How to Paint Realistic Trees in Three Steps | Oil Painting Tutorial - Pintando.org

Step 1: Establishing the Structure
Begin by sketching the basic outline of your tree using a thin brush and a mixture of raw umber and white. Focus on capturing the silhouette, considering the shape and height of the trunk and branches. This foundational layer lays the groundwork for realism; don’t rush—take your time to ensure the proportions feel natural.

Step 2: Building Layers of Colour
Once you’re satisfied with the shape, start adding colour using a palette of greens, browns, and yellows. Apply darker shades at the base of the trunk and in shadowed areas, gradually transitioning to lighter tones where sunlight hits. Use a fan brush or stippling technique to create the texture of leaves, layering colours to bring depth and dimension to your foliage.

Step 3: Adding Details and Highlights
To finish, refine your painting with details. Use a fine brush to add bark texture by layering thin lines and dabs of lighter colour on the trunk and branches. For foliage, highlight the leaves with a mix of light green and white to mimic sunlight filtering through. Step back frequently to assess your work and make adjustments, ensuring a harmonious and realistic appearance.

With practice and patience, your trees will come to life on the canvas, capturing the beauty of nature in oil paint!

How to Paint a Sunset in 8 Easy Steps (Beginner Acrylic Painting)

Creating a stunning sunset painting is easier than you might think! Follow these eight simple steps with Art With Marc to bring the beauty of twilight to your canvas.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials Start by collecting your supplies: acrylic paints (reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and purples), brushes of various sizes, a palette, a canvas, and a glass of water for rinsing your brushes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Canvas Set your canvas on an easel or flat surface and apply a base coat of light blue – this will serve as your sky background. Let it dry completely.

Step 3: Sketch Your Horizon Line Use a pencil to lightly draw a horizontal line where the sky meets the land or water. This will guide your sunset composition.

Step 4: Blend the Sky Colours Start with the brightest yellow at the horizon, blending upwards into orange, and then into shades of red. Use a wide brush to create smooth transitions between colours, making your sky vibrant and luminous.

Step 5: Add Depth with Blue As you move higher up the canvas, gradually introduce darker blues and purples to create depth. Blend them softly into the warmer colours to emulate the fading light.

Step 6: Create Cloud Shapes With a smaller brush, use lighter shades of pink and purple to add whimsical cloud shapes across the sky. Don’t be afraid to experiment – each cloud can be unique!

Step 7: Paint the Foreground Now shift your focus to the horizon line. Whether it’s a silhouette of mountains, trees, or a tranquil sea, use dark colours to contrast against your bright sky. This will help ground your composition.

Step 8: Final Touches Once everything has dried, add highlights to your clouds with a bit of white paint for that extra glow. Sign your masterpiece, step back, and admire your sunset!

With practice and creativity, you’ll soon be painting stunning sunsets that capture the essence of a beautiful evening. Happy painting!