How to Paint Country Scenes
Paintings of country scenes are great additions to any décor. A good oil painting of a country scene can cost a lot of money in a gallery or fine store. If you have even a little artistic talent you can paint your own country scene. Think about the most beautiful country scene you can imagine, sketch it out, and bring it to life.
Instructions
-
-
1
Think of long, narrow dirt roads. Imagine old historic buildings and barns; tall green grass; crisp, cool water; and acres of woodlands. Create a place in your mind that includes these elements. Use your sketch book and a pencil to make a sketch of what you envision. You'll need a focal-point object, such as a pond, barn or field. This will be the main object of the painting. You will also paint details around your focal point. They may be trees, the sky, rocks and earth, rivers, flowers, people, and so forth. Once you are done sketching in the details, look the sketch over carefully. Adjust it as you see fit. Sketch the final version of your scene onto the canvas.
-
2
Prepare your pallet by squirting a quarter-sized amount of several colors of oil paint onto its surface. Use white to make lighter shades of colors by cutting the white into a small amount of a color in an open spot on the pallet. Make several shades of greens, blues, browns, yellows, pinks, purples, and reds. All of these colors are found in nature.
-
-
3
Use a variety of paint brushes when painting. To get to know your brushes, test them on a scrap canvas before using them on your painting. Each brush will have a different paint effect. Use a small brush to outline your focal point. Use the pencil marks on the canvas to guide you as you fill in the sketch with color. Bring it to life. Add layers of color for a three-dimensional effect.
-
4
Paint in the details according to the pencil sketch drawn on the canvas. A side-to-side motion with a larger brush works well. Tree trunks can be done with a small stiff brush by vertically layering ¼ inch to ½ inch of paint with right to left strokes. Use grays and browns. Create the leaves on trees in the distance by making dots and dabs with the tip of your paint brush. Use a fine-tipped brush for any type of intricate detail. Use a fan brush for clouds.
-
5
Allow the painting at least twenty-four hours or more to dry before you mat and frame it. Hang the painting and enjoy the lovely country scene you have created.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Take your time.
Apply paint a little at a time. Adding to much paint too fast can ruin a painting.
