Create a beautiful, calming landscape painting using simple layering techniques. Kids will learn how to build depth in art by painting a distant background and adding detailed foreground elements.

Tools

• paintbrushes (various sizes)
• pencil
• water cup
• paper towels
• palette or plastic plate
• pencil (HB, 1)

Materials

• canvas or thick mixed-media paper (9x12 inch, 1)
• acrylic paint (blue, 2 oz)
• acrylic paint (green, 2 oz)
• acrylic paint (yellow, 2 oz)
• acrylic paint (white, 2 oz)
• acrylic paint (brown, 2 oz)

Safety

• Adult supervision recommended for handling acrylic paints.
• Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated.
• Use an apron or old clothes to protect against paint stains.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Lightly sketch a horizon line across the middle of your canvas using the pencil to separate the sky from the land.
2. Paint the sky using a mix of blue and white paint, starting from a darker blue at the top and blending into a lighter blue near the horizon line.
3. Paint the furthest mountains or hills using a light blue-green mix to create a sense of distance (atmospheric perspective).
4. Add a second layer of hills closer to the front using a medium green paint, making these slightly darker than the first set.
5. Paint the immediate foreground (the bottom of the canvas) using a rich, dark green or brown to represent the grass or earth closest to the viewer.
6. Add small details like a simple tree or a path using brown paint for the trunk and dabs of bright green for the leaves.
7. Add a bright yellow sun or a few fluffy white clouds in the sky to complete the scene.
8. Let the painting dry completely before displaying your stunning landscape.