{"id":3391,"date":"2013-07-03T11:46:21","date_gmt":"2013-07-03T11:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=3391"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:10:47","slug":"pastel-landscape-mastery-architectural-elements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-architectural-elements","title":{"rendered":"Pastel Landscape Mastery &#8211; Architectural Elements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>Pastel Landscape Mastery:<\/span> Architectural Elements<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/126870088?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<p>\n    <div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\">\n<span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.\n<\/div>\n    <\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"margin-top:1em;\">or<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-pastel-landscape-mastery\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY COURSE $60<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperkscontainer\">\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><span>This course features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>3 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>15 Videos<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-book\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>14 eBooks<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-alt\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/i>30 Day Money Back Guarantee<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\">\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" checked=\"checked\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label\">Description<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Description<\/h2>\n<p>In this engaging lesson from the <em>Pastel Landscape Mastery<\/em> course, Matt introduces students to the process of incorporating architectural elements into a pastel landscape. Using a vibrant scene inspired by Venice, this lesson focuses on a canal lined with brightly colored houses, offering a unique opportunity to combine natural and man-made forms within a single composition. Through a clear, step-by-step approach, students learn how to simplify complex structures while maintaining the character and charm of the scene.<\/p>\n<h3>Simplifying Complex Architecture<\/h3>\n<p>Architectural subjects can feel overwhelming due to their precision and detail, but Matt demonstrates how to break buildings down into simple geometric shapes. By focusing on basic forms first, students can accurately place the row of houses along the canal without becoming bogged down in unnecessary detail.<\/p>\n<p>This approach allows students to establish proportion and perspective early in the process, ensuring that the structures feel believable and properly aligned within the landscape. Rather than striving for perfection, the goal is to capture the essence of the architecture while keeping the drawing approachable and manageable.<\/p>\n<h3>Establishing Perspective Along the Canal<\/h3>\n<p>A key element of this lesson is understanding how perspective works within an architectural setting. The canal serves as a natural guide, leading the viewer\u2019s eye through the composition and helping to organize the placement of the buildings. Matt explains how to use converging lines and consistent angles to create the illusion of depth.<\/p>\n<p>By aligning the houses along the canal and adjusting their size and placement as they recede into the distance, students develop a convincing sense of space. This structured approach ensures that the scene feels cohesive and visually engaging.<\/p>\n<h3>Using Color to Bring Buildings to Life<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most exciting aspects of this lesson is the use of bold, vibrant color. The houses lining the canal are rendered in a variety of hues, providing an opportunity to explore color relationships and contrast. Matt demonstrates how to layer pastels to build rich, saturated tones while maintaining harmony across the composition.<\/p>\n<p>Students learn how to balance these bright colors with more neutral tones in the water and surrounding elements, ensuring that the buildings stand out without overwhelming the scene. This careful use of color adds energy and personality to the landscape.<\/p>\n<h3>Creating Light and Shadow on Structures<\/h3>\n<p>Light plays a critical role in defining architectural forms. Matt shows how to identify the direction of the light source and apply highlights and shadows accordingly. By increasing contrast on certain planes of the buildings, students can create the illusion of depth and dimension.<\/p>\n<p>Shadows are used not only to define individual structures but also to connect them within the environment. This interplay of light and shadow enhances realism while adding visual interest to the composition.<\/p>\n<h3>Integrating Architecture with Water<\/h3>\n<p>The canal itself is an important component of the scene, reflecting the colors and shapes of the buildings above. Students learn how to suggest these reflections with softer, blended marks, creating a natural connection between the architecture and the water.<\/p>\n<p>This integration helps unify the composition, ensuring that the buildings do not feel isolated but instead exist within a cohesive environment. The contrast between the structured forms of the houses and the fluid movement of the water adds balance and variety to the drawing.<\/p>\n<h3>Balancing Detail and Suggestion<\/h3>\n<p>Throughout the lesson, emphasis is placed on knowing where to include detail and where to simplify. While architectural elements often contain intricate features, Matt encourages students to focus on the most important shapes and values. Strategic detail is added in key areas, while other sections remain more suggestive.<\/p>\n<p>This balance keeps the drawing from becoming overly rigid and allows for a more artistic, expressive interpretation of the scene.<\/p>\n<h3>Expanding Your Landscape Skills<\/h3>\n<p>This lesson provides a valuable extension of the skills developed throughout the course. By combining architecture with a natural setting, students gain a deeper understanding of how different elements interact within a landscape.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of the lesson, students will have created a vibrant pastel landscape featuring a canal and colorful houses, while developing the confidence to incorporate architectural elements into their own work. These skills open the door to more complex and engaging compositions, making this lesson an essential part of mastering pastel landscapes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">Materials<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Materials<\/h2>\n<p>Toned pastel paper, soft pastels, pastel pencils, NuPastels.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-3\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-3\" class=\"label\">Resources<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Resources<\/h2>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Download eBook<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Reference Image<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Curriculum<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Course Curriculum<\/h2>\n<div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-introduction\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 1: Introduction and Materials (4:34)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-landscape-structure-and-atmospheric-perspective\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: Landscape Structure and Atmospheric Perspective (13:52)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-the-sky\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: The Sky (8:08)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-trees-and-foliage\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: Trees and Foliage (31:59)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-rocks-in-the-landscape\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 5: Rocks in the Landscape (22:58)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-architectural-elements\" class=\"curriculumselected\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 6: Architectural Elements (18:57)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-water\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 7: Water (20:23)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-silhouettes\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 8: Silhouettes (16:06)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-dry-wash\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 9: Technique - Dry Wash (9:33)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-wet-wash\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 10: Technique - Wet Wash (10:04)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-scumbling\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 11: Technique - Scumbling (11:24)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-feathering\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 12: Technique - Feathering (13:48)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-oil-pastels\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 13: Oil Pastels (26:23)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-matting-and-framing\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 14: Matting and Framing (10:54)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pastel-landscape-mastery-conclusion\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 15: Conclusion (2:21)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/animals-with-pastels\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Animals with Pastels<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Animals-with-Pastels-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/the-oil-pastel-course\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Oil Pastel Course<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Oil-Pastel-course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/birch-trees-with-pastels\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Birch Tree Landscape with Pastels<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/birch-trees-pastel-3-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pastel Landscape Mastery: Architectural Elements Description Lesson Description In this engaging lesson from the Pastel Landscape Mastery course, Matt introduces students to the process of incorporating architectural elements into a pastel landscape. Using a vibrant scene inspired by Venice, this lesson focuses on a canal lined with brightly colored houses, offering a unique opportunity to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3391","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3391"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46628,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3391\/revisions\/46628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}