How to simplify a busy landscape

This video shows the start to finish process of painting and simplifying a stunning landscape view. Using acrylic paints and a palette knife, I block in areas and try keep it as simple as I can; there is just waaay to much going on in this scene. I decided to make it clearer by showing houses in foreground, with dark trees framing the lighter houses,, and show the depth of the landscape using aerial perspective; Lighter background showing things further away.
I always learn so much painting from life. But there are always ways to simplify much further and still keep the narrative. This is more of a notation of my journey.
See other paintings on Www.allenwittert.com

[@marianmurphy5385]

That was great. Even though the paint was heavily and boldly applied…there was still that graphic element..reminded me a bit of Cezanne.

[@Freeformax]

Thank you Marian.. Yes, some days the paint goes on heavy too early, some days, more layers applied lighter. It is a better practice to do a sketch first, and then work in layers. But I often feel that in doing that, I can fall into the trap of painting representationally, rather than following my feelings, heart in mouth, which is more exciting, and what I’m trying to show.. but may not always lead to a successful painting. So these paintings would be good to work from back in studio along with photos, and design it out a little more. Xx

[@jorgealbertodeschamps5702]

excelente...gracias¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

[@Freeformax]

Thank you, Obrigado, Merci, :]

[@leannebear8842]

Inspiring to see such bold marks. I like the rainbow palette knife bits. Thanks. When you said we creatives have to have the scene, I think of it as we have to express what we see. It’s innate… it’s sharing too, not greed so much as need!

[@Freeformax]

Yes , good point. it’s like saying, Hey, look at this everyone! My mom was instrumental in that, for instance when I was a little kid, we’d walk around the garden and she’d point out say, leaves or how the aloes or proteas were showing, the specific flowers she loved and I’d say, [ realizing I was a young g man] oh big deal, they’re just flowers, and she’d say no, look at that, look at how that color works against that shape etc., She was working with a stubborn mind. But later I saw all those things.

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable watching and listening😊😊😊

[@Freeformax]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Really enjoyed watching you paint. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Freeformax]

Thanks so much 😊 Appreciate the comment.

[@robertradocha6871]

💕💯🎨🎨🎨

[@Freeformax]

Thanks Robert!

[@robertradocha6871]

@@Freeformax YOU are very very welcome 🙏🙏😊