How to Paint a Stunning Easy Acrylic Landscape in 6 Steps 🎨

Do you want to create a breathtaking acrylic landscape painting but don’t know where to start? This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through painting a vivid sky with fluffy clouds and a peaceful countryside scene using acrylics.

No matter your skill level, this method is beginner-friendly yet effective, allowing you to create a realistic yet impressionistic piece. So, grab your brushes, and let’s get started!

If you want to learn more about clouds, check out my 15 Days of Summer Sky Masterclass.

15 Days of Summer Sky

Transform Your Canvas into Breathtaking Summer Landscapes

Love this class. It is so well explained with simple and easy steps to follow. After the first couple of painting I could see an improvement in my clouds. I followed Debasree’s instructions using gouache and love the outcome. This is a fantastic class. Loved every minute of it. – Breda Hughes

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Materials You'll Need 🖌️

Acrylic Paints: Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Sap Green, Mars Black
Brushes: Flat brush (sky & land), Round brush (details), Fan brush (cloud blending)
Palette Knife (Optional): For texture
Canvas or Acrylic Paper
Water & Rag/Paper Towels

Love creating beautiful landscapes?

Explore more step-by-step painting tutorials to refine your skills & experiment with new techniques! From vibrant sunsets to misty mountains, there’s always something new to learn.

Painting Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Canvas

Use a flat brush to apply a thin layer of gesso if needed.
Let it dry completely before starting the painting.

Step 2: Paint the Sky Background

Mix Ultramarine Blue with a touch of Titanium White to create a deep blue.
Start painting the upper part of the sky with this rich blue color.
As you move downward, mix in more Cerulean Blue and White to create a gradient effect towards the horizon.
Blend the colors smoothly using a damp brush to create a seamless sky transition.

Step 3: Create the Clouds

Take a round brush or a palette knife and load it with Titanium White.
Start dabbing the white paint onto the sky, focusing on soft, fluffy shapes.
Add depth by mixing a bit of gray (White + Black + a hint of Blue) and applying it to the undersides of the clouds.
Use a dry brush technique to soften the edges and blend clouds into the sky.
Keep layering white to make some clouds stand out as highlights.

Step 4: Paint the Landscape

Use Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, and White to create a warm earthy tone for the ground.
Apply the colors with a flat brush using horizontal strokes.
Add darker browns and hints of red for texture and shadows.

Step 5: Add Trees and Distant Elements

Use Sap Green mixed with a touch of Yellow Ochre for the tree foliage.
Paint the tree trunks with a thin brush using dark brown or black.
Dab on lighter greens and yellows to create highlights and depth in the trees.

6: Final Details and Refinements

Add small highlights to the trees where sunlight would hit.
Adjust shadows and highlights on the clouds for more realism.
Step back and make any final adjustments for balance and contrast.

Bonus Tips:

Use a palette knife to add thick textures to the clouds.
Layering is key—allow paint layers to dry slightly before adding new ones.
If you want softer clouds, use a blending brush to gently smooth edges.

FAQs 🤔

1. What brush is best for painting clouds?
A fan brush or a soft round brush is ideal for blending soft, fluffy clouds.

2. How do I make my landscape look more realistic?
Use light and shadow effectively and add small details like grass, bushes, and highlights.

3. Can I use other colors for the sky?
Absolutely! Try sunset tones like oranges and pinks for a dramatic effect.

4. How do I prevent acrylic paint from drying too fast?
Use a slow-drying medium or mist your palette with water to keep it workable.

5. Should I varnish my painting?
Yes! A gloss or matte varnish will protect your artwork and enhance its colors.

Final Thoughts 🎨

Congratulations! You’ve just created a beautiful acrylic landscape painting in only 10 simple steps. Notice how the soft clouds contrast against the deep blue sky, while the warm tones of the land bring balance and harmony?

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What part of this painting did you enjoy the most? Drop a comment below!

Don’t forget to check out my 15 Days of Summer Sky Masterclass.