Questions people ask
How do I start drawing landscapes?
Draw the horizon line first, then block in the biggest shapes (sky, mountains or hills, ground) with light lines. Add the middle ground and foreground in front of them, then the trees, water and rocks, and finish by shading the shadow sides. Keep the first drawings small, about the size of a postcard, so you finish them.
What pencils do I need for landscape drawing?
Two or three are enough to start: an HB or 2H for the light layout, a 2B for mid tones and a 4B or 6B for the darkest darks. H grades are harder and lighter, B grades softer and darker. A kneaded eraser lifts highlights such as clouds and ripples.
How do you make a landscape drawing look deep?
Overlap shapes, make things smaller as they go back, and use atmospheric perspective: far hills lighter, lower in contrast and with less detail; near things darker and sharper. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that distant mountains look bluer and less distinct, and painters have used the effect since.
How long should a landscape sketch take?
Anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. Short timed sketches train you to see big shapes and values; longer drawings add texture and detail. The prompt generator sets a time limit for you.
Should I draw landscapes from photos or outside?
Both work. Outside, light changes fast, so draw the shapes and shadows first and note where the light comes from. Photos let you take your time, but they flatten values in the shadows, so lighten dark areas that hide detail you can see in person.
Sources: Eckersley’s on pencil grades, Leonardo on aerial perspective, The National Gallery glossary. We have not tested the products listed; see how we choose.