How can I get better at drawing and painting environments?

[JSpayde]

I understand perspective and what not but I just don't understand what it takes to actually make cool environment paintings. What kind of stuff can I study to get a better understanding of atmosphere and landscapes in general? I know with characters you study things like human anatomy, fabric, skin tone etc., are there certain things that an environment artist studies extensively?

[Sprogis7]

Hey there, first things first study composition. I cant stress that enough. Look at photography, film, illustrations, but make sure its all GOOD art (yes there is such a thing as bad art!) Then get into the habit of thumbnailing with or without tone, just get your ideas out on paper. The purpose of thumbnaling is so you can get the best possible concept & composition to use for the basis of your paintings, and often your first idea isnt your best. After that, develop your sketch into a larger thumbnail-type drawing, using only tone, no color. If you get your values of tone working well, as long as you stay true to your values, any color will work. Hope that helps you get off the ground, good luck. No amount of talent replaces true hard work.

[dpaint]

Go outside and work from life. Nothing teaches you about color and light better than the outdoors. Work small so you don't get caught up in details and look for color and value relationships.