Landscape painting lessons: Basic knowledge of shape, composition, and color

The definitive workbook for creating art

Learn essential concepts of shape, composition, and color through practical lessons and a wealth of examples from over 45 artists. Learn about shape, picture windows, dynamic composition, notation (shades/lights), color rules, color strategies, color groups, and more. In addition to illustrations, the book also features 10 practical workshops. Packed with fundamental knowledge applicable to any medium, this book will inspire a wide range of artists, from beginners to seasoned artists.

★★★Recommendation★★★ "This book explains universal points that are important when painting. The key is not tips for drawing specific motifs, but rather general applicability, so it's useful not only for landscapes, but also for finding your own style. The Q&A at the end of each chapter is a convenient checklist." -- Tatsuro Kiuchi (Illustrator)

[Table of Contents] 1. Capturing Shape A Reductionist Approach to Capturing Shape The Benefits of Simplification The Important Role of Value in Capturing Shape Value Zone Division Balancing Simplified Shape and Detail The 80/20 Rule Summary Q&A: Capturing Shape Practice: Simplifying and Drawing Shapes in Five Levels of Brightness Practice: Simplified Drawing

2. Picture Window and Format Limiting the Focus and Picture Window Directional Energy through Picture Format Summary Q&A: Picture Window and Format Practice: The Same Subject in Different Formats

3. Practicing Dynamic Composition Variation: Basic Rules of Composition Movement: Vibrancy A Composition Using Negative Space Summary Q&A: Practicing Dynamic Composition Practice: Experimenting with Multifaceted Variations in Paper Cutting Practice: Mapping the Path of Movement

4. Compositional Exercises Using Notan (Dark/Light) What is Notan (Dark/Light)? For Better Exercises: Notan (Dark/Light) Techniques Notan (Dark/Light) Apps Summary Q&A: Compositional Exercises Using Notan (Dark/Light) Practice: Introduction to Notan (Dark/Light) Practice: Observational Notan (Darkness/Lightness) Study

5. Color Laws, Color Paradoxes Adjusting Differences Between Pigment Colors and Natural Light Observation of the Real Scene vs. "Informed Alteration" Persuasive Color, Lifelike Color

6. Comprehensive Color Strategy What is Color Strategy? Contrast: The Driving Force of Color Strategy Color Contrast: Hue Relationships Color Contrast: Value Color Contrast: Saturation Summary Q&A: Comprehensive Color Strategy Practice: Painting a Subject with Different Color Strategies Practice: Color An Attempt to Compare Emphasis and Lightness

7. Color Groups What are Color Groups? Practice Color Grouping Testing Color Group Strategies: Color Exercises Summary Q&A: Color Groups Practice: Identifying Color Groups

8. Strategic Palettes Limited-Color Palettes Targeted Palettes Split Primary Palettes Two Methods for Creating Neutral Colors

Conclusion: The Endless Quest References Art Contributors Thanks About the Author Index