The Secret for Landscape Painting Success

THE ART OF LANDSCAPE LOOKING
This video starts the second module (The Challenge of Landscape Painting) of my Patreon course. It is not a painting tutorial as such, but an illustrated lecture to demonstrate what I believe is the most important skill that you need to take your landscape painting to the next level....developing the Art of Landscape Looking. This is why I have shared it on my KZbin channel and in the forthcoming Patreon tutorials these ideas will be developed: I will show you how to approach the challenges of landscape painting - including choosing painting formats, creating depth through perspective and understanding the idea of spatial constraint. These will be available in the coming weeks to Patreon subscribers and please visit the link below if you would like to subscribe and follow my course.
/ oliverpyle
In this video, I review a number of my paintings, using them to illustrate how the skill of LANDSCAPE LOOKING has defined my work and helped to contribute to a body of work that has a distinct identity. We also take a walk into the Sussex countryside, where I explain some ideas to give you some structure to your thinking and observation when you are in the landscape.
I should add a little footnote:
I assumed that the old Dutch barn that was no longer there was the result of damage from a recent gale. Well, I was speaking with the farmer a couple of days later and he told me that it was destroyed by a group of vandals that had set it on fire! Very sad to learn that - farming is difficult at the best of times, without such idiotic behaviour.
Please use this lecture as an ongoing resource and I have included the following time stamps for your ease of reference:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:25 - The Art of Landscape Looking
01:36 - The Challenge of Landscape Painting
03:32 - Subject Familiarity
07:32 - Colour
09:07 - Drama
10:00 - Detail
11.17 - Shapes
12.29 - Contrast
14:29 - Stories
15:50 - A Walk Down the Lane
16:55 - Landscape Looking 'Gears'
17:57 - 1st Gear - Inspiration
18:59 - 2nd Gear - Observation
20:00 - 3rd Gear - Presentation
20.55 - 4th Gear - Modification
29:27 - Sussex
34:21 - Dorset
37:39 - Summary

[@ItsOnlyMeAgain]

For years I have wanted to become a good painter but my excuse is I can’t see like an artist. Artist look at things differently to us regular folk. Nobody seemed to grasp what I was saying but today I found your KZbin Chanel and you know exactly what my problem is and you explain how I can learn to look. This is amazing. Thank you thank you thank you. I’m not weird! 😂

[@gidkideon]

I hear you. Even though I’d worked as a commercial artist for over a decade I knew I was missing something deeply critical I couldn’t put into words. Most people didn’t understand what I was saying. After all I’m making a living with “art” what could be missing/wrong? Maybe I just needed to push harder in the same direction? That was their thinking.☹️ The ideas presented in this topic are exactly what I was missing and preventing all my work, commercial or not, from advancing beyond a snails pace. Doesn’t mater if it’s a landscape or a toaster oven, a sketch or a 3D render, the art of artistic observation is like a law of physics for art. 🙇

[@willettejackson979]

We are on common ground when it comes to landscape. It never stops once one acquires it. Enjoying this for sure 😊.❤❤❤🎉

[@pattriciaotter19]

What a beautifully created video and lesson! The scenery was breathtaking! Thank you!

[@pammcreynolds]

Oh my goodness! You are speaking to me and what I do when I go out for a hike with my camera. Sometimes I just walk around my yard and photograph what I see. So many wonderful things are seen when we just look around and pay close attention. I find things those around me never seem to see. I feel so inspired! Thank you for your videos. I have learned so much. I have now finished all the videos you have posted on KZbin, not to sign up for your Patreon to continue my education.

[@gidkideon]

Probably one of the best artistic observation/looking/eye videos I’ve seen. 👍🏽 Lots of good artists do these things but so few can put it into words that everyone can understand. I didn’t know what I was missing by not developing my eye more to see all the fascinating, interesting and at times beautiful things around me, even in the most common and mundane of things and places until I started my journey in observational art. It’s an unexpected gift you get from trying to learn this skill, and adds so much richness to your life. The art form I occasionally see the combination of keen observation, ability to abstract shapes in the mind and framing skills coupled with an ability to put the process to words would be with good photographers who take mindful snaps. Everyone can buy fancy brushes and paint, and nearly everyone has a camera, but like Oliver says, it’s the learning to look like an artist that makes the difference between a random snap and a photo that holds your attention, makes you think and feel, and is more than just documentation. No fancy camera or other art supplies will ever change that. Time for me to get off the internet and put it into practice! 😂

[@tezoodle]

Not only was this an informative video Olly, it is inspirational! I was landscape-looking as I watched the outside shots, I have paused the video and wondered how I might paint the oaks, and the lanes. I do the same thing when I am out for 'a walk' - I generally don't get very far before the light falls across the landscape and I stand there painting the scene in my head, and making notes. These kinds of techniques are the vehicles that enable us to translate 3D into 2D and make them look 3D and believable. Being able to notice, and paint it in your mind is the biggest difference between a beginner and someone who has your kind of skills. It's all learnable if we train our brains/eyes to start seeing the landscape with fresh eyes. Thank you so much, this was a treat to watch, and as always, thank you for imparting your wealth of experience and artistic knowledge to us. 💖💚

[@alfhorlock9307]

i think two words sums it up.Very inspirational . Thank you Oliver.

[@EWats-gz6mk]

Every video you make is PACKED with great information! Thank you so very much!!!

[@paulakissel1352]

Wonderful video! I love the term 'landscape looking', it certainly is a key part of being an artist. I found your channel only a short time ago, but I've already gained so much from watching the videos I've seen so far. Thank you!!

[@charlesvanhorn1560]

One of the best tutorials I have seen that shows the importance of observation. It is vital to paint what you see and not what you think you know. It is so refreshing to listen to Oliver express his passion for painting. We, who paint, are fortunate that we can express our feelings to others through our art.

[@kristingoethals4330]

So thorough your tutorials. Thank you ! And yes, driving becomes more dangerous when looking passionately at skies and landscapes 🙂.

[@memphisflashfan1]

I just "discovered" you the past several days and oh my, what a treasure you are!!!! I've seen three of your videos so far, viewing each of them twice. Was inspired to go out and get a really nice Stillman & Birn Mixed Media notebook so I have a "special" place to take notes and do any exercises that are suggested. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your sharing your knowledge!! I'm learning SO MUCH. I feel really fortunate to receive this knowledge. I live in a Chicago, surrounded by concrete so you've got me thinking about where I can meander to get into more nature settings. Although Lake Michigan is close and soon the sailboats will be in the harbor near me...

[@barbararosselot2025]

I absolutely love landscape looking! I’ve done it my entire life.

[@juliechen8710]

I knew observation is important but I never knew how I can do that to add character into painting. Observation is really an art in itself. Thank you for your very detailed and helpful instructions!

[@AM-ui9mc]

One thing I’d like to add apart from inspiration and observation is prediction. I’ve noticed you get a sense of how things play out within the next hour and how the landscape evolves in time. So many times the scene escapes within minutes but with some prediction you can somewhat “plan” to end up in very inspiring scenes. Where the light bursts through the clouds or the clouds shades a forest area. Thank you for a great video!

[@lauriebowen25]

That was a FABULOUS video!! I always loved the outside and as a kid used to really look at the scenes in front of me. As I've gotten older I guess I've gotten too busy or distracted to REALLY look at things like I did when I was young. I can see how I'm missing that "oh wow" in my artwork. Thank you for finding such a clear and eloquent way to remind me to not just see what's in front of me but look deeper. ❤😊

[@lindajohnston6653]

I am an environmental educator and often teach students about observation. I love looking at details when I walk, especially on my yearly visits to the UK! Thank you so much for Your wonderful lessons. I have learned so much. You are a great communicator! I like that you discuss other aspects of art,not just the physical putting paint on paper.

[@1msfit]

I understand what you are saying about actually looking as I find myself doing this whenever my husband and I go hiking when we occasionally get to travel to the coast or mountains. The scenes I love are 3 to 6 hours away. I am so envious of the landscapes that you, Andrew Pitt, and artists see and experience when you just walk out the door of your home. Small city suburbia leaves a lot to be desired. Your work is beautiful and your videos are very, very much appreciated. Thank you.

[@pippikrumeluss5167]

You are for sure my favourite watercolour artist! Everything you paint is just soooo beautiful! Thank you for your tutorials💕💕💕

[@karendirmish2696]

Thank you for sharing your talent! As an aging learner, I was very happy to find you, and will continue to watch you! Never being a landscape painter, but you are an inspirational teacher! Karen Dirmish, learner

[@bobbieherron6972]

Oliver, this is brilliant, as always. I love "looking" and at times it feels like a super-power: "Sketching Without Paper." You are a gift to all of us, and I'm rejoining you on Patreon today.

[@Sherlock2022]

I think I do quite a lot of ‘Landscape Looking’; my problem seems to be converting what I see into something that looks good 😊

[@gidkideon]

Yeah, I’m getting good at the observation, but then you need that familiarity with subjects/forms that lets you know when and how to simplify them, and add just that little bit of suggestion that sells it, doesn’t spell it all out, let’s the viewer participate, and prevents you from going mad on a piece of work. 😂 I think that part is plain old work putting knowledge into practice. At least I hope that’s the case or I’m screwed. 💪🏽⏱️♻️

[@marykarensolomon7103]

This was a wonderful session. You are truly a gifted teacher. Both the examination of the paintings and then going outside to look was so helpful!

[@mariaangelamargoni9770]

I recently discovered your precious tutorials which I am following very carefully: I thank you for your passion for teaching and your generosity. I have always painted in oils, but I really wanted to try watercolor and I found a way! I live in Italy and I can't wait to follow some of your demonstrations from Tuscany, to see how you make the Mediterranean light. Thank you very much!

[@barbaragemin5117]

Well Oliver thanks for being the first art tutor to point out the difference between technical skill, which one acquires after years of watching tutorials and practicing of course, and creativity, which is FAR more difficult. I've observed landscapes intensely over the years but then I find myself at a loss as to how to interpret them. My paintings are copies of what I’ve photographed. Skillful maybe, but not what I want. Looking forward to seeing your next video on this subject. Thanks again.

[@wendiebs]

Since I've begun wc....I'm obsessed with landscape looking! You've helped to dial in the ideas! Great video.

[@stevec-b6214]

You absolutely nailed what I am missing, I kind of new it in the back of my mind. I live on the moorland of North Yorkshire, I love the stone walls and old field barns, and the often bleak open heather moors, with their solitary windswept and stunted trees. I am so excited, you have shown me how to focus on what I love.

[@katieharrisartist]

Oh my goodness, I couldn’t agree more on your point on “talent”!!! It is so foundational to the mindset of growth to understand that 90% of the work of art CAN be learned from attentive learning and observervation! Thank you for this fantastic video for all those who are in their own art journey!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent Katie - many people don't agree. It's the "You've either got it or you haven't" mentality. I've never subscribed to that - I've seen too many people with little skills at the outset become wonderful talented painters.

[@luneleaart]

Thank you for sharing a holiday feast of inspiration☀️your paintings are gorgeous and your surrounding landscape is so picturesque, lovely to see all the colours on your palette reflected in nature. Your favourite oak tree looks so majestic, straight out of a storybook

[@anick6265]

Wow, what a great painter you are, I just found you on KZbin, you are amazing. I am already a fan, thank you for all the informations..💕🙏

[@terrydevries914]

This was a worthwhile and timely presentation Oliver. I live in Northern California and we have majestic oaks(California oaks) here as well; sadly they are endangered, being destroyed by urban development and agricultural development. I have only recently become aware of how I am drawn to certain things in the landscape and I have been drawn to the same things for many years, going as far back as 30-40 years- trees, line, textures, grasses and weeds, overgrown areas, shapes, fence posts/power poles/barbed wire. Thank you for the video Oliver.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Terry - that's a shame that these magnificent trees are becoming endangered

[@dianemcgregor6171]

Thanks again for inspiring me! I now see and look at fence posts now as “one of Oliver’s fence posts”..

[@sheri_LA_native]

Great video “Landscape Looking” what a great and important concept.

[@paul-oram]

Great stuff. No need to venture far. I would say limit yourself to a mile or two radius of wherever you live and just explore and observe. You will be amazed at how much more you see. As a designer I am very used to seeing with a focus on form, juxtaposition of shapes, colour, but the one thing that really opened things up for me in regards to watercolour was learning to see light. It has provided me with a whole new perspective on where to seek out subjects to paint. Certain places that were previously of no interest are now at certain times of the day in regards to how they interact with the sun a goldmine for compositions. Simple things can become extraordinary. Its a wonderful and enriching journey of discovery to be on. Thanks for creating such an insightful video Olly.

[@M0odyBlue]

I just found your channel and this video in particular, resonates with me. So very inspiring! I am looking forward to watching your other videos. You are a great teacher and I am so happy that you are also generous with your thoughts and knowledge. Thank you!

[@nancylim8372]

I love the way you explained this. thank you so much!

[@suzannemarshall7458]

fantastic. took note and did a practice. Not dry at all. very engaging and interesting thank you so much.

[@judithhalpatd8802]

A superb tutorial...such excellant guidance for so many basic techniques and composition...thank you..

[@judycozon4081]

Most informative and mind boggling!!!!

[@kerriclarke9366]

Another informative and inspirational tutorial. Never dull! Appreciate you sharing your techniques and talent! My watercolour painting has definitely improved with you as one of my youtube artistic mentors to the point where people have been buying my work! Thanks Ollie for sharing. ❤

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

This is wonderful news Kerri, and thank you. Congratulations on the sales.....and here's to many more!

[@yvonnegeelen6571]

Love the way you give so much information I’m putting my art eyes on …..lol

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That's it Yvonne - happy Landscape Looking!

[@VinodhiniDinesh]

Absolutely wonderful reminders and ideas taken notes too. Thank you for sharing. I took some screenshorts too to practice Oliver. ❤

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you

[@sarahstevenson2384]

Thanks Oliver, another great video and it makes perfect sense. I just love your style, it’s so beautiful. Just lately I’ve been doing coloured pencil drawing and have found that I’m really studying what it is I’m drawing so much more than normal, although I have always loved landscape looking.

[@socratesthecabdriver]

You know I'm going to be watching this in the taxi, it was my birthday today 😃 I missed the launch caught a few good minutes of it 🙏

[@lucytupper69]

Happy Birthday! 🎉

[@jsjsjsjssjsjsj5913]

Happy birthday! May God bless you and be with you ❤️☦️.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Happy Birthday - hope you've had a wonderful day!

[@MsMerlin333]

Thank you 😊 that is a magnificent oak tree!

[@lizohagan8233]

Hello Oliver, I bought the first painting you discussed, Frosty Morning, River Arun. I just want to take the opportunity to thank you for this beautiful painting. It has pride of place on the wall in our living room. Thank you also for this very informative video. It has literally opened my eyes!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

What a lovely message - thank you Liz! I'm always curious to know where my paintings may be, so its always nice to hear from those that have given them a home. I loved painting that scene - there's just so many things about it that I find inspirational - Arundel is wonderful town .

[@isabellepanaget2961]

Thank you very much, Oliver, for all your kindly lessons this year, with so much precisly explications and exercices, they were always near from me and it was really good to live ! Happy Christmas to you and beautiful new year with all the personns you prefer . I enjoy me to see your future paintings. IP

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Hey Oliver, great video. I do alot of this kind of looking as you do, so can totally relate.

[@billdiuguid328]

❤the phone booth ❤

[@ChantelleArts]

So many fantastic tips, wonderful work, enjoyed till the end 😊

[@billdiuguid328]

Very helpful! Thank you 🙏

[@deeniefirebird]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - you're very welcome

[@jas8815]

I found this very informative, thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

you're welcome

[@riverstun]

That mountain ash is a hawthorn :)

[@pantera8298]

Good evening Oliver Pyle

[@JW-ej9ip]

I’m loving these videos Oliver. Do you use paint in tubes or a ready made pallet? How do I create a sticky mix?

[@DaisyTea1]

I think I look most for Stories. ☺️

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent - it's a nice perspective

[@keithkhan174]

Absolutely. Without this 'looking', or 'having an eye', call it what u will, we'd be poorer artists. Half of artistic practice is being born with, or developing, 'an eye'.

[@jamesvondrasek7347]

See what your looking at,,

[@mianoname9825]

This is again such a helpful video, thank you so much! Also I love everything about your style, of your paintings, of making videos in general (music, views, what you're wearing... it all looks so authentic and beautiful), of teaching and explaining... I feel like I could be watching and listening all day 🙂