What are some sources of inspiration and reference for drawing landscapes and backgrounds in any software?

1 Use photos and sketches

One of the best ways to get inspired and learn from reality is to use photos and sketches as reference. You can take your own photos, use stock images, or browse online galleries of other artists. Photos can help you capture the mood, the lighting, the perspective, and the details of a landscape. Sketches can help you simplify the shapes, the values, the composition, and the focal points of a background. You can also combine photos and sketches to create your own collage or concept art.

2 Study color theory and harmony

Color is one of the most important elements of any design, especially when it comes to landscapes and backgrounds. Color can create contrast, depth, atmosphere, and emotion in your artwork. To use color effectively, you need to understand some basic principles of color theory and harmony. You need to know how to use the color wheel, the temperature, the saturation, and the value of colors. You also need to know how to create harmonious color schemes, such as complementary, analogous, triadic, or monochromatic.

3 Explore different styles and genres

Another way to get inspired and expand your skills is to explore different styles and genres of landscapes and backgrounds. You can experiment with realistic, stylized, abstract, or surreal styles. You can also try different genres, such as fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or historical. Each style and genre has its own conventions, challenges, and opportunities for creativity. You can learn from the masters of each style and genre, or create your own unique blend.

4 Use brushes and textures

Brushes and textures are essential tools for any graphic designer who wants to create landscapes and backgrounds. Brushes and textures can help you add variety, detail, and realism to your artwork. You can use brushes and textures to create different effects, such as grass, clouds, rocks, water, or metal. You can also use brushes and textures to create different styles, such as painterly, sketchy, or pixelated. You can find many free or paid brushes and textures online, or create your own using your software.

5 Apply perspective and composition rules

Perspective and composition are the foundation of any landscape and background design. Perspective and composition can help you create a sense of space, depth, scale, and balance in your artwork. You need to know how to use one-point, two-point, or three-point perspective to create realistic or distorted views of your landscape. You also need to know how to use composition rules, such as the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, or the focal point, to create a pleasing and engaging layout of your background.

6 Get feedback and improve

The final tip for drawing landscapes and backgrounds in any software is to get feedback and improve. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from other perspectives. You can get feedback from your peers, your clients, your mentors, or your audience. You can also get feedback from yourself, by reviewing your work critically and objectively. Feedback can help you improve your technique, your style, your creativity, and your confidence as a graphic designer.