Whether you’re new to watercolor or just new to landscapes, I have 4 general rules or principles to help you creating a beautiful piece.
Related: How to Paint a Mountain Lake Landscape
It doesn’t matter if I’m painting a mountain, desert, jungle, or beach. I always apply these 4 rules (and a 5th bonus!) to get the beautiful, balanced piece I envision.
The 4 landscape principles
- Visualize and make note of the main elements with light sketches
- Tone and Values: Think about shadows, mid tones, highlights to get depth. Work backwards—light to dark.
- Consider composition so that it feels expansive.
- Add the right amount of detail for the emotion.
- Bonus: Think about balance with the elements and create a zig zag pattern of varying heights.
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Mountain Lake Landscape
The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor
Understanding Color Theory
Wet-on-Wet Technique
How to Set Up a Watercolor Palette
10 Tips to Improve Your Watercolor
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