How to Draw a Valley

Sometimes we search for peaceful places that convey calm and serenity, and nature offers us an infinite number of possibilities. Valleys, with their free winds and vast slopes, provide a spectacle of tranquility, far from noise and visual saturation. It is a green vastness that disappears into the mountains, like protective walls.

Welcome back. Today, we have a tutorial that will enable us to discover this landscape of peace. But before we start drawing, let's look at some important features:

A valley is recognizable by the following:

It has a surface that is often flat and elongated.
It is flanked by mountains or hills along the sides.
A watercourse that sometimes divides the landscape in two.
Simple vegetation, usually grass or a few trees.

Draw a valley step by step

To begin, we will divide our canvas following the rule of thirds; this will help us to organize the elements in a more harmonious way. In this composition, we will draw a horizon line in the center of the canvas, then we will add a pair of mountains opening towards the sides. We will then continue to draw mountains that are increasingly distant, without encroaching too much on the upper quadrant, which we will reserve for the sky.

For the next step, we will draw a stream that originates at the intersection of the mountains and descends towards a lower corner, exiting the frame.

To complete the scene, we will add rocks scattered along the flat part of the landscape, and we can also draw some on the mountain slopes to make the composition more interesting.

Finally, erase the grid and sketch some clouds in the sky: they can be large or small, but always light, so that they seem to float freely across the valley.

Add color to the drawing

For the sky, create a gradient from indigo blue to light sky blue; the transition should be smooth between these neighboring shades. Add a white glow in one corner to simulate sunlight.

We will then draw several layers of mountains. The farthest ones blend into the sky colors, then we will draw a set of mountains in gray tones, followed by the slopes of the closer mountains, which will have green hues and connect to the plain in the center of the valley.

Finally, draw the rocks in a neutral color, preferably a light gray; you can vary the shades or keep a common base.

Finish by painting the stream: I like using earthy tones, which will then enable us to create the effect of transparency in places.

Draw the sky and mountains in the background

Let's continue our picture by drawing the sky. Apply strokes with a very soft brush. Then add layers of white in an irregular and progressive manner, and, with a low-saturated blue, integrate some shadows only if necessary.

Now, let's move onto the background mountains. We will draw some marked shadows and add texture to the lit areas, integrating blue and brown tones. It is important to consider the influence of the light: the mountain closest to the sun will be the most affected, which will obscure some details and provide a more realistic effect.

Add grass and vegetation

We are moving on to the main part of the painting. Start by applying spots of different shades of green: some leaning towards yellow, others darker or brown. Let your brush move freely, without following any specific order. Now, focus your attention on the mountain closest to the sun: here, the mountain faces the light and has its back towards us, thus creating an area of shadow from our viewpoint.

Now that we have a base, we can define some shapes in depth. Paint some mounds or irregularities to enrich the scene and, once satisfied with the shape, add texture using small vertical lines of different shades to create the illusion of grass. Keep in mind that the areas furthest from the viewer require less texture.

Finalize the textures of the painting

At this stage, we begin to add extra details. Rocks and the river are optional elements that, although not essential, will make your landscape much more attractive. Let's start with the rocks: draw them with gray tones and a few touches of desaturated brown. Don't forget to use strong contrasts and well-defined shadows; you can also add some reflections on the most visible rocks.

For the river, we will proceed as follows: Start by drawing small dots of different colors representing the small pebbles usually found at the bottom. Then, apply some layers of white and very muted blue, without covering the entire surface, just certain areas. Finally, add white lines around the rocks in contact with the water, as well as some waves to suggest the movement of the current.

At this stage, our landscape is already finished; however, it's the small details that make all the difference. Add some vegetation in the plain and among the rocks: small touches of various greens and a few blades of grass will add a wild and very nice touch.

We have finally completed this new landscape: a place bathed in light and gentle breezes, conducive to contemplation. I hope that drawing it has been just as enjoyable for you. Now it's your turn: go ahead and draw your own valley.

Remember that the position of the light source determines the intensity of colors in certain areas of the painting. Also, do not forget that sometimes you need to let yourself be guided by the brush strokes and allow intuition to organize the shapes. Finally, do not neglect the small details, as they can bring more meaning to your artwork.

Writer and illustrator: Bryam