Notan is a Japanese word for light-dark, and consists of a two value arrangement of shapes.  It can be used to define and simplify shape and value patterns. Notan (two values) and  four value designs are not based on how we actually see the world; they are constructs that we can use to see and […] The post Four Value Studies and Notan appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

Nature has infinite variety. Yet the more you observe it and learn about it, you see there are “rules” which govern the seemingly chaotic look of things. For example, trees in general grow in a certain way, which will vary from species to species. But, the idea of “taper”  (that is, the gradual diminution in […] The post Variety- Intervals and Shapes appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

What’s the difference between modern pigments and traditional mineral based pigments? In a word: chroma! Specifically, the effect on chroma when these colors are mixed or tinted. In this video you’ll learn the difference. P.S. Our six week course Practical Color Mixing for Landscape Painters starts this Friday, February 2nd! Learn how to mix accurately […] The post Modern vs Mineral– What’s the Difference? appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

Landscape painters need to have a good understanding of the importance of value in successfully depicting the landscape on a two dimensional surface. In order to have our painting ‘read’, that is to show the planes of the landscape as well as its depth, atmosphere and scale, proper values are essential. As we’ve previously written, […] The post Learn to Key Your Landscape appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

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Poster studies and deconstructed color studies are a great way to take color notes outdoors, choose a color harmony for a studio painting, and study color choices in master works. In this video, you’ll learn the difference and how to employ these useful tools in your own work! Our online course Practical Color Mixing for […] The post Poster Studies and Deconstructed Color Studies appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

It’s autumn again and that means the challenge of mixing fall foliage colors is here! As usual value is the most important consideration but orchestration of chroma and temperature is key as well. Remember that more chromatic color often lives in the midtones. So mixing to a midtone value is important. We often see the […] The post Mixing Fall Foliage Colors appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

Hi Everyone!  It’s hot as blazes here in Texas so it’s hard to imagine that fall is on the way, but it is. Autumn is my favorite season, and although it comes toward the end of the calendar year, it always seems like a new beginning to me. As the green facade in the woods […] The post Fall Is Almost Here! appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

Five Tips for Big, Atmospheric Skies As landscape painters, we know that painting skies and clouds can be challenging! Creating a sense of air, atmosphere and “bigness” in our skies is what we are after. Here are five tips to remember when you are painting skies: Keep these tips in mind and you are on […] The post Five Tips For Big, Atmospheric Skies appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more

Mixing clean colors and keeping your palette organized can be a challenge! Here are some practical tips you can use whether you are painting in the studio or plein air. Don’t swoosh;wipe.  Dunking your brush in turp during the painting process not only puts a dirty film on your brush but also affects the viscosity […] The post 5 Practical Steps For Clean Color appeared first on The Landscape Atelier ..read more