Are Those Paintings or Photos?! How to Paint Realistic Landscapes with Acrylic on Paper

Beginner friendly! In this sketchbook painting tutorial, I show you how to paint realistic landscapes on paper with acrylic on paper. I'll walk you through, step by step, how to create a realistic landscape in your sketchbook using acrylic on paper, and the best part is that you only need four colours. In this video we'll cover preparing your paper for painting, mixing colours and tones, how to paint mist, basic landscape painting rules, and detail work. Enjoy this video in full 4K!
To download my reference photos, please visit this link: mariannevanderdussen.myflodes...
These reference photos are COPYRIGHT FREE and you may do with them what you'd like! Keep them, sell them, make prints of your paintings, just have fun!
🎨 If you'd like to learn to paint with me in a longer and more structured format, my full course, "Painting Flowers in Acrylic," is NOW AVAILABLE!!! - Use code KZbin25 to take $25 off! courses.mariannevanderdussen....
Additional notes:
For mixing colours, treat the burnt umber like a red in your palette. So if your colours are coming out too green, tone them back with the burnt umber. Remember that you can use complementary opposites to tone colours, not just greys. Green tones red, yellow tones purple, and orange tones blue (and vice versa).
I am using Liquitex Professionals acrylic paint, but you can use whatever brand you'd like. I don't usually use any medium when I am painting in sketchbooks.
For tape, I am using both the purple Scotch delicate brand and the yellow Frog delicate strength tape. The reason I am using two is because I actually prefer the Scotch as it seems to leave cleaner lines, but I like the yellow because it allows me the width to tape the whole book closed, which helps prevent buckling.
All of my art supplies are linked through the Amazon shops below.
www.amazon.ca/shop/artbymaria... (Canada)
www.amazon.com/shop/artbymari... (USA)
Please note: as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Link to my free 36 page Introduction to Acrylic Painting eBook (and get a coupon for $25 off my painting course!): mariannevanderdussen.myflodes...
Link to my free 28 page Introduction to Oil Painting eBook! mariannevanderdussen.myflodes...
Follow me on Instagram: / mariannevanderdussen
My website: www.MarianneVanderDussen.com
Art Incubator Facebook Support Group - this is where you can connect with me directly, find free floral reference photos, and a supportive community: / artincubatorwithmarianne
Follow me on Facebook: / artbymariannevanderdussen
Video Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Getting Started: Priming your Pages with Gesso and Taping
02:03 Mixing Colours with a Limited Palette: How to Create Tones
02:57 Beginning the Painting
05:01 Painting Water: How to Blend Between Two Colours
06:27 Second Layer
09:28 Second Painting - Closeup of the Marsh Grass
11:48 Final Reveal

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching this tutorial! Let me know if you have any questions at all, I'm happy to answer them. If you're interested in learning to paint with me in a longer and more structured format, I am so happy to share that my first course, "Painting Flowers in Acrylic," is now available. Use code *KZbin25* to take $25 off! The course is available here: courses.mariannevanderdussen.com/offers/sTGLNjHa/ *Don't forget to use the code, and happy painting!*

[@artantique1904]

Thank you for sharing with as your painting time I enjoyed watching you

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

@@artantique1904 thank you for watching!

[@user-rw2kg7oe1r]

Yesiknow,youmeanverysocool,ihopedoit

[@grace.blithe.studio]

how long did u paint it?

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

@@grace.blithe.studio it took a few days to complete, painting about 2 hours per day. So probably 8 hours start to finish.

[@lunaw7962]

She didn’t even start painting yet and I’ve subbed and been mind blown ! Thank you!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Awww thanks so much Luna!!!

[@belladora8328]

THIS! This is how I want to learn to paint! Just starting acrylics and watercolor as I turn 60. Art is so satisfying and feeds the soul. Thanks for giving me more tools with which to express myself.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Yay I'm so happy that you're beginning this journey and that you found me!!! I wish you great success!!!

[@Classicartist169]

Thank you for your wonderful art my great teacher❤, i'm 17 years old, i painted four paintings and I have a special philosophy about art. In the future, i want to write a book about the philosophy of art, but I am busy writing my first philosophical book that deals with the philosophy of society. I think i am the youngest writer in Morocco🇲🇦

[@charissezhao8197]

I don’t know which i love more, your painting or your voice… just both are so beautiful! Thank you!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Wow, thank you! This made my day!

[@user-xh8nc3go5w]

Невероятно! Как будто это фотография, а не рисунок. Все как живое! Потрясающе!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for the kind words!!!

[@kendraclarke4935]

The colours of these two paintings are spectacular! I hope you come out with another course soon! 🥰

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much, Kendra!!! And YES! I am so excited to be planning my next courses for release this summer! They’ll be focused entirely on colour mixing for both acrylic and oil, followed by a course on oil painting landscapes! Eventually I hope to offer a full library of courses through my website…I can’t wait!!! ✨📚

[@MsOnnela]

Oh wow, this is stunning and so-so inspirational 🤎

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!!

[@ronweed2030]

I like the cut of her painting jib ...but her voice sounds like that of a professional voice over actor ...it's freaking me out 🥴😁. Seriously though - nice studies

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I am so happy you enjoyed the voiceover! I’ve been told I should look at it as a fallback career so it’s nice to know I have options if being an artist doesn’t pan out 😂 have a great day!

[@redinabloogs8477]

LOL me too

[@felicianomiko5659]

100% agreed. Feels like I’m watching a corporate training video. Kind of missing an authentic, human vibe. But the painting is no joke. I always paint my layers very differently, well maybe not *very* but differently all the same, so seeing it done this way is always interesting to me.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

@@felicianomiko5659 I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@mimiharv]

Agreed, I ended up turning the volume down and the autogenerated subtitles on 😅 but it's a great video nonetheless!

[@nikolaymontik6593]

This is probably the most helpful painting tutorial I've seen in a while. This video is super calming and nice to watch! I like how you document the painting process as well as giving us some tips to help us. A lot of painting tutorials I see are not very helpful, not fun to watch, or really just not good. But this video is nothing short of amazing. Your voice is extremely calming and nice to listen to. I love how you go out in nature and take pictures of your own! Its nice to see the beauty of Ontario through your paintings! I also love how you gave us some super helpful painting tips not commonly found in other painting tutorials. I especially like the color mixing tips, because I could really use some help with color mixing, Lol. I love your videos and I hope to see some more!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

This comment has absolutely made my day!!! Thank you so so much for this amazing feedback, I’m so happy you enjoyed the video and found it useful!!! Northern Ontario is so beautiful, it’s such a treat to be able to share it with the world.

[@kascialelonek8757]

Wow this is the best demo I have ever seen. So much info packed in.❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my goodness thank you so much!!! I appreciate your feedback immensely!! 🥰

[@rimekamal5724]

Talentueuse...bravo 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

@@rimekamal5724 Thank you!!!

[@rimekamal5724]

@@MarianneVanderDussen 🌹

[@xerxezrax]

would really love a sketchbook tour!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I will DEFINITELY do one in the future!!!

[@user-ql2pw9qx1t]

Благодарю Вас за это ВОЛШЕБСТВО, МАГИЮ превращения белого листа скетчбука в произведения искусства от всей души!!! Очень нравится!!! ❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Огромное спасибо за этот прекрасный комментарий, я очень рада, что вам понравилось! Приятной живописи!

[@lernerdodapinky]

Your voice reminds me of the actresses who voiced classic Disney Princess or Barbie DVD Menu pages - it's so calm and feminine! Beautiful tutorial

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Wow, thank you! I so appreciate this!!!

[@sc2455]

Pro artist with informative pro tips. Beautiful paintings….

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so so glad you found it helpful!!! Happy painting!!!

[@leentje8323]

Thank you Marianne, this video is the most useful tutorial video so far. As someone who starting to paint for leisure with almost 0 knowledge, you helped me figuring out with how to keep your palette wet and how to save the canvas (for practice). Before, I tried to paint in cold pressed paper without gesso and it was a real disaster 😂🤣 Also, I enjoy this video very much. I love the way you stroke your brush, your voice is so beautiful and your explanation is easy to understand ❤️ thank you.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

How exciting for you to be starting your journey into painting!!! I am so here for it. Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you enjoy the process!!!

[@NeetusArtClasses]

Beautiful painting ❤❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@tracygurrell1000]

Your artwork is amazing ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@darlenemartinez384]

You had me at your intro! ❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Yay thank you so much for watching!!!

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Absolutely stunning ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you, Jackie!!

[@NoName-jr2eo]

An excellent job!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you very much, and thanks for watching!

[@JuliaTheMoonCat]

Thank you for this amazing video. The picture you chosed looks hard to paint, but your explanations and the detailed "how-to-do"s are taking away the fear of trying and even make me want to go out, get photos and get started. Even your voice is motivating and nice to listen to. Thanks and greetings from Germany ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate so much hearing where you're from! I hope you give it a try and thank you from Canada!

[@xaraxaritou4789]

Thank you for the great tutorial. It is very helpful! And you have a very calming voice. Greetings from Greece!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching and I appreciate your comment!!! Have an amazing day!!! 🇬🇷 Much gratitude from Canada 🇨🇦

[@marie-evemeunier4364]

Very beautiful paintings and useful tips! Thanks a lot!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for your comment, Marie-Eve! I'm so happy you found the video useful!!!

[@artifexmom3824]

Thanks for the tips… it’s very helpful 🥰❤️

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed!!!

[@carianin5293]

Thanks for sharing. This was awesome!❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!!

[@lindalangeheine5787]

Excellent video! Thanks. I like to dress up my diary-journal, illustrating each day with a small piece of art. I’m excited to try these paintings.🎉

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my goodness what a fantastic idea!!! I love it!!! I’d love to see it when you’re done, if you’re on Instagram feel free to tag me!!!

[@DominikaKowalskaArt]

I'm impressed by the beauty of colours and composition!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!! Limited palettes are so magical, they make everything come together. It helps that I have such beautiful landscapes a stone's throw from where I live!

[@reefprayerresin]

Just beautiful Marianne, but your videos always are. I really ‘got’ the colour temperature difference you explained, today. I’ve heard it a lot over the years, but obviously blocked it out. - So many things to remember, I guess, but yes, cooler background getting warmer towards the foreground…. I must remember this. Because of you I’ve actually started painting in a sketchbook, which I’ve never done before! - I taped it up the same, but then used gold leaf and will add differing flower edges, to experiment with them over the gold. I also love painting on a smooth surface, so it’s like melamine, and usually paint 5 layers of gesso on a canvas, sanding in between. I hadn’t thought of doing that in a sketchbook, so thankyou for showing this in your video. Always a pleasure.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so so glad you found the video helpful and that something clicked for you! How fun to paint with the gold leaf, I bet it’s gorgeous. Thats something I’ve been meaning to try for awhile now but maybe this is the nudge I need too!

[@reefprayerresin]

@@MarianneVanderDussen - I think it must be… 😉😂

[@jannatinurakhi3971]

Just awesome.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!

[@juliasuccinct2985]

First time I've seen one of your videos. Well done, so user-friendly and calming. Watched the studio set up afterwards and just noticed the seascape is still on the top shelf. It's so striking, can't believe no-one has bought it.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I'm so happy you found me, and thank you so much for commenting! I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!!! Yes, that little painting of the wintry pier is still hanging out in my studio, but I'm sure he'll find the right home when it's time 😊 thank you for your kind words about it! I really appreciate it!

[@zoewhiteart7676]

Two beautiful paintings!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you very much!

[@babs675]

Fantastic instruction. Great paintings ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching, Barbara!

[@catherinegoodsett-wein3313]

Awesome!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@carlametcalfe4342]

Beautiful 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@sarahalmusharfi5454]

Also I love the way of describing the colors tone.. type of brushes that I need.. sketch notebook type.. really professional artist voice and gift.. hope to see more videos.❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Definitely more videos will be coming! I’m so glad you enjoyed the section on tones!

[@elisenispee7450]

Very good teacher 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@sekharjason251]

Beautiful ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you! 😊

[@tomtop82]

Wooow 😮 absolutely great!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!

[@lindatannock]

Stunning paintings! Fascinating to see your process ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@Itshibafathima]

Thank you so much for this tutorial❤ I've always wanted to paint realistic landscapes but I always failed. Your tips are really helpful. 😊😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

My pleasure 😊 realism takes time but I have found the tones to be a game changer!!! Have fun painting 🥰

[@nrthrnscpe]

Highly professional and informative. Wonderful artwork. 10/10!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Wow, you made my day!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@090403created]

This is so neat!!!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@rosebrauen7120]

So beautiful!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@rcartecorpus]

Beatiful ❤🤗 you are and amazing artist

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@Lightstorm786]

This is an absolutely fabulous video! Your instructions felt so understandable, I really think I can try this myself with some moderate success. It really reminded me of Bob Ross and his soothing tone when instructing. Thank you for posting and please make more of these lovely videos!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I really do hope you give it a try!!! I’m very inspired to make more of these videos, and comments like this are so motivating! Thank you!!

[@1990rable]

this is really cool!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@topchic7475]

What a fantastic tutorial! So many great tips and it’s so relaxing to watch you paint. Love the music choice too, just enough to give atmosphere but not be overbearing. 10/10 for skill, composition and production. 🙌🏼

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh my goodness you have just made my entire day!!! Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment and for noticing the music…I really put a lot of time into selecting the tracks for this one, so I feel seen!!! 🥰

[@judithmalan1502]

Very effective! THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@cmwoodsie72]

Amazing tutorial. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Both paintings turned out spectacularly. Your practice/sketchbook painting would be like a masterpiece to me, lol!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thanks so much 😊 I hope you give these paintings a shot, you'd be surprised...maybe you'll be staring at your own masterpieces soon!

[@jezinperth1]

I love your work and it’s exactly the style I want to paint. The best acrylic instructional video I’ve seen over many years. Big ❤ all the way from Australia. You have a new fan.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh wow, this comment has made me so incredibly happy, thank you so much for your kind words!! I’m so glad you found this helpful 🥰

[@deni-gibbs]

Was it acrylic or watercolor? I love them both... But I would like to know. Thanks

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

@@deni-gibbs These are acrylic paintings

[@snikyllol]

Thanks for sharing! This is very inspiring ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching 🥰

[@SiscaWidyaIllustration]

so beautiful painting. thanks alot for the tutorial

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@kinyawilliams7439]

I love your tutorials

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so so much!!! ☺

[@gideonros2705]

Stunning

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!! 🥰

[@kathypointer3938]

Amazing!!!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@kaleidoscope_stacy]

Как же это красиво!😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@marshapascoe79]

Thank you for sharing with us. You have given me the way to work on the grasses on my current project!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh awesome!!! I’m so happy it’s going to help you on your painting!!!

[@LarrysLodgevideo]

Fabulous paintings, thanks for letting us know how to do it ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

My sincere pleasure, thank you for the comment!

[@user-fj1tk4ok5f]

Fantastic paintings! Loved watching your process! Thank you 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!

[@Ilovenature906]

Wow mashallah, western are very talented...😊😊😊...great and satisfaction....❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your comment!

[@allebook-ji3bm]

I love it’s 🙏❤️😍

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@dianeo]

Beautiful art. This lovely video coupled with such informative material really clarified the whole process. Thank you. Also appreciating the free materials for download!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh I am so happy you enjoyed it and I'd love if you shared your final paintings with me if you give it a shot!!! I love seeing other artists interpret my photos!

[@dianeo]

I'll give it a try!! 👍@@MarianneVanderDussen

[@samgraham1936]

Honestly there beautiful ur really really talented there really lovely calming colours..from Sam …Belfast ..god bless ❤️✝️

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for watching, Sam! I hope to visit your beautiful country one day ☺

[@gaiartstudio]

Thank you so much again and again

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

You are so welcome!

[@smithamathew6572]

I liked ur painting so much and explaining each of the painting colours and mixing. Hope to see more different painting vedio. 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!! I have lots of other painting videos on my channel and plan on adding so much more 🥰

[@AwesomeAndrew]

You have really created a very quality video, I subscribed just on the tip with the wet paper towel under baking sheet, then the video just got better, thank you for creating high value content. Great work.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so so glad that you found the wet palette helpful! It’s all I use for acrylics now, I absolutely love it. Thank you for subscribing!!!

[@marshapascoe79]

Beautiful work!

[@andreatorraca8755]

Beautiful

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!

[@mariem5990]

So Beautiful. Thank you for the tutorial .

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@user-mb7lx9nj8k]

That was super helpful 🥹

[@NikaArtie]

Beautiful and very informative, love it 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@antheablackmore5838]

Absolutely beautiful, thank you

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@grace.blithe.studio]

i love it

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@rusukebordones]

This is so beautiful!❤ thank you for sharing! You are amazing!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

[@M0SHNA]

The most beautiful weather is when the sky is covered with thick clouds, through which diffused light passes. 🤍🌫️

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I like it moody too!

[@StudioBorealisCanada]

Beautiful paintings. Thank you for the tutorials!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

[@joeirvine3398]

Wow! That is a great tutorial! Many thanks 🙏

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Yay I’m so happy you liked it!!! Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@joeirvine3398]

I tried the Misty Marsh and really enjoyed the limited palette

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Beautifully done

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Mariana-ym6zf]

Superb!

[@johntartaglia2672]

Wow, I'm hooked. Just subscribed to your channel and making plans to revive my artwork, which has been neglected way too long.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh I’m so glad to hear this!!! Thank you!!!

[@brayo.4793]

Impressive ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!

[@leandrogoncalves1557]

this is inspiring

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!

[@TheLucindamaria]

Fabulous.

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!

[@leonapetite5033]

Thank you soooo much! ❤ a LOT of new things I learned from this video

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh I’m so glad!!! Thank you so much for watching and for your comment!!

[@pmnirmal6052]

Excellent tutorial !

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@user-lj7cg3kz2p]

Thank you love the scetch book paintings! 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!! They've become such a joy to create!!

[@tsaehtron]

So beautiful! thank you for all the tips. I paint watercolours but I'm thinking about trying out acrylics, maybe this subject will be a good start. Thank you :)

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Oh yay I hope you give it a shot! So much fun to paint 🥰

[@MundirkaPatel]

This is so good 😮

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

This was a dream to watch ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Yay!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!!

[@pdscott2071]

Great tutorial!!! Excellent!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@XenaArt]

👌👌👌 Безцінний урок! Дякую! ❤❤❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Спасибо!

[@amynelson1652]

Marianne! This is amazing! So inspiring!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

I’m so happy you liked it!!!

[@1Punkahontas]

Very beautiful work ! Merci

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@suellenterry6618]

Fantastic!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@honoratagorna4133]

Beautiful....

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!!!

[@mrsgingernoisette]

Such a good tutorial

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@mariapatts3038]

Beautiful. I've learned a lot. Thank you 😊

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

And I’m so glad you found it helpful!!!

[@feribasabory]

Heel mooi!

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Thank you!

[@momo13102]

Amazing tutorial… thank you Marianne ❤

[@MarianneVanderDussen]

Glad you like it, thank you so much for watching!!!