8918 Stormy Mountain
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A dramatic mountain scene unfolds beneath a dark, storm-filled sky as lightning strikes a towering cliff, illuminating rugged rock faces and a cascading waterfall below. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this powerful landscape in a 68 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, capturing energy, atmosphere, and contrast within a moody natural setting.

You’ll learn how to construct strong mountain forms using layered shapes and value contrasts, creating depth and structure in steep cliffs and distant terrain. Jerry demonstrates how to block in major elements first, then refine them with controlled brushwork to maintain clarity while building dramatic impact.

Special attention is given to painting stormy skies and lightning effects, using bold contrasts and soft blending to create glowing highlights against dark cloud masses. You’ll also explore how to paint waterfalls and mist, adding movement and atmosphere while enhancing the sense of scale within the scene.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting dramatic lighting, atmospheric effects, and rugged landscapes. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to push their skills further while creating a striking and visually powerful mountain scene.