Project # 8 Landscapes and Planes

Paintings above are by Andy Curlowe.  Paintings below by Raimond Stapranos.

Breaking down landscapes, still-lifes and portraits into planes is not a new concept to artists.  The first artist who is associated with this kind of painting is Paul Cezanne. who did simplified or abstracted forms and started breaking them down into basic shapes and planes in the late 19th century.  The Cubists and Fauves did it also.  Artists have been experimenting with this process ever since.

Two artists who break landscapes into planes, creating wonderful geometric shapes and patterns and also using unexpected color are Andy Curlowe and  Raimond Stapranos.

To follow their example is not easy.  They have worked on and perfected their methods and styles for many years.  This project is for more experienced students.  The student example at the bottom was painted with acrylics but you could easily use colored pencils, goauche or watercolor. 

To paint a landscape in their style takes a little planning and a good reference photo. It helps to start with a photograph of a landscape that emphasizes planes and forms.  There are many aerial landscapes in Geographic magazine or online that do just that.  You might also combine multiple photographs to get what you want as a student did for the painting below.

Start by transferring or sketching the contour lines of your reference photo(s) lightly with pencil.  Divide some or all of the image into planes.  You might want to leave part of the image more realistic with some organic shapes and detail as Andy Curlowe does. Decide if you will create your own color palette or use the colors from the reference photo.  

Have fun experimenting with these ideas.  You can use masking or Frog Tape if you want to  help keep clean straight edges in the striped areas. 

The student example below was worked and reworked.  This exercise can be very time consuming so you may want to do this on a small scale to begin with.  You can always add more paper or another panel on if you want to enlarge your landscape. This project can take you in multiple directions so have fun with it.