Composition and Atmosphere
from Mitch Baird
Artists and nature enthusiasts often find themselves mesmerized by the beauty of a vast landscape. Mitch Baird embarked on a remote hike north of Banff, where the stunning views of aqua lakes, towering peaks, and shifting atmospheric hues provided a perfect opportunity to explore the principles of composition and color in painting.
When faced with an expansive view, the challenge is deciding what to paint. A vast landscape offers endless possibilities, but not every element serves the story the artist wants to tell. Instead of capturing everything, the focus must be narrowed to a specific composition that highlights contrast, color, and depth.
Understanding contrast is crucial in making a painting visually engaging. If the strongest contrast exists in one part of the scene, it makes sense to guide the viewer’s eye there. One student humorously referred to this concept by asking, “Where’s the party?”—a phrase meaning, where is the area that naturally draws attention? That’s where the main focus should be.
Similarly, when dealing with value, artists must be mindful of how brightness affects the composition. In this scene, the landscape was a strikingly bright green. However, painting it exactly as it appears might overwhelm the composition and detract from the real focal point—the mountain shadows. Instead, toning it down slightly will ensure that it complements rather than competes with the overall story being told.
Atmospheric Perspective
Atmospheric perspective is a powerful tool in landscape painting. As objects recede into the distance, they take on cooler and less saturated colors due to the atmosphere. Observing the trees in this scene, even within a 20-foot difference, one pine tree appeared noticeably warmer than another just behind it. This subtle shift in color and value is key to creating a sense of depth in a painting.
Further back, the mountains and cliffs took on a deep blue-purple hue, contrasting beautifully against the warm foreground. Recognizing these shifts in color temperature and value helps in creating a sense of realism and distance in artwork.
With a scene as stunning as this, it is tempting to capture everything. However, painting is not about replication—it is about storytelling. Artists must ask themselves, “What is the story to be told?” Not every element, no matter how beautiful, contributes to the narrative.
by Mitch Baird, 8x12
If a striking snow patch exists in the background but isn’t where the strongest contrast lies, then it might not serve as the best focal point. Instead, the composition should be adjusted to where the visual interest naturally leads. The goal is to create an impactful visual statement that guides the viewer through the scene with intention.
The next time you face an overwhelming landscape, take a step back and analyze:
Where’s the contrast? That’s where the eye will go.
What values dominate the scene? Adjust accordingly to maintain balance.
How does atmospheric perspective affect colors? Use it to create depth.
What’s the story? Focus on the elements that best communicate it.
Even when surrounded by immense beauty, an artist’s job is to distill the scene into something visually powerful and cohesive.
This approach helps us refine our craft and create compelling compositions that draw viewers into our world. By focusing on contrast, value, and atmospheric perspective, you can turn any breathtaking scene into a successful painting.
Mitch Baird’s Painting with Perception mentorship helps artists simplify their approach, trust their instincts, and gain confidence in their work. Through expert guidance, you’ll refine essential skills like composition, color harmony, and value while receiving personalized feedback: