12 Tips for Landscape Painting: How to Capture Your First Impression

I paint a quiet river cove from the edge of a forest, using casein paint, a gouache-like paint that was popular before acrylics. Along the way I share tips for capturing that simple first impression.
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[christocr]

It always amazes me the way James can start a painting that looks so chaotic and then a few more minutes into the work it becomes a very vivid and convincing representation of what he is painting. I have a hard time thinking that way. If my early stage looks so chaotic and abstract like that, I generally get frustrated and toss it in the garbage. I guess I need to learn to keep developing the work until it starts taking shape rather than expecting what I want so early in the process, because sometimes that works, but more often it doesn't.

[OTOss]

Ah James, you’re the best. Thank you for this video. I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee and chat with you about art some day.

[ekoi]

0:46 when you draw, think about paint
1:07 start witha small set of colors
1:48 establish tonal values early
2:17 light patch in center
2:31 use big brushes
3:22 start transparent, then opaque
4:09 look ofr gradiations
4:36 paint across edges
5:16 restate central features
6:06 taper branches
6:56 include delicate details
7:29 reinforce natural rhythms

[Valisk]

I trained for four years at art college to be an illustrator back in the late 80's. After working for several years with traditional media, watercolour, gouache, airbrush, Indian ink etc... The inevitable happened and more and more of my work was done with Illustrator and Photoshop. Sadly, I haven't picked up a paintbrush in years. I've been following your channel ever since your airport terminal painting was recommended by YouTube and I'm constantly blown away by your work. I always struggled with plein air painting, I could never 'let go' in the way you do. You make hue, chroma and value seem so effortless. I was always more comfortable in the studio with lots of construction and plenty of reference material.
To cut a long story short, I've dug out my old painting gear and bought a sketch pad. Some of this paint is 30 years old and is still in great shape! Let's see how this goes :) Thanks so much for the inspiration.

[ErikBongers]

Love how you went way further with those trees than the usual 'tapered single stroke' most of us would do. The trees is what my eyes are most drawn to, because you added a lot to be 'read' there. Love the narration too - edges on poetry.

[CalmedByNature]

I'm a digital artist, not a traditional painter, but I just wanted to say thanks for the great videos. These lessons are definitely helping me develop my style and composition skills. Take care!

[cluek]

Jim, you SEE the values and temperatures and colors so clearly; your mixing and planning is a feat to behold. That’s hands-on for a lifetime!
A colleague once told a student, “it’s impossible to advance if you’re painting *once a week; shoot for four sessions: you’ll def make two—usu make three— and that’s a MINIMUM.”
—Shoot for FIVE and you’ll make AT LEAST three. Mix to an observed color/value, then isolate to compare. It’s HARD!

[mo-mo-pt]

Your finished piece brought tears to my eyes.

[jamiewashere]

I am going out plein air painting tomorrow morning with some gouache and watercolor so I am having a binge session watching your videos tonight before I go to bed haha. Thanks James!

[musschelle]

Acrylics have been my go to for so many years and have been searching for another water based medium to push its limits. Your videos have been my guide and Casein is definitely in my future repertoire. Thank you for all you do and for inspiring us to go out there and explore!

[jacomans]

Man, I'm watching it, and all I see is a mess on a canvas, then before my very eyes, Bam! It comes together in this cohesive beautiful picture...I'm experiencing it, but I can't believe it! I'm a fan! Thank you for the drawing and the tips!

[suemew]

Just bought a new set of paint for plein air painting. This video could not be more perfect in timing!!! Thank you so much, sir!!😢💖

[pallygasm]

We've got a small vegetable garden here in Canada which is only a week or two since germination. I am inspired by this painting to attempt a plein air of the fresh growth. Thank YOU James for all you've shared with this community. Your insight and concise manner of instruction is beyond valuable.

[TheVanillatech]

This guys an absolute beast on the lighting and colour selection. Must have the eyes of a god and the hands of a master technician.

[XtianApi]

Best first 20 seconds to a watercolor video ever.

[EmeralDQueenTV]

Your brush strokes are like a poem and then they become a visual magic, thank you for your amazing Art!!!

[rainbowdev]

You're the person who made me start painting!! I've only been painting a couple weeks, but I adore it! I got to gift my mom a painting of her old home and it made her so happy!

[angelcmercado]

I’ve been following you for a long time. I really enjoy seeing you picking and mixing colors with such ease, showing the understanding of the use of values and colors. Also you choose to paint many mundane scenes. Things I would never have considered painting, even after my 25 plus years as a plein air artist. Thank you your sharing your talent and innovative inventions. The best to you and thank you for sharing your knowledge and the love you have for life. It’s inspirational!

[ChelseaLang]

Thank you, James, for making such an inspiring channel. Your work always motivates me to paint from life, and I think your videos also inspired me when I was starting my own channel. Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge with us!

[catherinecervas]

Beautiful, I love the music too. Thank you for all you do and teach.