Tips for Creating a 3D Landscape

Investigate several techniques artist have used throughout the centuries to create 3D landscapes or representational landscapes. Atmospheric techniques, perspective techniques and color forms all produce an excellent way to create a three-dimensional landscape effect in a two-dimensional space.

• Develop a strong depth of field or 3D landscape by using an atmosphere to gray scale the landscape. Look out on a landscape and view the sky changing gradation and color, from lighter shades to darker shades as your eye sees closer to ground level. The sun is much brighter above the highest levels of the sky.


• Review professional articles on color weights and creating atmosphere or volume. There are several color compositions that awaken your depth of field and clarify a landscape. Work with deep low-key tones at the very back of the landscape then gradually lighten the pallet to create lighter tones closer to the eye. Your eyes will read these areas as closer to your vision.


• Watch the clouds in your area and see the color gradations as you paint. The upper clouds tend to be lighter and the lower clouds denser filled with more ground color. Paint these areas with developed precision; your landscape will appear more intense life like and color filled.


• Imagine the deep tones of the landscape reflected in several areas of the entire landscape to give more depth of field. Create these reflections in water or foliage; even rocks retain certain atmospheric change. Study the great painters like DaVinci to see great 3D rendering of the landscape.