You don’t need to be an artist to create a landscape drawing that looks amazing. All you need to do is learn the basics and get inspired. Drawing a landscape is an incredibly freeing kind of art, and it can be truly beautiful. Here’s a guide on how to draw a landscape that will have people standing in awe.
Choose the View
Before you pick up any kind of pencil, paper, or brush, you need to decide what your landscape will look like. Are you envisioning a tranquil ocean beach with a hammock swaying in the wind? Are you dreaming of a mountain range with a rushing river flowing beneath? Whatever scene you choose, you need to get a mental image of it before you move to the next step.
Find Inspiration
We all have a unique creative vision inside us, but it can be even more powerful when it’s influenced by sources outside of us. So, look around the world you and find things to inspire your drawing. Even if you’re drawing a totally imaginary landscape, using something tangible as a jumping off point will give your artwork a sense of realism. Look at a photograph, find a postcard, or take a good hard look at your own backyard. Pluck imagery from reality and let your paper become its brave new home.
Cling to The Basics
Once you know what kind of landscape you’re going to draw, you need to stick to the technical basics that will make your drawing look professional. That means things like thinking through which direction your sky will be, breaking your image into thirds with a horizon line, and filling in the scene with things like trees, rocks, and bodies of water. Start by drawing basic shapes, and then add details to each form. That way, your drawing will come alive and it’ll look instantly more realistic and complete.
Let Loose
As you draw, let your imagination guide you. Make up stories about the characters in your pictures, create illusions of depth and perspective, and use colors as a form of symbolism. Landscapes can be more than just scenes—they can be conversation pieces that conjure emotion, invite people to stay a while and get lost in the view. Fill up the sky with incredible colors, and don’t be afraid to scribble a little bit with your pencil tip. To give your landscape an edge, practice techniques like hatching, crosshatching, and stippling. Use shades and shadows to make your landscape look vibrant.
Step Back and Appreciate
Once you’ve got your landscape sketched out, you need to stand back, take a deep breath and appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Take a second to analyze the way the colors all mix together and the way the lines are drawn. Imagine being there yourself and take a few minutes just to enjoy your own masterpiece. Chances are, you’ll want to draw hundreds more landscapes just to keep the feeling alive.
Frame Your Art
Finally, you need to find a way to show off your artwork in style. Frame it up in a beautiful frame, set it on an easel, use it as the background for your website, or even upload it as desktop wallpaper. Take a second to bask in praise for your artwork and give yourself a pat on the back for being amazingly talented. Your landscape drawing is sure to be the envy of your friends.
Bring it To Life With Details
To bring your landscape to the next level, you need to make sure the details are in place. Use bright colors and contrast to create depth, make sure you get the light and shade right, and add small details like birds, clouds, or a stream that will let your landscape become a little world of its own. Get creative, find inspiring images, and let your vision come alive.
The Perfect Perspective
Even the most talented artist has to think about perspective when drawing a landscape. That means considering things like the ways objects are placed in relation to each other and how the size of objects changes as they move away from each other. Use the horizon line to create the perfect perspective and make sure the landscape looks the way it’s supposed to.
Incorporate Imagery
Top off your landscape with a little extra imagery. Add a mountain peak in the distance, make sure your trees are swaying in the breeze, and even add in a few scene-likely characters to give the landscape a story. Whether you’re drawing a tranquil forest or a bustling beach, make sure there’s character in every element to complete the picture.
Draw With A Purpose
More than anything, landscape drawing should have a purpose. Before you get started, think of what you want it to say, or what feelings you want it to evoke. Start with that idea as you draw and you’ll end up with a landscape that has meaning, rather than just a nice picture. Make sure your drawing has purpose and it will become a piece of art that everyone can admire.
Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Draw many landscapes so you can get a feel for the terrain, hone your techniques, and work out the kinks. Keep it fun and never be afraid to step outside the box and try different perspectives. Add your own special flair, and you’ll be an expert landscape drawer in no time.
