Urban Landscape with Acrylics

Lessons

About This Lesson Series...

The Urban Landscape with Acrylics lesson series is a comprehensive, step-by-step exploration of how to create a compelling urban scene using acrylic paint and an indirect painting method. Designed for artists who want to improve their understanding of planning, layering, and structure in acrylic painting, this course takes you through each phase of the process — from establishing a solid composition and underpainting through to refined layers of color, detail, and atmospheric effects. The indirect method used in this series emphasizes thoughtful planning, value accuracy, and gradual build-up of paint to achieve depth and harmony in an urban environment.

Materials and Planning

The series begins with a discussion of essential materials and the overall strategy for indirect painting. Students learn how to choose the right brushes, acrylic paints, and supports for the project. This lesson focuses on preparing your workspace and understanding how the indirect method differs from alla prima or direct painting. By concentrating on planning and materials first, students build confidence in how they will approach layering, glazing, and refining the urban scene.

Drawing and Underpainting

With materials in place, the next lesson begins the actual artwork by sketching the basic structures of the urban landscape onto the canvas. Emphasis is placed on proportion, perspective, and architectural accuracy so that buildings, streets, and objects relate believably within the scene. Following the drawing stage, students create an underpainting that establishes the overall value structure. This monochromatic base helps guide later color decisions and ensures that light, shadow, and depth are planned from the start.

Blocking in Local Color

Once the underpainting is established, the series transitions to color application. Students begin blocking in local color — the distinct hues that define each major area of the composition. Working from general to specific, this phase focuses on building harmonious relationships between colors while maintaining clarity in the composition. Students also learn how to preserve key value contrasts as they introduce color into the scene, laying a foundation for richer layers later.

Developing Atmosphere and Depth

Students refine the mid-layers of paint to create atmosphere and spatial depth. Techniques such as glazing, transparent layers, and controlled color transitions help suggest space between buildings, receding streets, and atmospheric perspective. The instructor demonstrates how subtle shifts in hue and value can enhance the sense of distance and structure, making the urban landscape feel more convincing and dynamic.

Detailing and Refinement

As the painting progresses, attention turns to detailing and refinement. Students learn how to bring out architectural features, windows, signs, and textural elements that define the urban environment. Careful use of smaller brushes, contrast adjustments, and precise layering help elevate the painting from a foundational study to a polished work. This lesson reinforces how indirect layering supports clarity without losing depth or richness.

Final Harmonization and Highlights

The final lessons focuses on harmonizing the entire composition and adding finishing touches. Students learn to evaluate their work as a whole, making subtle adjustments to color balance, edges, and lighting effects. Highlights and final accents help unify the painting, enhancing focal points and ensuring the urban scene feels alive and cohesive. By the end of the series, artists have a fully resolved acrylic landscape and a strong grasp of the indirect painting process.

Resources for this Lesson...

References

Color Photo Reference

Black and White Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

• Gessoed panel 8" by 10"
• Soft graphite pencil
• Acrylic paints
• Assorted brushes
• Fluid glazing medium