Let's talk about landscapes and what they are for this challenge. A "landscape" photograph captures the essence of the natural and built environment, showcasing expanses of scenery that can include mountains, forests, urban skylines, or any broad view of the outdoors. Here's what typically makes a photograph fall under the "landscape" category:

1. Broad View: Landscape photographs often feature a wide, expansive view of nature or urban areas. This broad perspective helps to convey the scale and grandeur of the scene.

2. Composition: Good landscape photos usually have a well-thought-out composition that guides the viewer’s eye through the image. Elements like leading lines (paths, rivers), framing (trees, windows), and the rule of thirds are often used to enhance the photo's aesthetic appeal.

3. Natural Elements: While not exclusively about untouched nature, many landscapes focus on natural elements like mountains, rivers, trees, and the sky. These elements can also be juxtaposed with human-made structures to create contrast or tell a story.

4. Lighting: The lighting in landscape photography plays a crucial role in setting the mood and highlighting the beauty of the scene. Many landscape photographers prefer the golden hours at sunrise or sunset when the light adds warm, dramatic hues.

5. Depth: Landscapes often aim to convey a sense of depth, making the viewer feel like they could step into the photo. Techniques like using a wide-angle lens, having a foreground element, or capturing atmospheric perspective (where distant objects appear lighter and less detailed) can achieve this effect.

For your challenge, when you select a landscape photo from Unsplash, look for images that not only capture the beauty of a scene but also evoke emotion or tell a story through their composition, lighting, and perspective. The focus will be on landscapes, not seascapes. This can be a fantastic opportunity for you to explore how various elements of a landscape can be interpreted and expressed through your painting. 

Click on one of the images to go to Unsplash. Good Luck!

When you have found that perfect photograph, click here to submit it to the Stuffy Staff for posting.

Open this post to see the submitted photos for this second part of the reference photo challenge.

This is the discussion board to tell us what you really want to learn. Where are you struggling? What can we do to help you succeed with your art journey? This is the place to let us know!

Are you working on a painting and want to get a little constructive criticism? This is the place to get that help from your fellow members. 

In this group, “People” are the topic of discussion. Since 2023 is the year of the people in paintings, this will be the place to discuss this most notable task. You have a “people” painting question, this is the place to talk about it! We will be painting people in scenes, such as landscapes, in everyday life situation, and portraiture. We will paint from the front, the back and even the side. 

As an artist, challenging oneself is crucial for growth and improvement. By stepping out of one's comfort zone and experimenting with new techniques, styles, and subject matter, artists can expand their skills and develop their unique artistic voice. In acrylic painting, there are endless possibilities for experimentation, whether it's trying out different color palettes, layering techniques, or exploring different brush strokes.

Challenging oneself to push the boundaries of what is comfortable and familiar can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and ultimately result in more dynamic and engaging artworks. Ultimately, the willingness to take risks and think outside the box is what separates great artists from the rest.

Are you ready?

Have you been to a Zoom call? Are you looking for any updates about a call? Do you want to talk more about a specific Zoom call? This is the board for you!

As an aspiring artist, you have a burning desire to turn your great ideas into stunning works of art and make a name for yourself in the art world. This is why you're here, and we understand that. We are here to support you in achieving your goal and will offer guidance every step of the way. However, creating great paintings involves many factors that need to be considered, such as choosing the right medium, mastering techniques, and developing your own style. To begin this exciting journey, let's start a discussion and explore the various aspects involved in creating great art. Together, we will help you unleash your creativity and achieve success as an artist.

Do you have a burning question about some new material that you just heard about? Maybe you purchased something and forgot why or how to use it. This is the group for you. Ask...and receive the answer you are hoping for!

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