The Language of Distance: Painting Light, Value, and Atmosphere
In this workshop, we’ll move past the idea of painting “things” and start paying attention to shapes and space. Depth in a landscape isn’t built with detail. It’s built with temperature, color, and, most importantly, the subtle shift of values as the land recedes into the atmosphere. You’ll learn how atmospheric perspective works, why it is so important, and how to use it intentionally to create a believable sense of distance.
This is a practical, medium-agnostic approach that works whether you paint in pastel, oil, acrylic, or watercolor. We’ll simplify the landscape into layers, control contrast, soften what needs to fall away, and bring forward what matters. The goal isn’t just depth. It’s vastness. A painting that feels like you could step into it and keep walking.
Supply List:
- 4 panels or sheets of substrate (canvas, paper, etc., whatever the student prefers to paint on).
- Paints, brushes, pastels, easel, etc.
- One reference photo of a vast, distant landscape, such as mountains (can be printed, or digital on your phone or tablet). Two printed references will be provided for us to paint together, but on the second day students will paint their own scene.
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Skill Details: | |
| Materials Included: | No |
| Instructor: | Clint Howard |
| Instructor Bio: | Clint Howard, IAPS/MC, PSA, is an Arkansas-based artist who started painting with pastels early in 2023. He is an International Association of Pastel Societies Master Circle artist, a juried Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a juried Signature Artist in the American Tonalist Society. Clint has a varied background, including a degree in biology, nearly eight years of service as a pastor, and over fifteen years in the web and graphic design industry. He married his beautiful wife, Sara, in 2002, and they have two teenage daughters. Clint’s focus in his art is to evoke a sense of calm, nostalgia, and connection to nature. He is especially drawn to traditional and contemporary Tonalism, which shows in his work, but he also enjoys exploring other landscape painting styles. And his experience as a pastor combines with his artistic skill in video tutorials and courses available on YouTube ("Pastel Workshop") and other platforms. Recent accolades include the Founder's Award (first place overall) in the 27th Annual Pastel 100, Third Place in the International Association of Pastel Societies 2025 Juried Fall Webshow Open Division, and Second Place in the Emerging Artist Category in the 2023 Dakota Pastels Competition Grand Final. |
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There's a 10 person minimum for this class. If the minimum is not reached, class tuition will be refunded.
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Included Materials
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This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.