This was taken near Lompoc a few years ago looking East.
#1: First I sketch positions of trees, mountains, etc. with vine charcoal. I always begin my landscape with the sky.
#2 I’ve started adding clouds, using a peach tone at the bottom. This will probably be modified as I paint depending on several factors, like how bright the fields will be.
#3. I’ve contoured the farthest range of mountains and started the closer elevations that have trees. These are just beginning colors that will be brightened and darkened as I go along. I’ve also added the base of one of the roads that leads toward Hwy 101. There are at least 3 ways out of Lompoc.
#4 I’ve started adding fields and the trees that line their eastern edge.
And cropped, then done!