Study Trees

Let me share some things I have discovered by studying trees.

Trees in the distance can easily be identified by their shape.

   

By their silhouette we recognize them.
 So draw a the tree's shape to communicate its identity.

In addition to being cognizant of a tree's shape, we also need to consider its direction of growth, it's gesture and its personality.  Yes, trees have personality or at least they suggest certainly personality traits.  A tree can be strong and resilient like an oak or delicate and lyrical like a willow tree.  Also remember, a tree is alive, growing upward to catch the sunlight's energy. 

Look for the tree's personality.

                    Strong                                   Graceful                             Stately

Keep this in mind as you draw your tree.

It will help you represent the distinct character of your tree.  

As you study your tree, note the dark and light shapes.

These give your tree form.

 Shadows falling on a tree trunk give form and shape to the trunk.

Note how the shadows follow the contour of the trunk.  

 

Trees cast beautiful shadows on the ground that echo their limbs and foliage.

 

About green trees.  The foliage that we read as "green" is really made up of several different hues.  More about greens in a future post. 

 

 

Juxtaposition yellows and blues to produce the illusion of green.

 Note how tooth of your paper can work to create texture for tree foliage.

 

  The paper's tooth produces texture for rendering bark.

Study trees wherever you go.  Take lots of pictures to bring home to study at your leisure.  Use your sketch book to note and study the nature and character of the tree, its value patterns and habits of growth.  Indicate the light and dark areas in the foliage that give it form.  Remember, a tree is not flat. 

Trees - Watercolor/Pastel

A landscape painter needs to be competent in executing trees.  Distant trees are fairly easy to depict. They can be recognized by their silhouettes.

  

  


Simple identifiable shapes form rows of pine trees.

The challenge is when the tree is your subject or needs to be a part of your foreground.  I have spent many hours drawing and painting trees and still feel I have more to learn.  Here a some generalizations to consider:

Observe the shape of the tree.  The shape of the tree helps to identify the species.  Draw the contour of the tree true to its shape.

 

As you observe and draw the foliage think united masses of leaves, some in the foremost part, some receding to the back part of the tree.

This tree has three large masses of foliage.

Within the larger masses there are smaller ones.

Use at least three greens of different values when painting "green" foliage.

  

Soften some edges; leave some crisp.

Keep foliage light and trunk and branches strong.  The skeleton of the tree must support the weight of its foliage. 

With a pastel stick use negative painting technique, working  around your tree to bring it forward. 

 
  A sky-blue pastel is being used to secure the shape of the trees by working around them.

The tan mountain shape is worked around the pine tree in the same manner.