adventure, and travel. Includes destination, activity, and gear directories plus news, articles, and forums.
gorp.away.com
 
Outdoors - UK Camping Equipment Supplier
Shops operated by the Scout Association. Site includes catalogue, locations of stores and online shopping.
www.outdoors.ltd.uk
 
ESPN Outdoors - Outdoors Home
The latest in Outdoors news and information, all at ESPN.com.
espn.go.com
 
Outdoors Network - Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hunting, Lefty Kreh, BASS
Fishing , Fly Fishing, Hunting , Lefty Kreh, BASS and more, from Outdoors Network - Bringing the Outdoors Indoors.
www.outdoors.net
 
Great Outdoors
Experience the outdoors online -- hiking, skiing, camping, and mountain biking with gear reviews and adventure profiles.
www.greatoutdoors.com
 
Open Directory - Recreation: Outdoors
Recreation: Travel: Specialty Travel: Adventure and Sports (237); Science: Environment (6754); Shopping: Recreation: Outdoors (2491); Society: Gay, Lesbian, ...
dmoz.org
 
MaineToday.com | Outdoors
OUTDOOR NEWS. Trail backers back to work raising money The 55-mile Eastern Trail pedestrian and bicycle ... Seen Outdoors Were you seen in Maine, today? ...
outdoors.mainetoday.com
 
Outdoors
Los Angeles Times Travel Guide - Tips, discounts and world destinations from the Los Angeles Times travel section.
www.latimes.com
 
SFGate: Sports: Outdoors
Once mighty wool makes comeback in outdoor gear (11/23). MAIN EVENTS: Discover fabulous fungus, learn to hunt and hear stories of the great outdoors (11/30) ...
www.sfgate.com
 
Detroit News Online | Outdoors
Outdoors. Deer numbers are up. 17-point buck and numerous 200-pounders mark ... Outdoors. Deer hunt unites families. Old and young, as well as male and ...
www.detnews.com
 
Google Directory - Recreation > Outdoors
Science > Environment (7762) Shopping > Recreation > Outdoors (2778) Society > Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual > Recreation > Outdoors (50) ...
www.google.com
 
St. Petersburg Times Online: Outdoors
The weather is forecast to become more favorable for fishing and being outdoors in general. Go to article · Root for cleaner water to find kings ...
www.sptimes.com
 
Sports : Outdoors -- Philadelphia Inquirer
OUTDOORS LINKS. Outdoors Calendar Listing of clubs and activities in the area Resources How to get listed; whom to contact. RECENT STORIES ...
www.philly.com
 
Welcome to Cotswold Outdoor Ltd - outdoor & travel clothing ...
Find travel and active wear, camping and climbing equipment, rucksacks, accessories, and sleeping bags.
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
 
Outdoors: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
South Florida's breaking news site, with news, sports and information updated constantly throughout the day.
www.sun-sentinel.com
 
Outdoor Clothing - Rock Climbing Equipment - Camping Gear - Hiking ...
UK based outdoor clothing retailer. Stock includes rock climbing equipment, camping gear, stoves, tents hiking boots, waterproofs, fleeces, ht and gloves.
www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk
 
Outdoors T-Shirts and Gifts : CafePress.com : Shop Over 35 Million ...
CafePress has over 9660 unique , outdoors designs on more than 98600 T-Shirts and Gifts. Narrow your search with topics like funny outdoors, or nature, ...
www.cafepress.com
 
Great outdoors: Hunting, fishing, biking and running news ...
Top Outdoors Stories. Strong mast crop affects hunters now, next year ... Bill Cochran's Outdoors. You are never more alive than when a predator ...
www.roanoke.com
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 benefits you get from using trekking poles for hiking

  • 10 reasons to buy silk flowers and plants over real ones

  • 10 things to consider before getting a dog

  • 10 tips for great flower photography

  • 10 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 11 hints to pick your next camping tent

  • 3 easy steps to becoming a backcountry hero

  • 4 steps to an enjoyable hike

  • 5 easy steps to giving the perfect backcountry gift

  • 5 tips for successful bird watching

  • 5 tips to get out there and smell the roses

  • 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear

  • 6 things you must do if you want to havethe secret to catching more trout

  • 6 things you must do if you want to have the secret to catching more trout

  • 7 magic trick tips using invisible thread

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • 7 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 9 tips for taking great digital photos

  • alabaster antique lamps

  • all about golf

  • art career success with local businesses

  • attract birds to your yard with bird feeders

  • avoiding snowmobile crashes safety tips and avoiding injuries

  • awesome ways to get outdoors

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a great day of cat skiing

  • a kayaking community at your fingertips

  • a look at the intriguing history of snowboarding

  • a look at wet suits for kids

  • a new outdoor craft idea artificial rock boulders

  • a sport the world loves

  • backcountry skiing for intermediate skiers

  • bean bag chairs guide

  • best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain

  • black bear chasing kid style

  • blind skiers see the light

  • boarding your dog

  • bungee trampolines discover new heights

  • camping equipment essentials

  • camping in lead king basin

  • camping makes the weekend perfect

  • camping tents what the tent ratings mean

  • camping tent making sure you get the right size tent

  • camping with mans best friend

  • caribbean national parks explore the outdoors

  • carnival and madi gras masks

  • caught in the camera eye

  • check out the teva mountain games

  • choose the perfect fishing trip destination

  • choosing a wrought iron sword

  • choosing project wood

  • climbing and fear

  • cloudy day photography taking advantage of natures diffused lighting

  • code of conduct for outdoor enthusiasts

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • creative scrapbooking albums for your pet

  • cymbidiums orchid plants what you need to grow successfully

  • did you ever try selling your images

  • dirt hole set ticket to canine success

  • dog training tips

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do you have a healthy brain the secret to mental agility

  • dreaming winter photography

  • dried flowers for decorating

  • dutch oven cooking basics

  • easy navigation in the woods or on the water with the garmin etrex gps handheld

  • enjoy the view use a binocular

  • experience the adventure of a lifetime with river rafting trips

  • explore a whole new world on the water

  • exploring new trails

  • favorite hobbies camping

  • favorite hobbies yard games

  • feeding cattle

  • finding and catching fish has never been easier with the garmin 250 fish finder

  • finding snowmobile rentals in idaho fun and adventure awaits

  • find and catch those pesky fish with a garmin 240 fish finder

  • find the sunglasses that are right for you

  • fishing as family activity

  • fishing by moon phase increase your catch

  • fishing through the cracks

  • fishing vacation 101

  • five key factors that affect your pot plants in winter

  • five life skills for backcountry enjoyment

  • flower pictures a mild obsession 2

  • foot gear for a winter enthusiast

  • for fast paced fun nothing beats a pocketbike

  • funky fun garden plants

  • gearing up for an outdoor winter activity

  • geocaching a great way to get outdoors

  • getting ready for your backcountry adventure

  • get another hobby

  • get a hobby

  • get the most out of your hike

  • guitar performance make the most of it

  • hiking from your own home

  • history of kokeshi japanese wooden dolls

  • history of the adirondack chair

  • hobby ideas

  • hobby psychology

  • how much draw weight do i need for crossbow hunting

  • how to build a campfire

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to buy the right binoculars for you

  • how to choose a right backpack

  • how to choose the right motor scooter for you

  • how to choose your dome tent

  • how to get the most out of your trekking poles

  • how to get your kids along on your next hike

  • how to pick your next camping tent

  • how to select the ideal home weather station

  • hunting by moon phase your best season ever

  • index

  • indoor trampolines and mini trampolines

  • introducing new horses to your herd

  • introducing the fascinating hobby of birdwatching

  • is backcountry snowmobiling for you

  • is first aid different in the backcountry

  • it was a christmas miracle

  • i hope it rains in heaven

  • keys to responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • kids croquet

  • landscape painting tips for beginners

  • landscape painting tips for oil painters

  • let there be light part 1 the camping lantern

  • log work bench plan

  • make it tonight glowing glass jar party lights

  • mike kelsey steward of the trail

  • mini bike madness

  • mission impossible construction of a backcountry ski lodge

  • mississippi outdoor adventures

  • my perfect campsite

  • natural stress relief without a doctor

  • navigating on the mountain in water or in woods there is an etrex unit for you

  • new years resolutions for the backcountry

  • night vision devices the ultimate in backcountry toys

  • north face tents

  • oil painting supplies guide for beginners

  • oil painting tips for beginners

  • outdoor design with old ladders

  • outdoor getting out of ones shell

  • outdoor navigation tips

  • paintball explained

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • popular play tents

  • quick guide to taking better photos

  • rainbow trout and trout flies

  • raising the bar for anglers who want quality equipment at a reasonable price the garmin 160 fish finder

  • real beauty comes from within

  • responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • rock climbing preserve your experiences

  • rock speakers and planters

  • rotator

  • sailing with wind orientation in mind

  • scrapbooking think about your theme

  • scrapbooking your christmas memories

  • setting up portraiture

  • set out a feast for your feathered friends

  • sewing with polar fleece

  • shih tzu history and legends cross breeding with pekingese and lhasa terrier shih tzu management

  • ski vacations how to end up in the right place at the right time

  • so you want to climb a colorado fourteener

  • stitching memories

  • summer fun with baby great scrapbooking ideas

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • teddy bears aren t all cute cuddly toys

  • the best parts of camping gear

  • the great wide wonderland of snow and skiing

  • the journal of a gardener in tuscany june 2004

  • the many uses of the functional wetland

  • things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • things you should know about tents

  • thinking about buying redwing boots

  • thoughts about digital snap shot

  • tips on buying your first gps unit

  • tip better outdoor portraits

  • top 10 ultracompact digital cameras

  • top tips for successful backcountry navigation

  • understanding white balance

  • unique tin can candle holders

  • using film speed effectively

  • utilizing the tools we are given

  • weather vanes brief history and different types

  • wedding craft ideas that save you money

  • welding processes explained

  • whats in your hiking pack

  • what to know when buying a gps

  • what to know when buying binoculars

  • where to find 10 fly fishing tips in a single paragraph

  • whitewater rafting forges bonds stronger than the rapids

  • why go gold panning

  • why orienteering is hot

  • why rangefinders are perfect for the backcountry

  • why range finders are perfect for the backcountry

  • winter safety in the mountains

  • winter snowmobiling vacations getting the best deal

  • women and fishing not just a mans sport

  • your craft show booth how it can make you more money

  • you too can ski down mount everest

  • you to can ski down mount everest