Purple blue mountains 🫶

Hey fellow art lovers! I've been absolutely obsessed with creating purple aesthetic mountain paintings lately, and I wanted to share some of my go-to ideas and tips for acrylics. It’s such a calming and rewarding process, especially if you're looking for an easy project to get into. First off, let's talk about the magic of purple and blue mountains. There's something so ethereal and dreamy about them, right? When I started this piece, I really wanted to capture that atmospheric perspective I'd seen in so many inspiring artworks. It's surprisingly simple to achieve with acrylics! Getting Started: Your Basic Supplies You don't need much to dive into this. I usually grab a few tubes of acrylic paint (definitely a couple of blues, purples, white, and maybe a dark red or brown for depth), some brushes (a flat one for blending and a smaller one for details), a canvas or thick paper, and a palette. Don't forget a cup of water for cleaning brushes! Creating Layered Mountains with Atmospheric Perspective This is where the magic happens! To get that beautiful layered look, start with the mountains furthest away. I mix a very light, desaturated blue or purple with a lot of white. As you move to the mountains closer to the foreground, gradually make your colors darker, more vibrant, and add a bit more of your purples and blues. That 'dark reddish-purple mountain in the foreground' detail from my painting is a perfect example of bringing in those richer, warmer tones at the front for maximum impact. By doing this, you'll naturally create depth, making some peaks appear distant and others much closer. It’s all about playing with color intensity! Mastering the Purple Aesthetic For that true purple aesthetic, don't be afraid to experiment with different shades. I love mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of crimson or magenta to get rich purples. For lighter, softer purples, just add white. You can even blend in some soft pinks or lavenders in the sky or distant peaks to enhance the dreamy vibe. Think about the sky too – a gradient from light to dark blue, or even a soft purple, can beautifully frame your mountains. Adding a Vintage Touch I noticed my painting also gave off a 'vintage-style filter' vibe, which I love! To achieve a similar feel with paint, I sometimes add a very thin, translucent wash of a muted, earthy tone (like a diluted sepia or Payne's Gray) over certain areas once the main layers are dry. This can slightly desaturate the colors and give it an aged, classic look without losing the vibrancy. Alternatively, choosing slightly muted versions of your purples and blues from the start can also contribute to this aesthetic. My Top Tip for Easy Acrylic Painting Don't overthink it! Acrylics dry fast, which can be a blessing and a curse. Work in layers, and don't be afraid to let layers dry before adding more. If you make a 'mistake,' you can usually paint right over it once it's dry. It's all about enjoying the process and letting your creativity flow. I hope these ideas inspire you to pick up your brushes and create your own stunning purple aesthetic mountain landscapes! It's truly a fulfilling way to unwind and express yourself.