Beginning Artist Problems With Landscapes and their Solutions

Problem #1: “Grass is green” thinking (not looking closely at reference).

Solution: Look closer at the variety of color and value that exists in everything.

Problem #2: “Dead Water Syndrome”

Solution: ACURATE REFLECTIONS and HIGHLIGHTS!

Problem #3: Painting from memory.

Solution: Paint what you see NOT what you “know”

Problem #4: “Floating Objects Syndrome”

Solution: CAST SHADOWS “ground” objects.

Problem #5: “Pretty Color Syndrome” and the “Neat and Tidy Syndrome”

Solution: Look at reference photos VERY CLOSELY (nature is messy)

Problem # 6 “Where Did The Light Go” Syndrome

Solution: Don’t forget high lights, shadows and cast shadows on ALL objects.