How To Draw Landscapes in Procreate

Diving into landscape drawing with Procreate, bolstered by our diverse array of Procreate brushes, presents an opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity to expansive new horizons.

This guide is meticulously crafted to assist both novices and experienced artists in navigating the process of creating engaging landscapes. It transforms blank canvases into mesmerizing windows to otherworldly vistas.

Setting Up Your Canvas

Open Procreate and tap on the “+” to create a new canvas.

Choose a size that suits your project; a canvas size of 3000×2500 pixels offers a good balance for landscape work, providing ample space for detail.

Select a background color that matches the primary tone of your scene, such as light blue for a sky-dominant landscape or green for a field.

Sketching the Basic Outline

Start by sketching a rough outline of your landscape’s major elements.

Use the 6B Pencil from the Sketching brushes to draw the horizon line, which separates the sky from the ground.

Then, add basic shapes to represent key features such as mountains, trees, a river, or any other elements you wish to include.

This stage is about laying down the foundation of your landscape, so keep your sketches loose and focus on the overall composition.

Adding the Sky and Background

Create a new layer for the sky.

Choose a soft brush from the Airbrushing category to apply the base color of the sky.

Layer different shades of blue, orange, pink, or any colors that match your scene, blending them smoothly to create a gradient effect.

If your landscape includes distant mountains or hills, add them on a separate layer behind the sky layer. Use muted colors to create a sense of depth, making distant objects lighter and less detailed.

Detailing the Midground

Add a new layer above the background for the midground elements, which might include larger landforms, forests, or a body of water.

Select brushes that match the texture of the elements you’re drawing; for example, use the Grass brush for fields or the Water brush for rivers.

This layer should have more detail and darker colors than the background to enhance the sense of depth.

Focusing on the Foreground

Create another layer for the foreground elements, which should be the most detailed and vibrant part of your landscape.

Use a variety of brushes to add texture and details to these elements, making them stand out.

Consider adding shadows and highlights to create a more dynamic and realistic scene.

Refining Details and Adding Final Touches

Review your landscape and add final details that will bring your scene to life.

This might include adding birds in the sky, ripples on the water, or texture to the terrain.

Adjust the overall color balance, contrast, and saturation if necessary to unify the scene and enhance the mood.

Exporting Your Landscape

Once you’re satisfied with your landscape, it’s time to share your creation.

Tap on the wrench icon, select “Share,” and choose your preferred format to save or share your artwork.

Drawing landscapes in Procreate is an adventure that allows you to explore the natural beauty of the world from the comfort of your digital canvas. With each step, you’ll not only refine your skills but also develop a deeper connection to the environments you create. Remember, the key to a stunning landscape is not just in the details, but in capturing the essence and emotion of the scene.