I feel nicely isolated with nature, having a near other worldly connection when I paint a landscape. For a few moments, I find inner peace. It's a feeling that we should all experience, I think. I want to share some tips and methods that I became used to using over time. They may help you on your own journey.

My first bit of recommendation - try to not get beaten by the scene out in front of you. When people first commence painting landscapes, they usually attempt to repeat everything precisely as they see it. Even to the extent of forcing in each detail, painting each leaf, branch, and blade of grass. You will go insane approaching a landscape this way.

Try and paint your own impression of what you see and not a copy of it. If you want an exact reproduction, that's what cameras are for. The best paintings are those that don't attempt to copy, but share the artist's experience of being there.

Squint your eyes and see the landscape as a chain of shapes, lights and darks, versus seeing each detail. You can do some superb things that you never thought you were capable of if you simply relax and let the painter within come to the surface.

Painting on location is certainly a gorgeous experience, but don't forget that you must paint quite fast as the lighting will change quickly. Don't think so much about what you are going to do. Just do it and let your instincts guide you along. There are no mistakes here.

Begin your painting with a bigger brush so you aren't targeting detail at that point. You can adjust your colors by making them cooler and less intense for the distant objects, hotter and more intense for closer objects. Reduce the dimensions of objects as they recede. You may take away details and pointy edges to make objects appear more distant.

You need to have a focal point, otherwise known as a "center of interest" in your painting. All other objects in your painting shouldn't battle with your focal point and should serve to draw the spectator to your middle of interest. Try coaching yourself to see the numerous lights and darks of the scene without color.

Painting clouds would appear to be one of the bigger challenges for newer artists. I know it was for me.

What I discussed in the beginning about trying not to paint each detail is applicable to clouds too. Clouds are three-dimensional objects made of water and ice particles that reflect light so that the color of your clouds will alter depending on the weather and lighting conditions. As they recede into the distance they start to lose detail and get smaller in size. Pay special attention to the sides of the clouds as pointy edges advance whilst smooth edges recede.

Make your composition both fascinating and feasible by balancing positive and negative space in your painting. Don't neglect the negative space, but at the same time, don't let it dominate your composition.

Always remember that when you go out to paint something, you should bring only those items that you know you'll need and use. When you focus too much of your time on lugging around neglected materials, it takes away from the delight in what you came there to do, paint.