Essentials of Landscape Composition

Book excerpt: Anyone who has mastered the art of writing can learn to draw, according to this accomplished artist and author of several fine art books. Confident that most people have the ability to express themselves artistically once they have acquired the right techniques, Richmond offers his tried-and-true methods of drawing and composition in this easy-to-follow guide. "The short road to success" begins with a brush. Richmond advises novices to forego the use of a pencil, since it demands a higher degree of accuracy than the beginner possesses. When a brush is used, the ink glides over the paper easily and is more likely to bring desired results. Starting with simple lines and curves, then moving on to various elements—from clouds and trees to castles and cottages—Richmond offers exercises to train the eyes and hand to work together. In step-by-step pictorial sequences, he effectively illustrates how to construct a successful landscape, offers tips on perspective—and even uses several great works of art for lessons in composition. Invaluable for students and teachers, this guide will help artists at every level bring landscapes to life.