DRAWING LANDSCAPES with Diane Wright

[Mike Sibley]

Available as a PDF download - see end

Landscape - Putting it all together

The Grand Finale
The lessons I have been sharing have focused on specific elements in nature, clouds/skies, rocks, water and trees. Now it is time to put all of these elements together into a complete landscape composition.

While plein air offers its own unique qualities to drawing, it is not always feasible. I prefer to work from photos and in the comfort of my own studio. When I’m out scouring the Iowa countryside ‘barn hunting’, my goal is to compose my landscapes with the use of my digital camera. It is common for me to take as many as 100 or more photos of one barn or of a tree. Every possible angle, close-up and far away are taken – anything to help me as references to use when back in the studio.

Is it okay to use photos just as they are composed? Absolutely. Prior to this digital era, thumbnail sketches were used to compose our artwork. Now much of the compositional issues can be resolved through the lens of the camera or through manipulation in computer photo editing softwares. Most landscape photographs will benefit from minor adjustments to improve the composition, and sometimes multiple photographs merged together may be beneficial.

But how do you know what adjustments should be made? What makes a good landscape composition? Here are some tips when working with compositions for landscapes.

• The simplest guide is - if it is pleasing to your eye, it is probably going to be pleasing as a landscape.
• Use the rules of thirds.
• Overlap the elements and make sure they sit on the planes correctly (apply proper perspective)
• Adjust the horizon line for interest. Try a low horizon line for emphasis on the clouds.
• Atmospheric perspective - items in the distance will be lighter and less detailed
• Value composition should be considered as well. Creating a tonal map of the landscape will help unify the landscape. If the darks are scattered throughout the entire scene, it is not going to look as good as balancing the tones.
• Identify the light source. Identify what direction the sun is and apply shadows consistently throughout the scene. This applies to overcast days too!

I haven’t gone into much detail on any of these items. Each one could be a lesson on their own! Here are some reference books that go into further depth and illustrations:

• “14 Formulas for Painting Fabulous Landscapes” by Barbara Nuss ISBN: 1-58180-385-0
• “Design & Composition Secrets of Professional Artists” by International Artist Magazine ISBN: 1-929834-09-8
• “Painting Better Landscapes” by Margaret Kessler ISBN: 0-8230-3575-1
• “Drawing Made Easy: Dynamic Composition” by William Powell ISBN:1-56010-998-X
• “Drawing from Line to Life” by Mike Sibley ISBN: 978-0-9551578-0-6

The first three books are “painting” books, but their discussions and concepts regarding compositions are excellent and are just as applicable to drawing.

Assignment: Split Rock, Minnesota
What a beautiful photo reference! Betty Wilson has so graciously granted the use of her photograph of a lighthouse located in Split Rock, Minnesota. This image can be located in the WetCanvas Reference Image Library.

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I carefully chose this photo reference to minimize compositional adjusting. Our intent on this assignment is to concentrate on combining our new knowledge on drawing clouds and skies, rocks, water and trees together to make a complete landscape drawing.

So...how do we get started? The important thing is not to be overwhelmed. By dissecting the landscape into sections, you will find your landscape will start magically appearing onto your paper.

Create an Outline:
Draw a light outline on your paper. If necessary, use a light box, tracing paper or projector to get the overall shapes, positioning and placement of the cliff, lighthouse and rocks. As you attack this landscape, review each of the previous lessons, apply those techniques to each section of this scene, and you will be amazed how the landscape will emerge on your paper.

STEP BY STEP

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The Lighthouse and Cliff:

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Foreground Rocks:

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Trees:

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As my book for Walter Foster was ready to go to press, it was discovered that I needed one more drawing for the last page. This drawing was selected to fill that void! While I didn't have the opportunity to alter the text for the book, I would like to dedicate this drawing to WetCanvas Drawing Lessons and to all the wonderful artists I have met! Thank you for the opportunity to share my techniques and approaches through these on-line classes.

Here is the final rendering:

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Split Rock, MN by Diane Wright

Tutorial © 2010 Diane Wright

DOWNLOAD:
This complete tutorial is available in .PDF format (640KB)

[Laurene]

Thank you Mike and Diane for making these available to everyone!

I have Diane’s book “Beautiful Landscapes” published by Walter Foster and it’s been invaluable. It’s actually signed by Diane 6/13/2007!

Thank you Diane for sharing your talent with us all these years.