Exploring the Stages of Painting | Sara Hodgson Art

I've been thinking about you and your landscape painting journey lately, especially after spending this morning watching light move across the valley. You know that feeling when a painting feels overwhelming, like you're not sure where to start or how to move forward? I want to share some things I've learned about breaking down the landscape painting process into stages – not rules, just gentle guideposts that have helped me find my way through my own outdoor landscape art.

Start with just looking. I mean really looking. This morning, I gave myself thirty minutes to just sit and observe before touching a brush. I know it feels indulgent when time is precious, but trust me on this. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to just breathe and notice – the way shadows create valleys between mountains, how nature painting is really about understanding how light carves out the important shapes. This quiet time will anchor everything that follows.

Then begin with those big shapes, the bones of what you're seeing. I know it's tempting to dive into the details – that beautiful cluster of trees, the intricate rock patterns. But hold those gifts for later. Start with simple, broad shapes in just three values. Think of it like building a house – you need the foundation before you can add the scenic artwork details that make it home.

The middle stage is where many of us get lost in our landscape painting techniques. The painting looks awkward, unresolved. I still struggle here sometimes, feeling like I've lost my way. When this happens, I come back to what stopped me in my tracks, what made me want to create this nature art in the first place. Hold onto that feeling as you start adding middle tones and defining key edges.

Finally, here's where you get to add those details you've been patiently holding back. But be selective – not every area needs to sing. Choose the moments you want your viewer to discover, like finding hidden treasures in an impressionist landscape.

Between each stage, give yourself permission to pause. Take a short walk, make a cup of tea, just sit quietly with your painting. These moments of reflection often show us exactly what we need to do next.

Remember, this journey is yours. These stages aren't checkboxes to tick – they're just stepping stones to help you find your way across the river. Trust yourself. You'll know when it's time to move from one stage to the next in your landscape artwork.