plate no. 0207
Tree Coming Into Bud
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing color mixing and layering techniques. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and experiment with expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the tree and background.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue paint.
- step 03
Start filling in the larger shapes of the tree with their base colors (greens, red).
- step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and depth within the tree.
- step 05
Mix lighter values to highlight areas and create a sense of form.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, allowing some to blend and others to remain distinct.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish if desired.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · sap green · cadmium red light
secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Vary the proportions for different shades. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and a touch of green for darker areas.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Making the shapes too uniform and lacking variation.
- →Not allowing enough drying time between layers.
- →Using too much paint and losing the texture of the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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