Make a landscape using layers on Procreate
Use Procreate to design a layered landscape by drawing foreground, middle ground, and background on separate layers, experimenting with brushes and colors.
About this activity
Use Procreate to design a layered landscape by drawing foreground, middle ground, and background on separate layers, experimenting with brushes and colors.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Open the Procreate app on your iPad.
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Step 2
Tap the + button to create a new canvas.
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Step 3
Choose a canvas size you like and tap Create.
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Step 4
Tap the Layers icon to open the Layers panel.
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Step 5
Tap + to add a new layer for the Background.
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Step 6
Tap + again to add a new layer for the Middle Ground.
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Step 7
Tap + one more time to add a new layer for the Foreground.
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Step 8
Select the Background layer then pick a soft brush from the Brush Library.
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Step 9
Paint the sky and distant shapes on the Background layer using lighter desaturated colors.
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Step 10
Select the Middle Ground layer then choose a medium-detail brush.
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Step 11
Paint hills or mid-distance trees on the Middle Ground layer using medium-toned colors.
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Step 12
Select the Foreground layer then pick a textured or detailed brush.
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Step 13
Draw close-up plants rocks or objects on the Foreground layer with darker colors and more detail.
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Step 14
Share your finished layered landscape on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you create a layered landscape in Procreate?
Start a new canvas, then create three main layers labeled Background, Middle Ground, and Foreground. Block in simple shapes for each plane, choose distinct colors for depth, and use larger brushes for distant elements and smaller, detailed brushes for the foreground. Adjust opacity, add soft atmospheric gradients for distance, and use layer blend modes for lighting. Finish by adding fine details on a new top layer and merge only when you’re happy with the composition.
What materials do I need to make a layered landscape in Procreate?
You’ll need an iPad with Procreate installed and a stylus (Apple Pencil preferred) for better control. A charged device, a simple reference photo or sketch, a custom brush set or the built‑in brushes, and a color palette help. Optional materials: a protective screen, stand, or case for comfort, and saved layer templates. No paper or paint required, but having a quiet workspace and good lighting makes the process easier for kids.
What ages is this Procreate layered landscape activity suitable for?
This activity suits children around 7 and up with some fine motor control; younger kids (5–6) can participate with guided tracing and simplified tools. Ages 8–12 are great for learning layers, brushes, and color mixing. Teens can explore advanced techniques like blending modes and custom brushes. Always supervise device use for younger children and adjust complexity based on patience, attention span, and prior digital drawing experience.
What are the benefits of making layered landscapes in Procreate?
Layered landscape projects build digital art skills like layer management, depth perception, and color blending. Kids practice composition, decision‑making, and fine motor control while experimenting with brushes and textures. It’s low‑mess and repeatable, encouraging creative risk‑taking without wasting materials. Additionally, children learn basic digital workflows useful for school projects or future hobbies, and parents can guide lessons on screen-time balance and ergonomic breaks to keep th
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have an iPad or Procreate?
If you don't have Procreate on an iPad, use another layer-capable app like Adobe Fresco or Clip Studio on a tablet/phone, or recreate the Background/Middle Ground/Foreground by drawing on three sheets of tracing paper layered together.
My strokes keep showing on the wrong layer — how do I fix that?
Tap the Layers icon and make sure the correct Background, Middle Ground, or Foreground layer is highlighted and unlocked, set to full opacity, and then choose the intended brush before painting.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids use only two layers (Background and Foreground) and a soft brush to keep it simple, while older kids can add extra layers, use medium-detail and textured brushes, and refine lighter desaturated to darker color values for depth.
How can we make the landscape more detailed or unique before sharing on DIY.org?
Add an extra layer for small silhouettes, use a textured brush on the Foreground for close-up detail, apply a subtle Gaussian Blur from Adjustments to the Background for depth, and add a signature layer before sharing on DIY.org.