Ah foliage! It is said that “green”is the easiest color on the eye.Well,I can’t say no to that because there is something so serene and calming about the color.Well this post is all about sharpening your tree-skills.Make your counterparts go green with envy when you show them how to paint watercolor trees in not one but four different forms!
You know, after making this tutorial, I’ve been bashing myself for not trying out trees earlier.I had such a good time creating these and I loved how simple dots and shapes created a spectacular tree.
The only reason I started practicing them is because I get asked often to create a landscape painting tutorial.But before I do that,I thought it would be a good idea to learn about some of the main elements that comprise of one.And the most important ( according to me) being trees.This tutorial will not only teach you how to paint watercolor trees but four different ways of doing so based on the “form”of the tree.This is a part 1 installment of a 2 part tutorial and you’ll learn four more tree forms in the next one.
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Materials you’ll need to paint watercolor trees are:-
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The watercolor brand I used for the tutorial is the Sakura Koi travel kit.For the beginner in watercolors,I would highly recommend this watercolor set.They are about $15 for the set of 12 on Amazon and is perfect while traveling.
- Yellow green
- Viridian hue
- Lemon yellow
- Yellow ochre
Before I start with the actual step by step process,I would like to talk about the four different tree forms I’ll be showing you today.Starting from the top left in the clockwise direction, we have columnar,spreading,open and round.The trees are classified according to the shape in which they grow.I’ve outlined the shape in black to give you an idea of how you can lay down your pencil guides.
1.The “columnar” tree form
As the name suggests, the shape of the tree resembles a column.Cherry and Red maple are two examples of this particular tree form.I did not use a pencil to draw the shape but you may do so if you are not confident in using paints straightaway.I used the color “lemon yellow”as the base by painting small blobs of paint starting from the top.Proceed down and mix in some “viridian hue”. Since, this is the base layer,I watered down the colors.
At this point I mixed “viridian hue”along with the “yellow green” and allowed it to blend.The beautiful thing about watercolors is that it will do it’s thing if you let it.See how beautifully both the colors blended in together here.
I then added a teeny bit of “lemon yellow” while the paint was still wet.I then continued to paint blobs of color to darken it until it formed the shape of the tree.
Lastly,I mixed some “yellow ochre”with “viridian hue” in the shadow areas which are mostly at the base of the tree just before the trunk starts.You may also put in few paint spots of this shadow color here and there to show depth.Finish off with painting the trunk and the ground below.
2.The “spreading”tree form
Have you seen this beautiful tree called the Banyan tree which is huge and spans so wide that it can give shade to a number of people?This is the best example of a “spreading”tree form . I started with “lemon yellow” as the base color.Then I added the color “yellow green” on either side of the tree.
After that I darkened the tree using “viridian hue” keeping the centre part yellowish.I assumed that this was where the sunlight was falling on the tree.Continue to darken the color of the tree.
Finally mix “yellow ochre”and “viridian hue”and add a few blobs of the darkest shade here ad there to show depth.Banyan tree have these hanging roots which I painted along with the trunk of the tree.
The “round”tree form
This tree was so much fun and the easiest of the lot.Well,I don’t have to tell you why do I?Obviously the shape was the simplest to do.Black maple and hackberry are two examples.As per previously explained , start with the lightest shade.
Follow up with the darker colors.Just don’t make the shape look rigid.Although round, you can always have some stray leaves sticking out.
Paint the tree tree trunk and if necessary , change the shape of the leaves.To get that spherical shape,make sure the base is dark and it gets lighter as you proceed upwards.
The “open” tree form
I think this tree is the prettiest of the lot. Probably because of the asymmetrical nature of it.Paint few blobs of paint randomly making the top part of the tree the biggest.You may refer to the shape photo I showed in the beginning to know where to place the leaves.
Apply the darker colors over the base layer.
Add a bit of “lemon yellow”to show the highlight areas.
And then add the shadow colors to make it look realistic. Paint the tree trunk and a few branches that join the different blobs you painted.And there you have it !
What do you think?
Which one is your favorite tree form?And do you have a favorite tree?Mine is the Banyan tree because it brings back fond memories of my childhood.What other element of a landscape painting would you like me to do a tutorial on?Let me know in the comments below.And don’t forget to hashtag with #makeinkstruck on Instagram if you try this out.
And these are the four different ways to paint watercolor trees according to their shape.I hope the photos are self explanatory and easy to follow.Cheers.Have a lovely day!
Great post! Makes me want to start painting again.
That would be lovely! I’m so glad this post has inspired you to take out those brushes and start painting again! Thank you so much for stopping by! x
Thanks for this tutorial!
I started to paint the first tree, it isn’t as cool as yours but it’s better than my usual simple tree!
I will do the 3 others next time for training! 😉
I’m sure it’s beautiful. You’re always too hard on yourself.I would absolutely love to see all the trees.So glad you’re trying out the tutorials.Makes me really happy that you do!Thank you very much !x
Yay! Your tutorials are my absolute favourite 😀 The step-by-step instructions help me lots! I find I add too much water to my paints, so I guess that’s one thing I have to work on. Thanks for sharing!
xx, Roxanne
http://www.themagicalcanopy.wordpress.com
Hi Roxanne. Your comments always make me feel so special. Thank you! Don’t worry about the mistakes you do, they’re definitely something that will help you improve. The key in watercolors in knowing what technique to use where and if you figure that out, you’ll be a pro in no time. 🙂
I am just starting out watercolor painting (and have approximately zero expereience in any other kind of art) and was really surprised by how my trees turned out thanks to this tutorial so thank you! Im excited to start experimenting with different shapes and light sources but I can’t get my tree trunks to look right at all. They just look funny to me, any tips?
That’s amazing Jordan! I’m so glad the tutorial helped you out.The fact that you’re willing to try and make it work is half the job done.
About the trunks-Do you have a photo of the trees you did? I may have a better idea if I see them. You can email it to me [email protected]
I would suggest starting with a very light wash and wait for a while.When they are is still damp(not wet), add the details to get the texture.
Thank you!