4 Steps To Simplify A Landscape Painting

When we attempt to paint from photographs that have a lot of detail, we have two options; we can focus on the detail and render small shapes and values or we can simplify the shapes and values, reduce the detail, and focus on the light.
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[@Wendy8888]

I've been experimenting with your methods in Photoshop. I was a photographer for many years but always unsatisfied with most of my landscapes (I mainly photographed people).
Simplifying is always difficult when painting and this is really helping.
Thank you!😊

[@philstarke.artist]

Glad it's helpful Wendy, photoshop is a great tool.

[@petersenesac8102]

It's interesting that you find the coi in the middle of all these compositions. I sometimes get criticism for putting it in the middle. Its especially a problem for me with a square. Your simplifying tip about looking at the c.o.i. and blurring out what you don't see is gold!
A big problem for me is remembering all your great tips when I'm in the field with brush in hand! I just charge in intuitively and make a mess.

[@philstarke.artist]

It is very easy to get the focal point in the center, planning it out helps

[@mrwoka]

I really liked the distinction you made between "layers" and "planes", which I would erroneously use indistinctly, merge together, and then get lost when I'm further into a painting. I'll be more attentive next time I plan a composition.
Thank you for the observation!

[@philstarke.artist]

You're welcome

[@azaz-ty1bn]

On the 2nd photo why wouldn't you crop out the mtn and only have the focal point; stream, some of the lower ridge, and a few trees both sides? Including the mtn, doesn't add interest?

[@philstarke.artist]

There are several paintings in this photo, zooming in on the creek would be a good one. I liked the mountains with the creek but zooming in on the creek would be a good, more intimate painting.