The real stories of landscapes often involve the people who lived there. In some rural landscapes, there could be stories of farming families who have worked the land for generations. Their traditions, struggles, and joys are all part of the landscape's story. And natural events like floods or droughts that affected the area over time are also part of it.
There's a story of a coastal landscape. A family had a beach house there for generations. They witnessed how the sea levels were rising gradually. The sandy beaches they used to play on as kids were getting smaller. Scientists came to study the area and the family worked with them. They learned about the importance of protecting the dunes which were part of the coastal landscape. So, they started initiatives to protect the dunes and in turn, the whole coastal landscape.
One way is through historical research. Looking at old maps, diaries, and local historical records can give us clues about the past of a landscape. For instance, if we find an old map showing a different layout of a village within a landscape, it can tell us about how the area has changed over time.
First, observe the real landscape carefully. Notice the colors, the shapes of the mountains or trees, and the way the light falls. This will help you capture the essence when you paint.
One of the best fictional landscapes is Middle - earth from J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It has vast mountains like the Misty Mountains, lush forests such as Fangorn Forest, and beautiful meadows. Another great one is Narnia in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. With its snowy landscapes in the north and the idyllic meadows and castles in other parts. And of course, we can't forget the fictional world of Westeros in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which has diverse landscapes from the frozen North to the warm and fertile Reach.
To watercolor forest landscapes in a comic, start with a rough sketch. Then, apply light washes of color for the background. Build up the details of the trees and foliage with more concentrated colors. Don't forget to add highlights and shadows for depth.
First off, study perspective. Understand how objects appear smaller as they go into the distance. Also, pay attention to light and shadow to add depth and texture. Another key point is to have a good sense of color harmony for a pleasing visual effect.
To draw landscapes in fiction well, you need to have a good imagination. Think about the mood and atmosphere you want to convey. Also, practice different techniques like shading and perspective to make the landscape look more realistic and immersive.