3 Watercolor trees step-by-step
What do you see when you think of a tree? The first image that comes to my mind is the tree I call "Classical Tree" because a lot of trees in my home country look like it. But trees come in all shapes, sizes, and even colors.
So in this month's tutorial, we will paint three different trees. We start by drawing the outlines. Jump to the last picture to see the shapes a little bit better and draw them with a pencil. I use cold-pressed 100% cotton paper.
Step 1
Start with a light brown and paint all the tree trunks. You can vary the shades of brown a little bit if you want. Wait until this layer is dry.
While you wait, you can mix three different greens. One with a lot of yellow, one with more blue in it and for the last one, add some red.
Step 2
Now paint the shapes of the upper part of the trees. Again, you need to wait until this layer is completely dry.
While you wait, mix a darker version of the three greens you used before.
Step 3
Now it's time for shadows. Add shadows like you see it in the picture. This creates the right shape and your trees don't look flat anymore.
Use a darker brown to add a little shadow on the right side of the trunks.
Step 4
This last step will ground our trees. Use some Payne's gray and add a shadow on the ground, as you can see it here.
You can see the power of layers when you compare steps 2 and 3. In step 2, the first layer is done, but everything looks flat and lifeless. Then we add some shadows in step 3 and create a second layer. What a change it brings!
When you paint with watercolor, you will work in layers again and again. So take your time and practice at least one of the trees today.
More step-by-step paintings + drawing templates
Enjoy these beautiful step-by-step paintings. From the best material to color mixing, everything you need is covered. Inside the Guide I share the exact colors I used and how to mix them for the paintings.
The best? In the Guide, you’ll find a drawing template you can print and transfer to your watercolor paper.
Tips for the best Watercolor supplies
Colors Mixing
Step-by-step with pictures & text
printable drawing template