Fundamentals of
Landscape Painting
with
Roger Parsons
September 24 - October 22, 2024
(5 weeks)
Tuesdays
9:30-4:30
$425
This class will focus on simplifying the complexities of landscape painting to its essential elements in regard to common features of the landscape: trees, rocks, clouds, water, and snow.
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Using simple objects in the studio, we will first study the types of light by direct observation. In landscape painting, the five types of light are the light plane, shadow plane, midtones, highlights, and reflected light. Using objects in the studio gives us opportunity to identify each type of light and to mix color to match each of them. This knowledge transfers directly to landscape painting.
Next, we will work from photos, since they capture a specific moment in time, “freezing” the light striking the earth. Working from photos will help simplify the essential elements of landscape painting: composition, value, edges, and color.
In this class, we will use a double universal color palette: two yellows, two reds, and two blues, plus black and white.
Students should bring their own photos or they may use photos provided by the instructor.
Study of light across objects
Painting simple objects with a fixed light source is a great way to learn how to mix color to represent the various types of light in nature. Finding the right mix for each type of light is a powerful lesson - a lesson that applies directly to landscapes.
"The Clarity of Silence"
Intense sunlight at altitude through clear dry air and a low angle in winter provide dramatic lighting for the winter scene.
"Arizona Sunset"
Painting backlit clouds successfully is dependent on the essentials of value, edge, and color.
"Prelude to Palo Duro"
Midday light across a landscape is accomplished by considering the five types of light: light plane, shadow plane, midtones, highlights, and reflected lights.
Nocturne and Waterscape
Sublime effects of reflected and broken light across the surface of water require a delicate balance of the essential elements of landscape painting. Most of this painting is done in a very narrow value range, with small variations in hue for subtle, nuanced harmony.
