Tree Studies - Documenting my Learning - Beginners (Patreon)

Hi everyone,

As promised here is the first video of my 'landscape learning.' These are the first trees I have ever painted so don't expect much 🥴. Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me to try something different. I like to think of myself as being a lifelong learner so it is good for me to put myself back in the learner's seat.

In a nut shell after doing some YouTubing, some reading and some painting, here is what I have discovered so far:

# it's better to mix greens for a landscape painting because pre-mixed greens can be a bit overwhelming/boring (yawn) en masse.

# use bigger brushes so that you don't get distracted with putting in too much detail

# remember to leave gaps in the foliage so that you can paint some branches in

# don't try to paint individual leaves. Think of the leaves as clumps or clusters and look for the large shapes.

# be aware of the different tree shapes and habits

# don't have the paint too wet when you drop darker colours in because the darker colour spreads too far (you'd think I would know that) 😬

# I'm thinking cold pressed paper is more forgiving and easier to allow texture to show

# it's not easy!

I will keep practicing as often as I can and I'll share with you what I am discovering.

I have included my tree paintings here for you to refer to. I've also attached the line drawing of my trees for those who are not confident at drawing but you might find it easier if you paint freehand and 'go with the flow' rather than being restricted by a line drawing. There's no supplies list. I used Phthalo Blue (green shade), Burnt Sienna and Quinacridone Gold to mix my greens but experiment with your own colours.

Although I need to try painting a lot more trees I'm thinking I might try some skies and cloud studies next.

Have fun!