In the ever-evolving world of art, contemporary painters are challenging the boundaries of traditional landscape painting, infusing it with bold new techniques, conceptual explorations, and a fresh perspective on the natural world. We learned this the hard way… From abstract expressionistic drip paintings to surreal digital landscapes, these modern artists are redefining the genre and offering a multitude of creative pathways for aspiring painters to explore.
Pushing the Boundaries of Acrylic Painting
One artist who has embraced a revolutionary approach to landscape painting is Janell James, whose work seamlessly blends traditional oil painting with innovative acrylic techniques. In a recent piece, “Not Listening,” James takes a landscape painting from her earlier portfolio and transforms it into a captivating abstract composition.
“Painting on multiple physical layers of 1/8″ clear acrylic glass has opened a world of possibilities and approaches to me creatively,” says James. “In this newly completed abstract painting, the first in what will be a limited edition series, I have taken a technique from mid-twentieth century artists like Janet Sobel and Jackson Pollock, creating something altogether new inspired from an era of abstract expressionism.”
By layering multiple sheets of acrylic glass over the original oil painting, James creates a sense of depth and visual depth that reimagines the once-traditional landscape. The drips of paint, combined with the refractive nature of the acrylic, produce a mesmerizing, abstract effect that still retains a connection to the natural world.
“What makes this work ‘new’ is the addition and use of various sizes of acrylic glass layered on top of what once was a landscape painting in oil on canvas,” James explains. “A continuation of my layered landscape paintings in acrylic, this drip painting is a metaphor for how we are losing site of trees and their importance in sustaining life for all. Each layer of acrylic glass on top of the other covers up our visual perception of what once was a forest of trembling giants.”
Exploring Surreal and Fantastical Landscapes
While some artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional media, others are venturing into the realm of surreal and fantastical landscapes, blending elements of the natural world with imaginative and dreamlike compositions. One such artist is Pedro Pedro, whose still life paintings feature a curious, surrealistic physics that imbues the everyday with a sense of mystery and wonder.
“A curious, surrealistic physics infuses Pedro Pedro’s still lifes,” the Artsy article notes. “Socks, a banana peel, shoes, and a hat appear to droop like Dalí clocks. The chair cushions and tables that hold them are slanted so vertically that it’s amazing all these objects haven’t slipped off.”
This unconventional approach to rendering the natural world and everyday objects challenges the viewer’s perception, inviting them to reconsider the boundaries between reality and fantasy. By drawing inspiration from the bold colors and distorted forms of artists like Fernando Botero and Giovanna Garzoni, Pedro Pedro creates a unique visual language that blurs the line between realism and abstraction.
Embracing the Impressionistic Approach
While some contemporary painters are exploring the realms of abstraction and surrealism, others are finding inspiration in the impressionistic styles of the past. Artists like Guy Yanai are reinterpreting traditional landscape painting through the lens of modern color theory and expressive brushwork.
Yanai’s domestic scenes feature twiggy plants in boxy planters, windows that reflect other homes or look onto a hilly landscape, and interior walls painted in brilliant pinks and blues. Underlying these vibrant compositions is a grid-like structure that connects Yanai’s practice to both traditional mosaic works and the pixelated screens of the digital age.
“Yanai sounds omnivorous when he speaks of his influences, citing musician John Zorn; television shows; Etruscan, Roman, and ancient Greek art; Cy Twombly, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Philip Guston, and Willem de Kooning, among others,” the Artsy article notes. “Both modern and ancient artists, said Yanai, shared a fascination with transforming the objects around them into ‘vessels for the most profound of emotions.'”
By blending the impressionistic qualities of past masters with a contemporary sensibility, Yanai’s paintings offer a unique perspective on the enduring power of landscape as a subject for artistic expression.
Embracing Mixed Media and Experimental Approaches
In addition to these conceptual and stylistic shifts, many contemporary artists are also exploring the potential of mixed media and experimental approaches to landscape painting. These artists are incorporating a wide range of materials, from digital collage to found objects, to create multilayered and deeply textured works.
One such artist is Arden Surdam, whose photographs embrace the macabre and the uncanny. Surdam’s work often features sausage links, bloodied animals, and stained sheets, drawing inspiration from the unsettling aesthetic of Francis Bacon. Her interest in the serial nature of Bacon’s diptychs and triptychs has led her to experiment with similarly sequenced still lifes, challenging viewers to extrapolate a larger narrative from a series of images.
Another artist known for her innovative use of mixed media is Maria Nepomuceno, whose knitted, sculptural tableaux initially resemble floral still lifes. However, upon closer inspection, Nepomuceno’s work reveals a more organic and visceral quality, with forms that suggest the inner workings of the body.
“Even though I have works where nature is an important reference, I don’t consider them still lifes,” Nepomuceno explains. “They speak more of an inner living universe.”
By blending traditional craft techniques with a contemporary sensibility, Nepomuceno and other mixed media artists are expanding the boundaries of what landscape painting can be, inviting viewers to engage with the natural world in new and unexpected ways.
Exploring the Intersection of Nature and Technology
As the digital age continues to shape our relationship with the natural world, some contemporary artists are exploring the intersection between technology and landscape painting. These artists are using digital tools, computer-generated imagery, and other technological means to reinterpret traditional landscape imagery in innovative ways.
One such artist is Tishan Hsu, whose floor sculptures conjure machines and biotechnologies that might be placed in fantastical, futuristic rooms. Hsu’s work considers the ways in which humans and technology are becoming inextricably intertwined, suggesting that human bodies may one day become the subject of a new kind of still life.
“The traditional still-life composition has been invaded by a still life of technological objects,” Hsu explains, citing the example of ubiquitous devices like monitors, screens, and handheld gadgets. “This perception in the pictorial subject evolved to include landscape and interior objects,” he observes, “and I am inspired by art’s ability to reveal such changes in societal value.”
Through his own work, Hsu aims to convey how our interactions with objects are shifting due to the increasing influence of technology, offering a glimpse into a future where the boundaries between the natural and the artificial may become increasingly blurred.
Tutorials and Skill Development
As these contemporary artists continue to push the boundaries of traditional landscape painting, aspiring artists can learn from their innovative approaches and incorporate new techniques into their own creative practices. Whether you’re drawn to the expressive potential of acrylic painting, the surreal and fantastical realms of digital art, or the textural qualities of mixed media, there are endless opportunities to explore and develop your skills.
One key aspect of mastering landscape painting is a strong understanding of fundamental painting techniques, such as color mixing, brush handling, and layering. Practicing these core skills can provide a solid foundation for experimenting with more unconventional approaches.
“Painting fundamentals, such as color mixing techniques, brush handling, and layering, are crucial for any artist looking to expand their creative horizons,” says Pencil and Paint Muse contributor Janell James. “By honing these basic skills, you’ll be able to more confidently explore the unique possibilities of materials like acrylic, oil, and even digital tools.”
In addition to painting fundamentals, aspiring artists can also benefit from exploring experimental approaches to landscape painting. This may involve experimenting with nontraditional tools, unconventional surfaces, or combining various mediums to achieve unexpected results.
“Embracing a spirit of exploration and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone is key to unlocking new creative pathways,” advises Pencil and Paint Muse writer Arden Surdam. “Whether you’re testing the limits of a familiar medium or combining unexpected materials, the process of experimentation can lead to truly innovative and captivating works of art.”
By combining a solid technical foundation with a willingness to explore new creative avenues, aspiring landscape painters can find inspiration in the bold, innovative approaches of contemporary artists and forge their own unique artistic voices.
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style