Leaf texture (Patreon)

Here is a video demonstrating how to create the texture of leaves.

I refer to it as texture because the quantity of leaves together can make an entire background or a decorative section of your composition.

Separately, they do not look as good but in quantity create an effect that is like a natural mosaic.

You can see how I have used this texture in my pieces "Chamomile" and "Songs of Beaches".

Here are the materials you will need to complete this technique

Step 1. Start with the drawing, forming the leaves with a fine line. (As for the leaf shape, what can I say, you have learn shape of leaves and their individual characteristics!)

You will use a dark transparent colour mixed with dammar varnish and turpentine.

The consistency of the paint should be almost like watercolour

Fill in the negative spaces/background between the leaves with the dark colour.

Wait a few minutes, until the mixture becomes sticky before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2. We are keeping the paint transparent, but this time using the mix with oil, or just linseed oil, enough to move the paint over the surface.

It should not erase the previous layer. (Dammar varnish dissolves in oil completely, but not as fast as in turpentine)

Use a weasel wool brush size 3-4 and pretty liquid paint, with only a light amount of paint on the brush.

The first step was about creating light, this step is about creating a half tone of light. The process is like watercolour, moving from light to dark.

It is transparent glazing. (With opaques, I usually work in the opposite way)

Step 3. The leaf branches are created using opaque paint and the colour is usually lighter than the leaves. I might use Titanium white with raw umber or ivory black.

The consistency of the paint is quite liquid for making thin lines.

Brush size 0-1

This skill/technique may be very useful in your compositions.

It may seem difficult to start with, but I assure you it is not, especially after the first 100 leaves!

Thank you and be safe.