Easy Watercolor Tree Painting Guide

One of the most popular subjects for watercolor painters is trees, which offer a variety of shapes, colors, and textures that can be explored in different ways. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to paint a watercolor tree, including specific tips for painting a palm tree and a cherry blossom tree.

Materials Needed

• Watercolor paper
• Watercolor paints (in a variety of colors)
• Watercolor brushes (different sizes)
• Water
• Palette
• Masking tape (optional)
• Pencil
• Eraser

Watercolor tree painting (step-by-step guide)

Look at these 5 easy steps on how to paint a watercolor tree:

Step 1: Sketch the tree

The first step in painting a watercolor tree is to choose your subject and sketch it out on your paper. You can use a reference photo or paint from life. Start with a light pencil sketch to outline the basic shape and structure of the tree. Don’t worry about details at this point, as you can add those in later.

Step 2: Paint the sky and background of the tree

Once you have your sketch in place, it’s time to paint the sky and background. Choose your colors based on the mood and atmosphere you want to create. For a bright and sunny day, use warm colors like yellows and oranges. For a moody or dramatic scene, use cooler colors like blues and purples. Wet the paper with clean water and then apply your colors, blending them together as you go.

Step 3: Add the trunk and branches to the tree

With the background in place, it’s time to add the trunk and branches of the tree. Use a darker color than your background and a small brush to create thin lines for the branches. Make sure to vary the thickness and direction of the branches to create a more realistic look.

Step 4: Add the Leaves

The next step is to add the leaves to your tree. Depending on the type of tree you are painting, you may want to use different techniques. For a palm tree, use a fan brush to create the fronds. For a cherry blossom tree, use a small brush to create clusters of delicate pink flowers. For a regular tree, you can use a variety of techniques, such as wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry to create different textures and shapes.

Step 5: Add Detail and Depth

Once you have the basic shapes and colors in place, it’s time to add detail and depth to your tree. Use a smaller brush to add shadows and highlights to the leaves and branches. Add texture to the bark of the tree with small brush strokes and splatters of paint. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with different techniques and colors to create a unique and interesting composition.

Creating a strong composition for your trees

One important element to keep in mind when painting a watercolor tree is composition. A strong composition can help guide the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the painting and create a more visually interesting and balanced work.

One helpful tool for creating a strong composition is the rule of thirds.

This involves dividing the painting into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the focal point or main elements of the painting along these lines or where they intersect. This can help create a sense of balance and movement in the painting.

Color theory and mixing colors for watercolor tree

Understanding color theory and how to mix colors is essential to creating a successful watercolor painting, and can greatly enhance the realism and depth of your work. To create the various shades of green, brown, and other colors found in trees, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of color theory.

For example, to create a green color, you’ll need to mix yellow and blue. Depending on the specific shade of green you’re trying to create, you may need to adjust the proportions of these two colors. Adding more yellow will create a lighter, brighter green, while adding more blue will create a darker, more muted green.

To create a more realistic and varied look to your trees, you can mix in other colors as well. For example, mixing in a bit of red or orange can create a more warm-toned green, while adding a bit of purple or blue can create a more cool-toned green.

It’s also important to experiment with different brush strokes and techniques to create texture and depth in your painting. For example, you can use a dry brush technique to create the appearance of bark on the trunk of the tree, or use a splattering technique to create the look of leaves in the wind.

Tips for painting a palm tree in watercolor

• Use a fan brush to create the fronds of the palm tree.
• Vary the thickness and direction of the fronds to create a more natural look.
• Add shadows and highlights to the fronds to create depth and texture.
• Use a darker color for the trunk and branches of the palm tree to make the fronds stand out more.

Tips for painting a cherry blossom tree in watercolor

• Use a small brush to create clusters of delicate pink flowers.
• Vary the size and shape of the flowers to create a more realistic look.
• Use a light color for the flowers and a darker color for the branches to create contrast.
• Add shadows and highlights to the flowers to create depth and texture.

Mistakes to avoid when painting watercolor trees

Painting trees with watercolor can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when painting trees to help you create a more successful painting.

1. Not planning the composition: A strong composition is essential to creating a visually interesting and balanced painting. Take the time to plan out the composition of your painting before you start, using tools such as the rule of thirds to help guide the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the painting.
2. Overworking the paper: Watercolor paper can only take so much water and paint before it begins to buckle and lose its texture. Avoid overworking the paper by using a light touch when painting and allowing the paper to dry fully between layers.
3. Using the wrong brushes: Different brushes can create different effects in your painting. Make sure to choose the appropriate brush for the effect you want to achieve, whether it’s a flat brush for creating smooth washes or a round brush for detail work.
4. Not using enough water: Watercolor painting requires a lot of water to create the desired effect. Make sure to use enough water when painting to create a smooth and even wash, but also be careful not to use too much water, which can cause the paint to bleed and blur.
5. Ignoring color theory: Understanding color theory and how to mix colors is essential to creating a successful watercolor painting. Take the time to experiment with different color combinations and techniques to create the shades and tones you want.
6. Being too literal: Trees are complex and intricate, and trying to paint every detail can lead to a messy and confusing painting. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of the tree, using loose brushwork and suggesting details rather than trying to paint them all.
7. Not studying the subject: While it’s possible to paint a tree from your imagination, studying real trees and their shapes, colors, and textures can help you create a more realistic and authentic painting.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more successful and beautiful watercolor painting of a tree that captures the beauty and complexity of nature.

Watercolor tree painting FAQ

Conclusion

By following these steps, using specific techniques for different types of trees, and keeping composition and color theory in mind, you can create a unique and beautiful watercolor painting of a tree that captures the beauty and complexity of nature. Don’t forget to practice, experiment with different techniques, and have fun with your painting!