Designing Your Landscape Painting

In the first week of this course, you will learn how to analyze the design and composition of New England landscape painters in history, like Aldro T. Hibbard, Emilie Gruppe, Lester Stevens, and others.

In week two, Stapleton introduces you to his color palette. You will study the concept of balancing between design and observation in landscape painting, as well as applying shape posters. This lesson includes an interview with Stapleton.

The scene where this lesson takes place, is known for its single live oak tree. During this week, Stapleton goes over different “gremlins”, the foreseeable design problems. You will learn to control your color while painting landscapes from life. This lesson includes a tour of Movalli Gallery.

In week four, you will learn about composition, as Stapleton demonstrates on a scene in Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree. Next, in Rattlesnake Canyon, he teaches you the importance of planning your design.

In week five, Stapleton shows you how to improve your landscape painting by paying close attention to rhythm, temperature shifts, and innominate colors. This lesson includes a tour through the docks of Rockport and Gloucester.

In week six, at Whalers Cove, Point Lobos, Stapleton paints the famous coastline and demonstrates how to deal with constantly changing outdoor lighting. You will learn to trust your process and make quick decisions while working on location.

In week seven, by the glistening waters of Granite Point Trail, Point Lobos, Stapleton teaches you how to arrange different elements in a scene by their importance. You will be introduced to the painting technique that he uses for seascapes. This lesson includes an interview with artist and gallery owner T.M. Nicholas.

Stapleton spends two days in Cypress Grove to show you two main stages of landscape painting. In week eight, you will focus on the first stage: initial setup & composition of a scene.

In week nine, you will continue learning about the two main stages of landscape painting. Stapleton teaches you about the refinement stage, where he utilizes a small brush.

With only a few hours before the tide comes in, Stapleton shows you how to paint with proficient speed. In week ten, you will learn how to achieve the fluid motion of waves, reflectance of lights, and create the illusion of wet surfaces. This lesson includes an interview with artist and teacher Dale Movalli.

In week 11, at China Cove, you will explore the types of pigments that Stapleton prefers, his tips on how to handle paint, and different ways of loading brushes.

In week 12, you will learn about the importance of balancing elements in a scene, as well as, the concept of characterization, restraint, and the differences between tight and loose paintings. This lesson includes a tour through the lush forests of Vermont.

One distinction of New England-style painting is that landscape artists, like Stapleton, finish up their painting in the studio, after leaving the location. In week 13, Stapleton teaches you how to entirely focus on design, without the ability to paint from life. This lesson includes a lecture on Charles Movalli and his work at the Rockport Art Association.

In week 14, you will watch another example of how Stapleton finishes up his painting in studio, with minimal use of photo reference.

In this bonus section, you will take a closer look at Stapleton’s life and career, through his demonstration in front of public audience. He answers many valuable questions from the crowd, and shares even more of his techniques.