I have laid down layer of plaster cloth. Do I cover with thin coat of Plaster of Paris and then paint light brown; or mix light brown paint into Plaster of Paris mixture and then coat the cloth?
Thanks for help.
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Depending on the "look" you are after, I would suggest the former (you can also use a light hydrocal) and, rather than paint afterwards, you may want to consider using pigment washes like from Woodland Scenics for a more "realistic" look and watch one of their videos to get some ideas.
I would add another layer of plaster on top of the plaster cloth. Yes, add some color to the plaster, say a light brown. I have added sand to the plaster mix to give texture and it makes the plaster stronger. You can then use tools to carve the plaster to add sedimentary rock features.
Steve
First of all, you don't want to paint the mountain brown, but rather flat black. I know that this is counterintuitive, but starting with black and then dry brushing brown and green and ending with the usual light glint of bright white is the best way to achieve deep shadows in the crevices and a simulation of bright sunlight on the exposed edges. It is just like painting in oil: you start with the dark backgrounds and end with the highlights.
The only reasons you might want another layer of plaster is if either (a) you are not happy with the rigidity of what you have or (b) you don't like the texture. But, I assume you will add ground cover in most spots, so often the texture doesn't matter much, except in areas of exposed "rock".
agree with pete. if the surface seems sturdy, that may be what you need. if you want to add more irregular surface materials, you could cut various pieces of pink foam into rock shapes, glue on and surround with some sculptamold which is really easy to work with. add as much sculptamold as you like to get the shape you want, then start painting and adding ground cover.
Getting ready to do some mountains using my old go to method.
After getting a basic hard shell in place I mix a slurry of gypsum and saw dust and pour it from the top of the mountain.
The flow and effect varies with the viscosity used and size of the saw dust which is further determined by the bit or tooth of the cutter making the sawdust.
The real course saw dust comes from our local mill shop which does a lot of bulk ripping.
I use one layer of plaster cloth on a web of cardboard strips. Then I apply a product called Sculptamold which I find very nice to work with. Too also it is lightweight and stronger than plaster of Paris.
Cheap, simple and quick! 
Sculptamold by American Art Clay:
Sculptamold applied:
Attachments
yes, sculptamold does the trick and is what i meant to reference in my post when i mistakenly said hydrocal. I've used sculptamold very successfully many times and recommend it highly. i’ve edited my previous post accordingly.
Woodlands Scenics had different rock molds that can add to detail. Rocks made from hydrocal, applied with construction adhesive.
