Landscape drawing is a foundational skill and satisfying hobby for artists and nature lovers alike. Whether you're sketching a serene mountain landscape or an exciting and dynamic seascape, a firm grasp of landscape drawing can help you capture the beauty of any landscape under the sun.

Ready to start creating stunning landscapes of your own? Discover the supplies you need to get started, master the beginner-friendly basics of landscape drawing and follow our simple step-by-step guide to learn how to draw landscapes.

What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into your landscape, it's vital to gather the right materials and understand some basic painting and drawing techniques.

Essential Materials and Setup

A person’s hand holding a dark blue canvas brush roll in a forest setting. The brush roll contains several paintbrushes, pens and pencils. 
In the Skillshare class “Watercolor Your World: A Meditative Approach to Painting Landscapes,” teacher Rosalie Haizlett shows students some of the tools she uses to create watercolor landscapes.  

To begin your landscape drawing, you'll need the following materials:

  • Pencils: You only need one pencil to start drawing, but keep in mind that a range of pencils in varying degrees of hardness can make it easier to achieve different shading effects. That can be especially important for pencil drawings in which no other drawing implements are used.
  • Erasers: The eraser on the end of your pencil will do in a pinch, but we recommend also getting a kneaded eraser for subtle corrections and a regular eraser for larger areas.
  • Sketchbook: Don't be afraid to start with printer paper, but to take your landscapes to the next level you'll need a good quality drawing sketchbook.

To enhance your drawing according to your tastes, you might also want these optional materials:

  • Pastels: Use oil, soft or hard pastels to add vibrant and smooth colors to your landscape drawings.
  • Pens: Fine-tipped pens make it easy to add delicate details and intricate shading.
  • Watercolor paints: Create dreamy and colorful landscape drawings with the addition of watercolor paints.
  • Other types of paints: Depending on your preferences, you may want to experiment with acrylic or oil paints.

Don't forget to set up a functional workspace too. Prioritize a flat and sturdy drawing surface first, then make sure you have a comfortable place to sit and good lighting. Also, try to keep all your drawing materials within reach.

Fundamental Concepts in Landscape Drawing

A canvas open on the Procreate app. There are three squares drawn on it, one on the top and two on the bottom. The top square shows a drawing of a grid that demonstrates perspective in landscape drawings. The bottom left square shows a drawing of a squiggle with no perspective applied, while the bottom right square shows a drawing of a squiggle with perspective applied so it looks like a river stretching toward the horizon. 
In the Skillshare class “Practice Composition and Perspective: Drawing Landscape Scene in Procreate,” teacher Iva Mikles demonstrates how the proper use of perspective can bring a simple drawing to life. 

Understanding these key concepts will greatly improve your landscape drawing abilities, even if you're a complete beginner:

  • Perspective drawing: Mastering perspective drawing helps create depth. Start with a one-point perspective, which is a technique in which all lines converge at a single vanishing point on the horizon line. Then, try using a two-point perspective—a technique in which two lines diverge into two separate vanishing points—to add complexity.
  • Focal points: The main subject of your landscape will serve as its focal point. This could be a mountain, a tree, a building, or anything else attention-grabbing
  • Horizon line: This is the eye level in your drawing and separates the sky from the ground. Position it carefully to define the viewer's perspective.

How to Draw a Landscape

You have your materials, a place to draw and a basic understanding of landscape drawing fundamentals. Now, you’re ready to create your first landscape by following these steps.

1. Sketch the Basic Outline

A person’s hand sketching the basic shapes of trees and hills in a sketchbook. 
In the Skillshare class “Drawing From Imagination: Sketch a Fantasy Landscape in Pen or Pencil,” teacher Sam Gillett lightly sketches out the basic shapes of his landscape drawing.  

Begin with light pencil strokes to sketch a simple landscape. Draw the horizon line, decide on your focal point, and use basic shapes to represent trees, hills and other features of the scene.

2. Add Perspective

A full-color illustration of a wooden footbridge leading up to a small cottage perched on top of a narrow rocky column. It is drawn from the point of view of a person who is standing in front of the bridge’s entrance. 
Gillett shows students how they can use a lower point of view to immerse viewers in the scene. 

Incorporate either a one-point or two-point perspective to create a sense of depth. Draw lines converging at the vanishing point to ensure all elements are proportionate and aligned correctly.

3. Develop the Foreground, Midground and Background

A person’s hand sketching in a sketchbook with a pencil. The bottom section is labeled ‘F’ for foreground and contains a sword stuck in a stone, the middle section is labeled ‘M’ for midground and contains several signposts on a hill, and the top is labeled ‘B’ for background and contains a castle on a hill.
Gillett sketches out his fantasy landscape’s foreground, midground and background.

Divide your landscape into three sections: foreground (closest to the viewer), midground and background (farthest from the viewer). Elements in the foreground should have more details and texture than those in the background.

4. Draw Trees and Other Elements

A person’s hand drawing in a sketchbook. An iPad depicting green ferns and moss-covered rocks is lying on top of the sketchbook. The drawing the artist is working on depicts a tower standing in a valley with mountains on either side. 
Gillett uses reference photos to help flesh out his landscape with realistic foliage. 

Use different pencil techniques, such as hatching and cross-hatching, to draw trees and foliage. Draw buildings as needed, and add clouds (or clear skies) based on your desired weather conditions. Determine where your landscape's light source is and add shadows accordingly.

5. Refine and Add Details

A close-up view of a paintbrush being used to paint an illustration on a piece of white paper. The illustration depicts a gray stone castle on a green landscape.
Gillett uses watercolor paints to add color and detail to his landscape drawing. 

Once the main elements are in place, refine your drawing by adding as many details as you like. Now is a good time to use a kneaded eraser to lighten areas and create highlights. You can also use pens, paints or pastels to add color and more details.

Grow Your Drawing Skills with Skillshare

With the right materials, a grasp of fundamental concepts and a methodical approach, you can create beautiful landscapes of your own. Keep practicing, and you're sure to see significant improvements in your abilities with time.
Want to become a better artist faster and discover new drawing ideas? Consider online art tutorials like those offered on Skillshare. In our drawing classes, you'll find structured guidance, inspiring projects and the chance to learn from expert artists.

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Written By
Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz is a freelance writer who lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and dog.

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