Marvin Jemal, a talented landscape painter born in New York, has dedicated his life to capturing the beauty of the natural world. His paintings focus on the atmospheric changes brought by the seasons, and his commitment to honing his craft has made him a respected artist in the landscape genre. Drawing from his experience of painting in the New York region, Jemal shares his insights for aspiring artists on how to approach landscape painting with depth, emotion, and authenticity.
1. Let the Atmosphere Guide Your Work
One of Marvin Jemal’s key principles in painting is capturing the atmosphere of a scene. He believes that the atmosphere—the light, weather, and seasonal elements—creates the soul of a landscape. “The atmosphere of a scene dictates its mood,” Jemal explains. “The light at dawn or dusk, the crispness of the air, the colors of the season—all of these elements influence the way you portray the landscape.”
Jemal advises artists to pay close attention to the natural surroundings and how they shift throughout the day and year. “Whether it’s the warm glow of a summer sunset or the cool shadows of winter, let the atmosphere speak to you,” he says. “It’s not just about what you see but how it makes you feel.”
2. Be Patient with the Changing Seasons
For Marvin Jemal, the changing seasons are a major source of inspiration. His paintings reflect the transformation of the natural world, from vibrant greens in the summer to the muted tones of winter. “Every season has its own character, and capturing that is one of the most rewarding challenges in landscape painting,” he explains.
His advice to painters is to immerse themselves in nature throughout the year. “Spend time outdoors and observe how the colors, light, and textures change with each season,” Jemal says. “By painting in different seasons, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how nature evolves, and your work will become more dynamic.”
3. Paint Outdoors to Capture True Detail
Jemal is a strong advocate of painting en plein air (outdoors) to capture the true essence of nature. “Painting outside allows you to see the landscape in its purest form,” he says. “You can observe the subtle details that photographs often miss—the way the light shifts across a tree, the texture of the leaves, or the movement of the water.”
His advice to artists is to make outdoor painting a regular practice. “Even if you finish the painting later in the studio, the experience of being outside will bring a level of authenticity to your work that you can’t get from memory or reference photos alone,” Jemal says.
4. Stay Dedicated to Your Craft
Marvin Jemal’s journey to becoming a successful landscape painter wasn’t easy. His early career was marked by countless hours of self-study and perseverance. “I didn’t have formal gallery representation or membership in art leagues,” Jemal says. “I had to promote my own work and find ways to get noticed by the art community.”
His advice for aspiring artists is to remain dedicated, even when the path is difficult. “There will be challenges, and it takes time to gain recognition, but persistence is key,” he explains. “Use every spare moment to study art, practice your craft, and showcase your work wherever you can. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with commitment, it’s possible.”
5. Promote Yourself and Your Work
As someone who had to promote his own work in the early stages of his career, Marvin Jemal emphasizes the importance of self-promotion. “If you want your art to reach an audience, you need to actively promote it,” he says. “Exhibiting in galleries, entering competitions, and sharing your work online are all ways to get your name out there.”
Jemal also encourages artists to be selective about gallery representation. “In the beginning, I was cautious about committing to long-term gallery agreements,” he explains. “It’s important to find galleries that understand and support your vision. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity rather than rushing into the first offer.”
6. Find Beauty in Your Local Surroundings
Though Marvin Jemal has painted a variety of landscapes, he often draws inspiration from the local scenery around New York. “You don’t have to travel far to find beauty,” Jemal says. “Some of my best work has come from the lakes, rivers, and forests near my home.”
His advice to artists is to explore their local environments for inspiration. “There’s beauty everywhere, even in the everyday scenes you pass by,” Jemal says. “Pay attention to the details, the light, and the mood of the landscape around you. By focusing on the places you know best, your work will carry a deeper connection to your surroundings.”
7. Evolve with Your Art
Marvin Jemal has continually evolved as an artist, adapting his style and technique over time. “Art is an ongoing process of learning and growth,” he explains. “You should always be open to experimenting with new techniques and refining your approach.”
His advice to artists is to never stop learning. “Take classes, study other artists’ work, and push yourself to try new things,” he says. “Each painting is an opportunity to improve your skills and expand your artistic vision.”
Conclusion: Capturing the Essence of Nature in Every Brushstroke
Marvin Jemal’s advice for aspiring landscape painters centers on capturing the atmosphere, staying dedicated to the craft, and finding inspiration in the natural world. By painting outdoors, observing the changing seasons, and promoting their work, artists can connect more deeply with their surroundings and bring authenticity to their landscapes. His journey from self-taught painter to respected landscape artist serves as a testament to the power of persistence and passion in building a successful career in art.
“Painting landscapes is about more than just capturing a view,” Jemal concludes. “It’s about conveying the feeling of being in that place, in that moment. If you can do that, you’ll create work that resonates with others and stands the test of time.”