A Cumbrian artist hopes to share more than two decades of experience to help others in their efforts to connect with nature through art.
Painting the Mountain Landscape by Eileen Clark, of Cockermouth, was published this week and offers a step-by-step guide for painters to follow.
Normally exhibiting at Beckstones Art Gallery near Penrith, Eileen has been painting the mountains of the Lake District for the last 20 years.
“A lady who follows my work rang me and asked if I would write a book about painting the mountain landscape,” said Eileen.
“I use my own pictures to describe the various aspects of painting mountains.
“I thought about doing something like this before because I know people enjoy painting mountains and I used to be a teacher, so I am used to teaching people.
“It was a bit of a surprise but I was pleased to be asked.”
The book details step-by-step instructions, which guides the reader through the techniques used at every stage.
Advice is given on choosing mediums, brushes and surfaces, and using a limited colour palette both for outdoor and studio painting.
The book also offers tips on painting sky, water and trees, and tips on using them in an effective composition.
Painters are also shown, step-by-step, how to work down from the sky to the foreground, add detail, enrich colour and shade and increase the contrast between light and shade.
Eileen says her love for the mountains started at a young age.
“When I was a child, every weekend we walked the mountains, climbing. Wearing five layers of clothes. That is what we did at the weekend,” said Eileen, who was born in Whitehaven.
“It kind of takes you away and reconnects you with nature. It takes you away from any problems, especially now. When you are painting the landscapes you can’t be concerned with anything but the landscapes.
“You feel at peace and peaceful with something grander and bigger than us.”
The book, published by The Crowood Press, is available to order now.
