The Joy of the Block: Starting Your Landscape Painting with Acrylics

There’s nothing quite like the smell of wet acrylic paint and the satisfying scrape of a brush against a palette. For those of us who find true peace with paint under our fingernails, the act of creation is a ritual. But even the most seasoned painters know that a beautiful final piece starts with a few simple, foundational steps. Today, we're diving into the world of landscape painting, focusing specifically on the crucial, yet often overlooked, stage: blocking in the color.

When tackling a scene—whether it's a distant ocean wave or a sturdy old red barn—it’s tempting to jump straight into the delicate details. But a great composition needs a solid base. Our friend Kevin Hill guides us through the process of painting a beautiful barn scene, demonstrating how much fun it is to use a photograph as inspiration, and how the early stages of color blocking can save hours of frustration later on.

The Power of the Underpainting

Notice how Kevin begins by simply covering the entire toned canvas with abstract patches of color. This isn't just filling space; it's establishing the overall mood, the value, and the color harmony of the piece. He uses various colors—soft greens, deep blues, and even a surprising purple—to create a foundational map. This process of "getting the canvas covered" is key because it allows the entire painting to breathe together before you even worry about the fence posts or the roofline.

This hands-on technique reminds us that great art often starts with abstract thought and simple, broad gestures. Don't be afraid to experiment with color theory right out of the gate. Just like Kevin, mixing a vibrant, unexpected color like purple to start a background, the initial choices don't have to be perfect—they just have to *start* the conversation between the colors.

From Sketch to Scene: A Masterclass in Acrylics

Watching Kevin work is a masterclass in process. He demonstrates how to build up layers, starting with broad, abstract washes and gradually refining the edges. He uses various tools—from flat brushes for spreading color to smaller brushes for more refined detail—all while keeping an eye on the environment. When working with acrylics, remember to keep your palette misted with water; this keeps the paints moving and prevents those frustrating dry patches.

He emphasizes that copying nature, whether through a photo or a live observation, is a wonderful way to learn. It provides structure, but the real fun is in how you interpret that structure. The goal isn't just to reproduce a picture, but to understand the light, the shadow, and the color relationships that make the scene feel real.

If you've been wanting to elevate your own landscape painting skills, watching this demonstration is the perfect place to start. It’s a beautiful reminder that the process—the mixing, the layering, the sheer act of applying paint—is just as rewarding as the finished piece.

Ready to Get Paint Under Your Fingernails?

The best art education is the kind that happens when you're in a room with other creators, sharing paint and laughter. Rogue Artists exists for those moments—for the hands-on, beautiful mess of creation. Don't let the idea of a blank canvas intimidate you. Start small. Get a sketchbook and a few pencils, or grab a small palette and some acrylics.

If you're ready to move beyond the Pinterest scroll and into the genuine, tactile joy of art, find an Art Angel near you. Book a workshop, list your studio, or claim a creator profile. Let's get painting!