MTM Classroom - Trees & Foliage ( copy)

[edtree]

This is a read-only copy; the original thread may be found here. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549871)

Welcome to the
“Trees & Foliage”
MTM (Member-to-member) Classroom

You will find the classroom host list and guidelines here:
MTM Classroom Host List and Guidelines. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522453&highlight=host+schedule)


Trees, whether majestic and powerful, crooked and scrawny, towering, sheltering, weeping or mere saplings, are often times the most prominent or important element in a landscape painting.

Rendering trees is a very personal and individual endeavor for an artist, and I’ve seen some of the best here on this forum. I’m far from an expert, but I hope that something presented will be of interest and/or benefit to you. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting 5 demonstrations:

1. Painting tree bark
2. Foliage, bark, lighting
3. Painting Winter trees
4. Painting Spring/Summer trees
5. Painting Fall trees and foliage.

I will also providing links to past classrooms and examples from other artists along the way.

I believe that before putting brush to canvas (or paper), it is a good idea to spend some time observing trees and landscapes with trees in them, paying attention to some specific things:

The effects of light, weather and distance on trees and other landscape elements.
The way trees grow in relationship to other trees and their surroundings.
Tree structure, balance and proportion To get the ball rolling, in the posts to follow, I will provide some tree references with commentary for you to observe and ponder.

ASSIGNMENT: If you wish, please take some photos of your own of trees, or choose tree pictures from the WC photo reference library and post them here for discussion and possible references later in the class.

[noodle1]

Good Morning Elizabeth, I love trees and I do have some photos and will post when I get back from Mass...so looking forward to this class, just had to be the first to grab a seat..LOL

Elaine

[sveldstra]

Thank you Edtree for hosting this class. I'm really looking forward to it. I paint a lot of trees and am looking forward to learning new techniques which can help me improve. The timing couldn't be better, I'm actually working on a tree painting right now.:wave:

[edtree]

Observing Trees

Consider the three basic plains or layers of your reference/ potential painting:

1. Foreground
2. Mid-ground
3. Background

Notice how the values/colors and definition/clarity of shapes change as your eye moves further into the scene. The far trees and other elements will turn gray or blue, the values become closer to one another (the light becomes dark and the dark light).

This short video on Landscape Painting - Distance and Color (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3003300520893929527) demonstrates the concept well.

For a more in-depth study, please see this outstanding article: Lessons in Color Theory. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Color/ColorTheory/Lesson5/index.html)

Photo Examples
This photo by thewingedshadow illustrates the effect of weather (fog) and distance has on color saturation. Notice three levels of color value and graduation from the darkest most intense in the foreground, medium dark in the mid-ground area, and light or misty in the background. And also, note the lessening of detail from front (more detail) to back (little detail).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/94944-mistyforest3.jpg
Misty Forest. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=78927)

**************************************

Below is another great example of the graduation and de-saturation of color as the elements fade into the background. Photo by Mrking.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/94944-bridge-2828x1898-Smartblend.gif
Bridge. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=85183)

**************************************

The example below shows very little background trees, as the forest is quite dense at the mid-ground level. What this picture also illustrates is the value differences between sky, land and trees. In general:

· The sky will represent the brightest/lightest value
· The land, the second lightest/brightest
· Trees, the darkest element

Trees are usually the darkest element because of their orientation. Vertical objects/things do not receive as much direct light as do those that are flat, such as the land, or diagonal or multi-directional elements, such as rooftops and the leaves on the trees.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/94944-3_street_to_house.jpg
Tree photo by Orph. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=84838)

********************************************

The relationship between trees is one of the most fascinating occurrences to observe. Shown below in this photo by Deirdre, notice how the two trees grow respectfully and complementary to each other. The branches may intermingle, but they do not interfere.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/94944-DSCF0213.jpg
Trees in my garden by Deirdre. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=83963)

The above reference also illustrates well the way trees grow in balance. Notice that the amount of growth on the top ½ of the tree is in proportion to the size of the trunk. Also, even if a tree turns and bends, it will also seek to balance itself. An additional point to note is that the branch/leaf-bearing portion of the tree should always be in proportion relative to the size of the trunk.

****************************************

Another good example of balance is shown in the photo below by macdragon. Although it appears this tree may have had a rough life, it still seeks to find a very elegant balance.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/94944-PSs5iszz_20_078.jpg
River Gum Tree. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=83356)

We will begin painting sometime over the next few days! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing your photos of trees.

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Elaine and Sharon! Great to have you both here! :)

Elaine, I'm looking forward to seeing your examples and will be also paying close attention to whatever input you have along the way! :D

Sharon, I'm glad this class is timely for you since you're working on a tree painting! I'm looking forward to seeing it! :D

Elizabeth

[susme48]

Morning Elizabeth!! So very nice to see you back!!!!

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Susan! It is nice to be back! Although is wasn't posted anywhere, I've been quite ill for several months. Much better though now and hope to be able to participate again regularly in the main forum once this classroom runs its course. I've really missed you and the gang! :D

Elizabeth

[Charlie's Mum]

Now glued Elizabeth!!
Thanks for doing this and providing such beautiful refs. ... I'll see what I can dig out! :lol:

[LavenderFrost]

Glad that you are feeling better. Trees are one of my biggest inspirations and I'm looking forward to seeing your methods. I think I may have a good reference to take part with.

[edtree]

:wave: Thank you for making the thread sticky, Maureen! Happy to have you add a tree example or two if time permits! :D

:wave: Hi Michelle! Great to "see" you and thank you for the well wish. :D The photos posted over the next few days can be just for observation. If there are those you'd rather not have others paint, that would be perfectly fine (just note it when posting).

My hope is that once we begin painting, it will be from a variety of references, using the general "rules" for trees and landscapes. You know how plans go though sometimes :lol: !

Elizabeth

[marionh]

This sounds like a great class. I will dig out some photos, I took some in England in December as I meant to do some studies of trees - an area where I need a lot of practice but never got any further than the photos.

[~~Kathleen]

If you need photos of trees in Winter with snow, I have a great variety of them. Let me know, I don't want to force them on you!:lol:
Spruce/Larch and various bushes.
~~Kathleen

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Marion and Kathleen! Nice to have you both with us! Your December England tree photos sound perfect for studies and possible paintings, Marion. And your winter photos as well, Kathleen!

Winter trees show so well the relationships between trees and their structure. I'm looking forward to see your examples! :D

Elizabeth

[marionh]

Ok - Here are a few of mine - hope they fit the bill. They are all taken at the Yorkshire Sculpture park - a wonderful place that is a large country park with several sculpture dotted through the landscape.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/42113-Trees_Dec08_2_640x480.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/42113-Trees_Dec08_9_640x480.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/42113-Trees_Dec08_30_640x480.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/42113-Trees_Dec08_31_640x480.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/42113-Trees_Dec08_640x480.JPG

[~~Kathleen]

Here are a few of mine, if you want a particular winter style pic let me know, as I probably have one.
Hope these help
~~Kathleen
Of the frozen North:lol:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-MTM1.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm7.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm9.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm15.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm16.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm18.JPG



http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/92567-mtm21.JPG

[Alison2]

Hi Elizabeth,

Firstly, I'm glad you are feeling better - and send you the very best wishes possible for your continued good health!

Secondly, what a great class! Thanks so much for the time and effort you have put into this superb learning experience. I don't have time to participate over the next couple of weeks - but will be watching and will certainly do some tree studies soon and I know this will be a great help.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's work!

Alison:wave:

[edtree]

:wave: You've provided some wonderful examples Marion!

Photos 1 and 5 show well the intermingling of the trees branches...how they complement and respect one another without encroaching.

The first photo also shows something I didn't mention which is how perspective effects trees and other landscape elements. For further study, here's a link to Charlie's Mum's recent classroom thread on perspective: Perspective Need Not Frighten you. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532941)

Photos 3, 4 and 5 are great examples of tree balance.

The third one is my pick of the litter. The mid-ground tree has wonderfully distinct light coming from the right. The tree also has so much character! This would make the best painting, in my opinion, whether a crop is chosen or the entire scene is used, including the animals in the foreground.

Thanks for sharing these! :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Beautiful examples, Kathleen! !

The first two are excellent examples on the growth patterns of branches. References like these are invaluable when doing foreground elements and details! The boughs poking in to the scene from the side in photo five would also be helpful if one wished to put some of these in the foreground of their painting.

Photo three is a bit dark, but would be very helpful for someone looking for an example of pine trees, especially those in the distance where all you see are the shapes along the top.

One thing I recently noticed about pine trees was the way the upper branches point toward the sky, the middle ones are toward the horizontal and the bottom ones point toward the ground. The pines with the snow on them in the 4th photo really brings this to light!

Pines also have a very close relationship to each other, one might even say, an intimate one. This is shown nicely in your 4th and 6th photo. If it weren’t for the separate tops, it would be difficult to tell how many trees were pictured. These are all great things to remember when rendering them with paint.

A nice blend of different tree types in the last photo. They appear almost to be posing! The snow/ice effect on the branches is lovely!

My pick from this group would have to be the pussy willows. I think with a muted background, this would make a fantastic painting!

Thank you so much for sharing these, Kathleen! :clap:

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Alison! Thank you so much for the kind thoughts and wishes on my health!

I'm sorry to hear that you won't have time to paint along with us, but I'm glad you're going to be peeking in from time to time. Of course, the thread will be available even after the class, as you know, lol, and I will be attending to it as long as there are posts.

I'm so glad to see you, my friend. Thank you for posting. :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Here's a few, I tend to take pictures for reference not so much comp but maybe these would be of interest to some. I have tons but don't want to fill up all the space..lol

Think I'll leave the "winter" to Kathleen but I got one I like.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-Winter-morning-trees.jpg

Some trees n woods on my property.
Looking through a Black Walnut bough to others.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-Walnut-tree.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-yard-trees.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-2nd-woods.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-Japanese-maple.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-yard-no-snow.jpg

Spotted this old man on road side and eventually would like to use him in something.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-2nd-white-bark-tree.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-White-bark-tree.jpg

All the photos are amazing wow one could have a seriously good time here..lol
Elaine

[grekslay]

Hi All :wave: :wave: :wave:

Hi Elizabeth thank you for taking the time to host this class and for sharing your tip and ideas with us.

the pic are all great I will see I can dig some up

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine! So glad to have you add some of your beautiful examples/refs to the mix!

I really like the first one too! It shows some lovely color transitions into the background and I like the wee bits of autumn still hanging on here and there amongst the wintry branches.

Those branch fingers/arms coming down from the top of #2 are wonderful! The brilliant green foliage makes an awesome backdrop too! This is a great example of just how dark trees can be in a picture or painting.

#3 would be perfect with some children and a dog in it; wouldn’t it? The trees are wonderful! What a great mix!

When I saw #4, I had an “Ahhh” moment. NICE sense of depth and distancing in this photo. Beautiful light, and that spot of bright light really pulls the eye into the scene.

#5 shows nicely some very interesting tree trunk shapes and growth. The far left is especially unique! Love the cat I there too, lol!

#6 illustrates well the value differences between sky, land and trees. I wish I knew how to turn photos to black and white. Maybe someone will do that for me????

Elaine, if you paint either 7 or 8, you won’t have to search for a title. “This Old Man” would be perfect! I’m already in love with this tree too! Great bark texture; so much character with a wonderfully unique but balanced structure. The V trunk is an added bonus!

As for my pick of the bunch, it is a tie between number 4 and number 8! Lots of good possibilities though in all!

Thank you so much for sharing these!!! :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Graham!

Happy to see you, and have you join in the tree-mania! I can't wait to see what great tree photos you come up with! :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Elizabeth which ones were you thinking of, I know I can turn them for you and I'm sure anyone who has photoshop can as well...your wish is my commmand just tell me which ones. Here's #6 now it can actually go black and white but
greyscale is something I often do just for the reasons you pointed out.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-yard-no-snow_BW.jpg

Here's another that allows the values to show as far as the leaves and layers a tree has. Offers a little insight into light play too I think, defining what might be missed in color..you have an excellent idea about viewing in black and white, really gives you greater familiarity I believe anyway.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/139027-2-cotton-wood.jpg

[edtree]

:wave: Bless you, Elaine! I appreciate the assistance!

What I wanted to point out in that first one is the difference in values between the sky (the brightest), the land (second brightest, or mid-range) and the trees (the darkest) which is the general rule. It shows up beautifully here in grayscale! :thumbsup:

The leaf patterns are wonderfully enhanced in the second photo! This would be very handy for tree/detailing! :thumbsup:

Elizabeth

[Kaitlyn22494]

I am very excited to be a part of this class! Can't wait to get started!

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Kaitlyn!

I'm thrilled that you'll be joining us! Let me know if there's something in particular that you would like to have shown or discussed, and also, feel free to post some tree photos!

I'm thinking we will start painting on Tuesday. Tomorrow I hope to present some additional observation material. :D

Until soon,

Elizabeth

[Prickles]

Hi Elizabeth & everybody its great to be here hehehehe I am home for another week to bother everyone annoying Graham manly

here are some pics from New Zealand 1st one being a NZ Fern Punga, then a fruit salad and 2 of a Willow

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/131555-wc_NZ_Punga_Fern_Tree.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/131555-wc_fruit_salad_plant.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/131555-wc_willow_tree_top.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Mar-2009/131555-wc_willow_tree_under.JPG

[susme48]

Elizabeth...so sorry you were ill!! Glad you are better now!! Trees....I am surrounded by trees....so if there is a particular set up you want I bet I can find it....:lol: We have 17 acres of trees here...and another 7 about 45 miles away. No northern varieties....but otherwise...I have places so dense you cannot walk thru' it. And areas where you can just see one tree. Trees on the hillside...or down in the hollow. Trees by a pond, trees by a small creek, trees by a large creek. There are swampy areas and rivers and large lakes just a few minutes away. Just ask if you need something and Bubba and I will take the camera out looking. Only problem I see is that most are leafless right now...tho' many are starting to bud. The forsythia is in bloom and the azaleas are starting...and the wild wisteria that winds around the trees, should not be far behind.

Here are just a few I have taken...and one that Bob took...or well someone took of him in a huge tree, just for fun.

There are two trees around here that don't lose their leaves during the fall. One is a type of oak (not live) that pushes the old off as the new come out, and the other is one that fascinates me. It has light colored leaves...almost tan right now; it looks almost ghostly back in among all the other leafless trees and the pines. As you drive by...the woods look dark and dense, and then there they are....all these light leaves...and the limbs seem to be almost horizontal rather than angled. Yesterday I took a number of pics of them...rainy or not....hoping to be able to use one somehow. Here are two pics of them....

429840
429841

This is a photo I took in the fall of 07...and have wanted to paint, but was not feeling competent enough.

429842

This one is outside of our doctor's office....I sacrificed the colors in the sky, to show the tree, since it was in alot of shadow...

429843

And this is Bob, up a tree, years before we met...

429844

[susme48]

Briar your trees are wonderful!!

[Prickles]

thanks Susan so are yours & everybodys

[mooz49]

Great thread Elizabeth!! ....I will be back to hopefully learn something here! :thumbsup:

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Briar! Welcome to the MTM world of trees! You've given us some very interesting and beautiful photos to ponder.

Those first two, I can't help thinking, would make great abstracts! Though we won't be doing any in this class, Kathy (AMuse) just presented some awesome techniques in the last class in case anyone is interested or missed it. That thread can be found here: Abstract MTM Classroom. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=547205)

Love love love the looking up perspective and back-lighting in the first photo and the leaf patterns in 1 & 2!

I'm glad that you also included a couple of pictures of weeping willows. They are such beautiful trees! The first photo shows so well how these trees have grown up together in harmony. The leaf mass over the water has become as one entity.

The last photo illustrates perfectly the structure of the weeping willow and would make either or both an excellent study and/or painting, in my opinion. This is my favorite of the bunch!

Thank you SO much for posting these! :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: WoW Susan! These are wonderful! I had never heard of such a tree that bears leaves all winter and pushes the old off as the new comes in. VERY interesting stuff. I'm happy to see these examples (and more!)

Your first photo is one of the best examples we've seen on the de-saturation of color as the trees fade into the distance. The picture is already set up too with a nice focal point to the right, complete with the brightest leaves pointing to it. Awesome photo!

I like the second too, but because of the hill behind the trees, there's little depth shown. It would still make a good study if one was to consider a painting with a variety of intermingling trees.

You '07 photo is awesome and I'm finding it hard to believe you don't think yourself competent to paint this scene! It will make an outstanding painting! I hope you try it during this class...maybe during the fall foliage portion!

The last two are nice examples of texture, especially bark, which is coming up. I love the airy leaf growth too of the one outside the Dr's office. Very unique!

I think the last photo would make a wonderful painting as well, including Bob! Having the figure in the tree gives the viewer the perfect clue as to the size of the beautiful tree. I LOVE that interesting branch in the lower right. Usually we want to paint branches upright (I'm so guilty of this) but this illustrates the unique and interesting directions of branches that sometimes appear in nature.

As for taking the camera outside for more shots, that is what I was hoping everyone would do.:thumbsup: Go out and look at trees. See their individuality and relationship to the others. Look for views that show at least 3 layers of depth and examples of balance. Maybe some shots also with a distinct direction of light!

The winter, in my opinion, is one of the BEST times to study trees. We're going to be doing bark studies too so a variety of barks would be perfect as well!

Thank you so much for these and I can't wait to see what you bring back for us! :clap:

Elizabeth

[oldradagast]

I'm looking forward to these lessons since I could use some practice with forest interior scenes: I need to paint better trees of actual species vs. "generic trees" that aren't as realistic. I think we all tend to fall into that trap, but once you know the trees of the woods, you want to do better than that in your paintings.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Anne!

How wonderful to see you! I would be so happy to have you join us and look forward to it!

We will be putting brush to paper (or canvas) tomorrow if all goes as planned. In the meantime, I hope you and the rest of the class and onlookers are enjoying the studies. :D

Until soon!

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Morning, when we get to bark and leaves I'm afraid I have tons of references, but these I thought would be okay to post now too.

Thinking of abstracts...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-tree-trunk-monster.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-tree_trunk-and-daffodils.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-tree-trunk-bark.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-treescape-backyard.jpg

See ya later,
Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Good morning Elaine!

You're right, that first one especially would make a magnificent abstract! It even has an "eye!"

Great close up on the second of deadwood. This photo is interesting as it is like a metaphor depicting life and death or young and old. Love the different textures too!

The elegance of the main tree in photo three is wonderful! She also seems to be a natural leader.:) Nice view here too of the tree's bark AND some distinct lighting which always helps during the painting process!

In the forth and last, I like the way this shows that the land underneath our subjects does not necessarily need to be horizontal. The diagonal line adds interest to the composition. I also like the way the big tree seems to be sheltering the rest.

Great photos, all around!:clap:

Glad to know you have plenty of bark photos too for tomorrow!

Thank you so much, my friend!:D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Monday Morning my fellow tree and landscape lovers!

Before we move on to doing some actual painting, I thought it might be helpful and interesting to take a look at some examples of trees by other artists.

The first featured artist is John F. Carlson. If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend his book: Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting. Within the book, there is so much valuable information not only about landscapes and trees, but painting techniques in general. Here is a link where you can read a short bio about John and see one of his paintings. John F. Carlson. (http://www.outdoorpainting.com/History/John-Fabian-Carlson.php)

**********

Next example is a painting by Asher Brown Durand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asher_Brown_Durand). Notice the great depth he was able to achieve and lessening of detail from front to back. The lighting in this and all of his painting is extraordinary!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/94944-durand2.jpg

**********

Another awesome landscape depicting some magnificent trees along with the illusion of depth and distance and excellent light is this painting by George Hetzel (http://www.sama-art.org/info/perm_coll/painting/hetzel.htm).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/94944-0119.JPG

**********

This painting by Arthur Parton gives us another look at depth, light and variation of tone and color. As a bonus, the rocks depicted in this painting are phenomenal! I had a difficult time finding any good links for Arthur. Here is one that shows some of his beautiful trees: Arthur Parton - trees. (http://www.spanierman.com/Parton,-Arthur/album)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/94944-0120.JPG

**********

Just in case you didn't realize it, the current projects offered over in the "Masters Acrylic Painters" feature are 2 landscapes by Albert Bierstadt. These would be awesome paintings to try and do along with this classroom or after. The feature can be found here: Master Acrylic Painters' Studies – March 2009 – Albert Bierstadt (2 selections) (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549942)

**********

ASSIGNMENT: In addition to tree photos, I’d like to add another assignment. Please look for outstanding examples of paintings with trees in them from past artists. Post only what you consider the best examples (1 or 2 would be perfect). It would also be wonderful if you would add your thoughts about the paintings you post and the paintings presented by other members.

ASSIGNMENT: Please share your favorite book recommendations that illustrates well the painting of trees and landscapes.

Looking forward to seeing what all of you find for us!

Elizabeth

[oldradagast]

Susan (susme48): I think I know the ID of your mystery trees that hold on to their leaves. The oak species in question is probably Sawtooth Oak (a non-native tree, but it does produce great amounts of acorns.) We have some of them here in Maryland, and they hold to their leaves much longer than other oaks or almost any other tree. The trees with the ghostly, pale tan leaves are most like American Beech trees - they have grey, smooth bark, correct? We have forests full of them here, and they hold to their pale leaves just as described.

Elizabeth (edtree): Glad to hear that you're feeling better! Nice paintings... I love the Hudson River School style... wish I could paint that well!

[noodle1]

Elizabeth those examples are beautiful, the first is one of my favorites too, so don't have to post that one..lol
There are so many and of course living in the Hudson Valley I would definitely associate with this school.

But I have two that I'm fond of, the first by Isaac
Levitan, a classic Russian landscape artist. I love his detail and mood, this one is a favorite of mine...Rushy Pond.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-Rushy-Pond-by-Isaac-Levingt.jpg

And then there is my other extreme which is Durer, but he's not particularly known for landscapes. I fell in love with all his works early on, I pretty much was into figures and portraits and have only done two landscapes in my life time..haha but the man was incredible in everything he did. This one I like for it's simplicity, there are always masses of trees which are wonderful but in this one the rather simplistic approach appeals to me and yet the feeling is dramatic. I believe it's simply called Tree in Field. Not easy to find many if any of his landscapes I happened on this while looking for something else he had done and just saved it, everything about it attracted the likes of me..lol


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/139027-durer-tree-in-field.jpg

I actually don't have any books I've only just started thinking I could even
approach a landscape but would be interested in others recommendations.


Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Matthew!

Oh how I wish my level of expertise was even a fraction of that of the Hudson River School Painters. It's great to see others who share my admiration of this group of extremely talented landscape artists. Thank you so much for stopping in and for the kind comment about my health! :D

Elizabeth

P.S. Thanks too for the additional information about Susan's trees! :thumbsup:

[PattiLou]

A few pictures...
The first is an oak tree with spanish moss.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-OakTree.jpg

Palm tree...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-PalmTree.jpg

More palm trees...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-HotAirBalloon.jpg

Cypress swamp...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-CypressSwamp.jpg

Redbud tree...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-RedbudTree.jpg

Juniper berries...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-Juniper.jpg

Fungi...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-Fungi.jpg

I tried to get a variety.:lol:

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine!

We must be on the same wavelength as I almost chose your first selection in my post! I love this painting. The limited palette is so appealing and I believe adds to the mood and atmosphere of the painting. The attention to detail is also magnificent! Great example!

Love the other one too!! It shows distance and its effect on color so well and the focal tree is so perfect in its imperfections. It also great to have an example of midground shrubs and trees against a more sparse background - so much easier to see those elements that way.

I didn't realize that you hadn't completed very many landscapes! Probably because of your level of expertise painting clouds is near or AT mastery! :) I have a feeling you're going to shine no matter what subject you tackle. I'm looking forward to seeing your studies once we get started!

Thank you so much for your valuable input and participation! :clap:

Elizabeth

[PattiLou]

Albert Bierstadt is one of my favorite artists. He is probably one of the first artists that I noticed and became interested in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-Looking-Up-The-Yosemite-Valley.jpg
Looking Up the Yosemite Valley - I like how the trees and mountains disappear into the distance and the colors and the light. It is like being there.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/125378-Albert_Bierstadt_Oregon_Trail_.jpg
Oregon Trail - Love the light in this one and the feeling of dust in the air.

Now if I could just paint like this and remember what I like and why I like them when I am painting, LOL.

[noodle1]

Patti great photos, we are collecting quite a library here to feast on.
I think I've seen this artist's work but not these. I can see why he is a favorite. The low clouds that form the mist just pull you in. And the contrast between the foreground and the horizon with the mid section dispersing light definitely something to learn from. In the second I got the impression it was dawn but when you said dust that would make perfect sense as well, and to achieve that degree of interpretation from viewers that has to be when ya know you're there. Now if I could just paint like this and remember what I like and why I like them when I am painting, LOL. I think this all the time and hesitate but to be honest I think you could paint like this, I think anyone who can appreciate this, out of shear love of the art of it can take what it offers and make it part of their own. When something climbs inside of you and then you it I think that's when it explodes. Hope I'm not overstepping my bounds here but I think you could do what you see and love because you do.

Elizabeth you are way to kind to me thank you. I'm looking forward to getting started, so far I've just been a bit of a pain..haha and I hope I come up to your expectations I certainly will give it my best.

Okay I shall be still, I promise...lol when I am thoroughly drawn in I'm all over it perhaps at times a little too enthusiastic..lol but I truly appreciate you're doing this class but I'm more pleased it is in good health.

Elaine

[Rick G]

This is going to be an interesting topic. One thing that I thought I might chime in with, since I do a mix of both photography and painting, is that photo references of trees are one of the most common situations where what you see in the photo is NOT what you would see if you were painting from nature. It's best to be aware of the problem and adjust accordingly.

As was mentioned previously, trees are often the darkest element in a scene because they have less light falling on them than other elements such as sky. This means that on a day when there's a lot of contrast due to bright sun, the trees will probably be recorded as much darker than they really are to the human eye. The value range that a digital camera sensor or slide film can interpret is about 5 f-stops. The human eye can interpret 12-14 stops on a bright day.

As an example, take one of the great photos posted earlier in this thread:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-Tree-1.jpg

Note how the tree is almost totally reduced to black. Fortunately, Photoshop has a great tool to help fix this problem. The Shadow-Highlight tool let's you selectively brighten the shadows (or dim the highlights) to help balance out the photo. Here's how the same image looks after this adjustment:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-Tree-2.jpg

I think that is a more accurate reflection of what you would have seen if you were standing there looking at this scene.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Patti! Great photos!

The first one would make a great painting, cropped a bit maybe to that the tree was more to the left. Love the cow under the tree too; it adds a bit more interest to the scene!

The second photo shows lovely balance and interesting tree foliage. I also really like the way the water is laid out and the white birds!

The palm trees in the third photo but they are beautiful and unique! I like how some of your photos have bonus element in them, like the hot air balloon! Beautiful!

The scene in the 4th photo has so much mood. Reminds me of a lazy river. Peaceful. I like the dense forest and the subtle reflections in the water. I think this would be a lovely painting, perhaps enhancing some of the colors for more impact.

Excellent example of depth in the 5th, and the pinkish purple flowers on a few of the trees adds lovely color and interest to the scene!

Nice to have a few more close-ups! The juniper berries on the 6th are wonderful, and I really like the strong contrasts.

Awesome shot of tree mushroom on bark in the last photo! Really nice textures. Great close view of the bark to the left too which might be helpful for bark studies tomorrow!

So many of these would make great paintings…if I had to choose one, I think I like the cypress forest best. A strong second though is the one with the lovely rosebud trees. Thank you SO much for sharing these and I’m happy to have you join us! By the way, the variety of photos you provided was awesome; you did good. :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Again Patti! You're so right about the way the Bierstadt handled the fading of the background into the distance. AWESOME effects! The light in this painting, as you mentioned, is also excellent! I also love the way he's varied the trees and the differences in values depending on their position.

The second is stunning! Guess it could have been named Dust at Dusk considering the rolling covered wagon in the scene! I enjoy so much views of the old west. The orange tones are very soothing here and the details amazing!

Both of these are wonderful examples of landscape mastery! Thank you so much for finding and posting them for us! :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Elaine, Don't you dare be still!:lol: I appreciate so much your comments and I'm sure the other members do as well. Your words are both knowledgeable and motivating. It might be selfish of me but I hope you stay here with me for the entire class! :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Rick!

I'm so glad you chimed in! Your point is about the way the camera darkens is very valuable. I appreciate so much that you adjusted the willow picture for us. I wish I had Photo Shop - someday maybe. :lol:

Please jump in as often as you like and thanks again for your input! :D

Elizabeth

[~~Kathleen]

I actually do not have one instruction book re Trees!
(I thought I did)
But to discuss painters that I admire I have to go with A.Y.Jackson/Tom Tompson from the "Group of Seven." The style of art produced by any of the original members remain a favorite of mine.
See here re them;
http://www.mta.ca/faculty/arts/canadian_studies/english/about/study_guide/artists/group_of_seven.html
Because a lot of their works are still under copy-right I don't think I can post them here.
I like realism in art, but I like a somewhat "looser" style when painting trees.
So I will be joining in the classes and hopefully I can learn something .
~~Kathleen

[PattiLou]

Elaine you have more confidence in me than I do:o
I tend to keep going when I should stop and I tend to listen to my spouse because he says "It's not dark enough." What he doesn't realize is that acrylics dry darker, lol. Ahh well, I keep plugging away and hoping to get better. I think Bierstadt's painting could be dawn or dusk depending on whether they were just leaving camp or just making camp. Either way I think it is beautiful.

Rick - You are so right about photographs. I also do photography (probably not very well but I enjoy it) and I am learning to adjust pictures to show more detail in the dark areas. It is actually amazing how much detail you can retrieve, even in the clouds and other 'blown' areas.

Susan - We have a Laurel Oak in our yard that holds almost all of it's leaves until February. It does shed a few earlier but in February they start falling in earnest and within a week it goes from no leaves to new leaves. They never turn color though, they stay dark green until they are on the ground. Kinda interesting to have green all year.

What a choice of trees we have to choose from. Great pictures (and here I thought I was the only one to take pictures of trees... and clouds... and, well you know, wierd things.:lol:

[Rick G]

Here are a few tree shots from Hawaii:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-Sunset_Palm.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-Coral_Beach_tree.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-A-beach_Sunset.jpg

And here are a couple of paintings of trees that I love:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-Hermitage.jpg
Gaugin's "Apple Trees at l'Hermitage

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Mar-2009/147850-VanGogh_Olive_Trees.jpg
Van Gogh's Olive Trees

[noodle1]

Hi Rick, I'm sorry just caught the New Member, welcome, what a treat those pictures are, one of my favorite places. I love the second one wow that would make a great painting. I was just thinking about Olive trees, I think this group is very connected..lol those are awesome.

Kathleen those are great! Patti nope just the right amount. And I just can't be quiet Elizabeth..lol I wanted to say too that here on WC there was a thread about public domain photos, I had included some in my class, so I thought might be of some interest here for trees etc., here's the link to that thread http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472538 not like we don't have great ones but can't hurt...lol! The Copyright free photos has the nature and forest photos but in general this is a good thread to make a note of I think for lots of references.

Elaine

[susme48]

Been 30+ years since I took art appreciation in college...sigh!! I don't recall mamy names, and I never really have had time to spend on studying other artists. Maybe if I had started painting earlier, who knows. I know I have always loved art museums, but so many places I have lived, had none, and I had no transportation to where there were some.

Anyway, I wandered around, some of the art sites...need to find better ones...:lol: and decided just to look for a few that 'said' something to me...trying to find ones not already posted or other ones by them, was interesting! These are truly not great copies of them...and I am sure that in person, these would be even more breathtaking. They copied almost too dark to see...so I tried to lighten them a bit. Should give you an idea at least.

Here are the ones I found...I want to go back if I have time to find more of their work, and study it. I hope I am able to keep up with the class...but if not, I know I will be observing.

429954

429955

429956

429957

[edtree]

:wave: Thanks for the link, Kathleen! I especially like Tom Thomas's The Jack Pine. I couldn't help thinking that one of the palm tree photos shown here in this thread would look great in this style!

Since none of the demos I've put together are this loose, it would be wonderful if you took a stab at something like this;toward the end of the class I plan on having a "show and tell" where we will be sharing our past and present tree paintings and you could post your results then. Something to think about.:D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Rick...those are some stunning photographs! Makes me want to visit Hawaii! All of them would make absolutely lovely paintings! I'm especially drawn to the second one. I think it's because of the marvelous intertwining of the trunks and branches of the trees, the different textures and great contrasts!

I also enjoyed seeing the two selections you chose from past painters! I could see the second photo you posted done up in Gaugin's style! Great example of yet another style with your Van Gogh selection!

Thank you so much for adding these to our pool!:clap:

:wave:Elaine...thank you so much for the link to the public domain photos! You're right, it can't hurt, and too, it would be great to have bookmarked for future reference as well! :thumbsup:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Susan!

I didn't study art appreciation either so you're not alone. Probably the most enlightened I've gotten is from hanging around here :lol: !

Awesome selection of paintings by past artists! Such great height and detail in the first! The painting and those trees have such a powerful presence!

My eye was drawn to the shadows in the second. Interesting and noteworthy I thought, that they fall according to perspective. Really nice crisp style too!

For "The Autumn Oaks" I love the style and the artist's handling of color is outstanding!

One of the things that I read in John Carlson's book on landscape painting was that as a general rule, the foreground should start at about 50 feet away. Looking at your third selection, it appears Cropsey did just that. Very impressionistic, right from the foreground. Wonderful loose details and terrific distancing!

I love the mood and atmosphere in the last example, Susan. His use of targeted light really works well too!

Thank you for searching for and finding all these excellent examples for us!:clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning! Time to get the paints out at last!!! :D

I have two demonstrations on painting tree bark prepared. One is for birch and the other oak. The one for the birches also includes surface prep and foliage so I will start with that. I took lots of photos so the steps will be divided into several posts.

Painting foliage and birch bark

Here is a photo of the finished painting I will be demonstrating!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0027_-smaller_version.jpg

Photo reference (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reportergirl/1298581873/)

In this lesson, in addition to bark study, I also hope to illustrate how to bring elements in your painting (trees) closer to the viewer or further away using light and shadow. Additionally, an easy technique to create background foliage is included. Please feel free to paint along using this same reference, or use the techniques to create a painting from a photo of your choosing.

For this painting, I used a sheet of 9” x 12” canvas pad paper. You may use any support of any size. The techniques, except taping down the paper, still apply.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0001.JPG

I started by measuring in ½” on all sides and marking with a pencil. I used 1” painters tape to secure the canvas paper to a piece of cardboard. By doing this, you will have a ½” border around your painting when you’re finished.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0002.JPG

Once all 4 sides of the paper are taped, I run my fingernail along the edge to help seal it and prevent paint from seeping under the tape.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0003.JPG

I begin by taking clear water and wetting the entire surface of the canvas paper using a 1” bristle brush. These brushes can be purchased at home improvement stores for under a buck!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0005.JPG

Continued in next post.........

[edtree]

For the background, I used only two colors, Deep Green Permanent and Payne’s Gray, loosely blended. Warning: do not over-blend.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0001_small.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0002_small.jpg

This mixture was applied very wet and liberally with a 1” utility brush haphazardly making sure there is a nice mix of lights and darks in the nonsensical pattern.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0003_small.jpg

While the paint is still very wet, I used a paper towel wrapped around my index finger to wipe out the two groups of trees. I also dabbed out a bit of the color on the bottom where the light would be hitting the strongest.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0004_small.jpg

I let the painting dry for about an hour.

Continued in next post...........

[edtree]

Once the painting was good and dry, I chose Deep Green Permanent and Cadmium Yellow Medium for the next phase.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0005_small.jpg

Choosing the worst looking, most worn out brush I had, I loosely mixed together the green and yellow.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0006_small.jpg

This mixture was used to create the lighter and highlighted areas in the foliage behind the trees. To do this, I employed several techniques including rolling and dabbing. I kept a paper towel handy for those places where I may have applied too much paint and simple wiped it off or dabbed it while it was still wet. By the way, no worries if you get some on the trees so just have fun with this!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0007_small.jpg

I then let the painting dry again (1/2 to 1 hour).

Continued in the next post......

[marionh]

Very interesting and looking good - I'm watching avidly.

Marion

This month's Plant Parade (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7649893#post7649893)

[edtree]

Once the painting was dry, it was time to move right on to the trees. For these, I chose the following four colors: Mars Black, Payne’s Gray, Neutral Gray and Titanium White.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0008_small.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0009_small.jpg

Using a #6 synthetic round brush, I mixed together a little water and Neutral Gray. I lightly painted the tree trunks, painting in vertical strokes from the bottom up. Painting from the bottom up helps to taper the trunks toward the top. If you find this awkward, you may turn the painting upside down for this step.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0010_small.jpg

When the painting was nearly but not totally dry, I switched to a small flat brush and a fresh mixture of paint using the Mars Black and Titanium White.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0011_small.jpg

Using the white and black alternatively and with varying color strengths, I applied the paint to the trees with small horizontal strokes. Note that much more white was used for the front group of trees and a less brighter mix of the black and white for the far group. Please also note that while creating the tree bark, I did not re-wet my brush with water. Dipping back and forth between the colors without rinsing or wiping the brush helps to create the variation in color and builds texture. It also keeps the edges from becoming too harsh.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0012_small.jpg

Still working wet, but not sloppy wet, and using the same black and white combo, I used a mid-tone (medium-dark gray) to shadow the right sides of both groups of trees using broken vertical strokes. And then, using white mixed with a touch of black (light gray) and painted a choppy vertical strip down each trunk on their left sides – the side of the trees facing the direction of light.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0014_small.jpg

For this next step, I smoothed some of the edges of the trunks and then used straight black and straight white and define a few areas of strongest darks or lights.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0015_small.jpg

Continued in next post.................

[noodle1]

Morning Everyone. Elizabeth I really love your birch trees! Okay heading for the paints! Very interesting approach.

Elaine

[edtree]

Using a #2 round and watering down a bit of grayed white (light gray), I used this thin mix to create some branches and trees in the background and then let the painting dry. The thin trees and branches will dry rather quickly - probably no longer than 10 minutes.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0016_small.jpg

Once the painting was dry again, I used a thin mixture of grays (dark gray) to paint shadows and texture on the background trees and branches.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0017_small.jpg

Here is a close-up of the shadowed/textured background trees.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0018_small.jpg

After letting the painting dry, and pondering it as a whole, I spent a bit of time making adjustments to the main trees, adding lights and darks where I felt they were needed, and making sure the trunks read “round.” (Achieved by darkening one side of the tree, and/or lightening the other.)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0020_small.jpg

Continued in next post..........

[edtree]

Next, I went back to my original palette colors, Payne’s Gray and Deep Green Permanent and mixed the two together to a fairly thin consistency. My objective is to darken a few areas behind the trees to further give the painting depth. This would be considered a "wash" or "glaze" as the intention is not to paint, but to tone these areas.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0021_small.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0022_small.jpg

The photo below is the result, though in real life it was not quite this dark.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0023_small.jpg

(sorry for the bad photo everyone)
The painting was quite wet after adding the dark mixture to the background. I laid it flat and let it dry completely before proceeding. The drying time was an hour or two.

Continued in the next post..........

[edtree]

Fast forward a couple of hours, now that the painting is good and dry again, the next step is to add back in targeted areas where the light is hitting in the background and fore. For this, I used Titanium White, Deep Green Permanent and Cad Yellow Med.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0025_small.jpg

Using my #2 round, I applied the paint using varying combinations, hues and strengths of the three colors, paying close attention to where the light was the strongest and the weakest.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0026_small.jpg

And then finally, here is the finished painting, dry and signed.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/94944-0027.JPG

I hope you enjoyed this demo and was able to pick up some helpful information. Basically, I kept my palette limited but feel free to make this your own by mixing up different greens and other colors in the bark. I am looking forward to seeing your versions of these birches or others if you choose a different reference.

I will post the demo on oak bark later today or tomorrow depending on the activity level from this one!

Have fun with this everyone!!!!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Marion! :wave: Morning Elaine! Glad to have you join me for the birch lesson!!!! :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

First two steps..think my trees too thick or my fingers but letting it dry.
Have to run an errand then will be back. Hope I'm at least close.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/139027-First_step_birch_trees.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/139027-2nd_step_birch_trees.jpg

Elaine

[Li'l Brown]

Oh why am I always late for class?!? I slept in and I had to have coffee and take care of the kitties and then read through this whole thread so I didn't miss anything. Now I am off to find tree refs (hope it's not too late for this beginner step). Be back shortly! Wait for me! (haha I got in trouble for asking others to wait for me in grade primary. Didn't work then either.)

Hi Elizabeth! SO nice to see you back again :D

[edtree]

:wave: You're off to a great start Elaine! No worries about the size of the tree trunks; nature makes all sizes!:thumbsup: Nice patterns in your background too; your foliage is going to be lovely! It will be fun to see the different takes on that part especially!

:wave: Hi Jesslyn! Nice to see you again too! I've missed you all so much.
Haha, your mornings sound like mine and in that order too...coffee first, then kitty petting/feeding, then the day can begin!!! :lol:

Your timing is actually just fine as we just began painting today. The previous pages include references and observations which you can take a look at as time permits. No pressure, lol!

See you again soon, and I'm SO happy to have you aboard! :D

Elizabeth

[LavenderFrost]

Very interesting. I'm more of a back to front, finish as I go painter, but I see we use similar colours.

[Li'l Brown]

Well, I had a lot of trees-in-the-background pics but surprisingly few of trees alone. I did have a few bark pics, as I am fascinated by the patterns in it. So here are my contributions.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-April_16_2006_016.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-March_25_Afternoon_029.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-11.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-March_25_Afternoon_023.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-March_25_Afternoon_024.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/52726-March_25_Afternoon_038.jpg

Sorry so many... feel free to use any of these.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Michelle! Hummmm....I think the steps in this could be arranged so that the entire background is done first. At least we're on the same page with the colors! I usually work back to front as well but for some reason, this is the way this one went. It would be interesting to see this painted totally back to front if you decide to give it a go! :D

:wave: Wow Jess! Great photos! Thank you so much! I'm loving the close-ups of the bark especially but that landscape with the tree lonely trees is lovely too! It would make an awesome painting! The one with the bridge is also wonderful; so gentle and atmospheric. :clap:

Do you happen to know or remember what kind of barks you photoed? Great detail in these!

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

I didn't realize it til I read Michelle's post but I think I'm stuck in going back to front, I seem to be switching from the tutorial and suddenly not paying attention and sliding back into my habits. Think I'll stop for awhile and just reset myself...lol Here's where I wandered to. Think I need to straighten up some of the smaller back trees. Little blurry I'm sorry.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/139027-3rd_rond_birch_trees.jpg

[lilbelle]

Elizabeth, so nice to see you back again!:wave: Wow, what a fantastic class with so many wonderful photos and information already! I've never tried fingerpainting like that but it looks like a fun way to paint trees with fantastic results! :thumbsup: Wonderful job :clap: :clap:

[nithya_swamy]

Terrific demo Elizabeth. I have always loved your landscapes and trees, hope to join in this one. The birch painting looks so effortlessly done!

[edtree]

:wave: Elaine...it's quite all right to go your own way. You know what they always say, it's not HOW you get there, lol! It's looking awesome! :thumbsup:

:wave: Hi Lillian! :wave: Hi Nithya! Great to see you both again! It seems like forever! I'm glad you popped in to check things out. I would love to see a Lillian and Nithya take on the birch painting! Lillian, now you're giving me ideas with the finger painting....hummmmm. Sounds messy, but fun! :lol:

Until soon,

Elizabeth

[nithya_swamy]

Couple of photos of trees that I have. While I was walking around, I just happened to like these and could capture only with my mobile phone, hence the quality is not the best. These would make good paintings I think, feel free to use them folks.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/12423-24022009153.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/12423-24022009157.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/12423-24022009158.jpg

I am wondering how it would be if I merge one of these tree pictures with a little stream of water, like the Arthur Parton that Elizabeth posted.

[edtree]

:wave: Thank you for the additions to our tree reference pool Nithya! I think either of the last two would look wonderful merged with a Parton stream! I have a feeling your creative wheels are turning! :thumbsup: :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Hi Elizabeth, I really love your approach to painting these birch trees, when I started I couldn't believe that I actually saw something take form so quickly.
Quicky for me is exciting..lol I know it's not How you get there, you are so kind, but I want to tap into your expertise so my way has to give way...:lol:
I'm going to work on the bark, not really happy with how mine is looking, I think I'm blending or trying to too much, does it look that way to you?
Yours is far more dramatic and I like it! lol
Gonna give it another go, thank you.

Elaine

[Shirl Parker]

Elaine, have you never seen a Jerry Yarnell eposode?

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine!

Truly, your trunks are lovely! I think the only reason they might look different from mine is, yours are neater, lol! I really pretty much slop, dab and glop it on during the stage. My advise then is to go forth and paint with reckless abandon! :D

Hope this helps!

Elizabeth

PS - by the way, the more you paint on the trunks, the more texture you build, so actually, going back at them again is a positive thing! :D

[noodle1]

Yes it does Elizabeth, and I think I'm gonna print that out and tape it to the top of my easel...inspiring words from Elizabeth...Go Forth and Paint with
Reckless Abandon! My new mantra..lol I'm tryin', I'm tryin'...lol lol

Shirl shamefully, I guess I should say, no I haven't. :o I do know of him and his work but I've never read one of his books or seen him on PBS, should go do that huh!

Okay back to Reckless Abandon..thanks :)

Elaine

[Art_by_Angie]

Hi everybody, :wave:
Elizabeth when I read your step by step to drawing trees...I was like WOW!!!
I was so excited b/c I have never seen someone paint trees like that! And trees are my favorite thing to paint.:clap:
I am new to acrylics ( I have only used oils and it was the wet on wet technique)
Once I saw this I was ready to grab my paints and give it a try. I will post my progress.
What type of acrylic paints did you use? And did you do this on canvas paper?
Angela

[edtree]

:wave: Elaine, you crack me up! :lol: I can't wait to see your newly inspired reckless abandoned birches!

:wave: Shirl, nice to see you! I have heard of Yarnell but have never seen him paint before. Must be on a channel I can't get. I've heard lots of good things about him though!:)

:wave: Hi Angela! Welcome to the trees and foliage classroom and acrylics! I'm so glad to have you join the group and to meet another lover of all things "tree." :) I love your enthusiasm!

Since you're used to working wet on wet, this painting should be a good transition for you. A lot of it can be done wet. Acrylics dry a LOT faster than oils though, so you may find yourself a little frustrated until you get used to that.

I have a variety of paint brands that I use. I buy what's on sale usually or splurge if I see a color I want to try. For this painting, here's my list of paints including the makers.

Cadmium Yellow Medium - Winsor & Newton Galleria
Payne's Gray - Winsor & Newton Artist's Acrylic Colour
Mars Black - Winsor & Newton Galleria
Green Deep Permanent - Liquitex Professional Acrylic Artist Color
Neutral Gray Value 5/Mixing Gray - Liquitex Professional Acrylic Artist Color
Titanium White - Winsor & Newton Galleria

I think that's all of them. If I've forgotten any, please let me know.

As for support, yup, I used a 9" x 12" sheet of canvas pad (paper). This could also be done on watercolor paper or canvas. There are other supports out there that could be used as well.

I can't wait to see what you come up with once you get started. We'll also be doing some more bark studies tomorrow! Just let me know if you have any questions along the way and I'll do my best to answer (or one of the other members)! :D

Until soon,

Elizabeth

[susme48]

Well....I thought I would get more steps in...but the day did not cooperate. What's worst I skipped part of the first step...the wipe off color where the light would be. Hopefully I will be able to circumvent this in later steps? We shall see.

I am doing this on canvas...and found that simply wiping it off was not quite as easy as you made it look...:o But at least you can see where my trees will go, if things go well. Oh, I don't have some of the colors you are using...so that should make it interesting as well....:) I have the cad yellow medium, the paynes gray, mars black, tit white...but no neutral gray...just regular gray...and no deep green permanent...Chromium Oxide Green, Hookers Green Pthalo green, olive green...some student veridan...but that's it in regular acrylics.

Ask Kathy, I am not exactly the best student to have in your class....:lol:!! I try hard, but I wander away from the plan alot.

Anyway...here is where I am at the moment...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2009/51170-birch1x.jpg

[marionh]

Wow there's been a lot of activity since I last looked in. I will have a read through the posts later - I want to join in the tutorial first so off to get my paper and paint.
Elizabeth, great tutorial and you have such a clear way of describing what you are doing especially with all the photos. What acrylics are you using that remain wet for so long? Or did you tell us and I missed the info?

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Susan! Your birches are looking excellent so far! I'm glad you're doing one on canvas for us so everyone can see what differences there may be between that and paper. You did just fine with the wiping, managing some wonderfully skinny trees, which is perfect. They won't exactly all stay that way once you start to work on them some more, but that's good too.:lol:

Which ever green it was that you used in your background looks AOK! The only one that probably wouldn't work well would be the olive because I believe it is transparent (mine is anyway).

As for the neutral gray, just mixing up a gray of your own is fine too, which I see you did! For anyone else who doesn't have neutral gray, a mix of Mar's black and white gets closest to neutral gray.

I can see you've got some AWESOME texture going on already! No worries about forgetting to dab out some paint for the light foliage in the foreground. You can just add more lighter colors with paint later on.

You're on your way! Can't wait to see your birch bark texture. I think you're going to be a natural for this! :thumbsup:

:wave: Morning Marion! Glad to have you back with us! It looks like a lot has gone by, but really, we just started painting yesterday (Tuesday) so there's plenty of time for this project before we move on.

Thank you for the question on working wet. During those stages where I noted "still working wet," what was meant was, I did not let the painting sit and dry before continuing. As you paint along, especially when you get to the bark, those areas will be in different stages of dry as you work. Your surface and brush will get tacky along the way, and some areas will dry completely. Just keep working it, without dipping into the water if you can help it. (A habit that isn't easy to break). Just keep adding more brushfuls of your tree bark colors until you're satisfied with the way they look. :D

Thanks too for mentioning the effectiveness of the tutorial. It was difficult to know just how much info and how many photos were needed. I'm so glad that most of it was clear and understandable!

Can't wait to see your version of this!!!!! :D

Elizabeth

[*dee*]

Elizabeth, This is a wonderful class! I may have to join in, despite the portrait I'm working on.

Susan & Elaine, yours are coming along great!

[noodle1]

Morning Elizabeth, everyone.

Sue that's looking good!

Okay I will now test your patience..lol I need a class in Abandon..LOL
But I do believe this is better as I set it aside to keep up in class okay here ya go..haha

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/139027-BIRCH-BARK-INSPIRATION.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/139027-This-BIRCH-BARK.jpg

Hmm looks better in person, excuses, excuses..:wink2:

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Good morning Dee! We'd be happy to have you jump in! Sometimes it's nice to have several paintings going at once I've found so hopefully you'll be able to do some trees along with the portrait. Great thing about these classes too is that there really isn't a time limit. Even after the two weeks are up, the class will go on as long as there is participation.

Can't wait to see your tree creations!:D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Elaine! I laughed out loud when I saw your inspirational quote taped to your easel! And I see it's working already! Your birches are beautiful and you're already creating some gorgeous depth around and behind them. I'm glad you decided to keep the crooked little tree in front. It's so cute and adds a little more interest to the scene (plus gives it a special "Elaine" touch). You're doing magnificently! :D :thumbsup: :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Below is a short oak bark demo. If you're just starting or in the midst of the birch exercise, please don't feel as if you have to rush through it. Plenty of time for any of these, and too, it's perfectly fine to pick or choose what you want to work on.

*Assignment to follow the demo


Acrylic Painted Oak Tree (Bark) Demo

Here is a link to the tree I based the study upon: Oak tree. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/timwelsted/1904378730/)

I didn’t use a pre-drawing and hope that you don’t either for this exercise. It is perfectly all right if your tree or bark is not exactly like your reference.

For this study, I used a dry sheet of 9” x 12” sheet of watercolor paper. Please feel free however to use the support of your choice in any size. The colors I used were Burnt Umber, Mars Black, Payne’s Gray and Titanium White.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-0001_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

To begin, I make a loose mix of the dark colors using a little water, making sure they are not blended too much, using a medium sized flat brush (brush size will depend on the size of your painting surface. If you’re painting on a 5” x 7” for instance, you would use a small flat.).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-0002_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

Using the thin mixture of darks, I loosely sketched in the tree. While the paint was still wet, using a little Titanium white, I add just a few highlights here and there. At this point I was just putting down the basic shape of the tree and finding some of the darkest and lightest areas.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-0003_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

Adding a bit of Titanium white to the darker mix, I further defined and textured the light side of the tree using a small round brush. The brush strokes were random, but mostly vertical, varying the length and width. The consistency of the paint for the bark was quite dry, meaning, not much water was added.

Also, through the entire bark-producing phase, I did not clean or wipe the brush. Not cleaning the brush will give a nice variety to the tones.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-0005_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

To help to make the tree “round” I then added some mid tones (grays, using any combination on your palette) along the middle right side of the tree and where the trunk is starting to branch and separate using a mixture of Payne’s and White. At this stage, I also applied straight Payne’s to darken some of the recessed areas.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-0006_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

Since this was not intended to be a finished painting but just a bark study, I stopped at this point.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-007_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

For those who like to see the nitty-gritty, here are a few close-up of the bark.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-008_oak_small.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/94944-009_oak_small.jpg
**************************************************

ASSIGNMENT: Pick a reference from within this thread, or from life, from your own references, or use this tree and complete a bark study painting and post it here. The study can be just a patch of bark, or the whole tree. Please describe what you feel were your successes or failures. Feel free to ask questions as well. Most of all, have fun with this!

Elizabeth

[LavenderFrost]

Elaine, I get the impression that you've painted birch trees before. They're looking great!

Forgive me for not doing the tutorials. I was actually planning to put the acrylics aside for a while, but I am using this class as an incentive to knock this reference off my to-do list and I will keep your techniques in mind as I do it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/104871-bluelakepathref2.jpg

[edtree]

:wave: Great idea Michelle and it's perfectly fine to not do the exercises. We're going to be doing tree paintings of our choice over the next few days so yours will fit right in! It will be a treat to see your painting of this reference! :D

Elizabeth

[nithya_swamy]

Elaine, I jus LOVE that birch painting of yours. It looks gorgeous.

Elizabeth, quick question. Extending to what I was telling earlier, do you think it will work out well if I merge a foreground like this picture (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=79473) with one of the tree pics I posted? Of course, with color and all changed accordingly. I am wondering. Will work out a rough composition and post it a little later.

[susme48]

Good morning Teach!

Elaine....wowow!! Gorgeous!! I am envious!

Ummm, remember how I said I wander of the track???? :o I might have done it again??? I have been wanting to try out modling paste since I bought some awhile ago...and I just thought maybe the front trees??? It is now obvious that I need to learn how to use it, since I no longer have nice smooth birch tree trunks...:o :lol: and since I cannot see my pc from my painting table...I just sort of tried to remember the steps you used. Got to tired by 2am to go on. Time to work now!

Here's what I have now....trying to figure out how to make the tree trunks more rounded, and smooth...they look more like other types of trees at the moment. Time to get creative!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/51170-birch2xb.jpg

Maybe I will do better with the bark excercise??? I will try!! Took some pics last night....but haven't looked to see if they turned out yet. If not I will go out when the caregiver gets here....I can easily get pine, sasafras, oak, maple and willow. The others I don't have a clue about what they are!

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Nithya!

I love your adventurous spirit! I think these two refs would merge if you were to use the third one and then flip either that photo or the one from the reference library vertically so that the river/stream is winding in the same basic direction as the path in your photo. Does that make sense?

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Susan!

I see you've been busy playing and experimenting!:p I have NO experience with molding paste, but the texture on your trees is great! Just keep going...maybe add some little horizontal strokes now that you've got the shapes defined. This will help with the roundness. Bending/curving the horizontals a bit (very slightly) now and then will also help the roundness. Let me know if you want me to go in to this further - I would be happy to if needed.

Also, I think you may have blended your white and black a little too much. When you go back in with your horizontal strokes try re-adding some random brights (very light gray) and darks (very dark gray) at that time.

By the way, your background trees are just about perfect as is. I wouldn't touch a hair on their heads. When you re-address the foliage again, you can just dab tiny bits of green here and there and be good to go.

Remember, you can't wreck these trees - you are doing wonderfully!!! The beauty of acrylics, as you know, is that you can just keep building and tweaking. I hope you don't give up on these, even if you try the oak bark. It is a bit more challenging to work "skinny" I know, but I have faith in you. :thumbsup:

Elizabeth

[susme48]

Thanks, Elizabeth!! Did not get much time to paint on the trunks last night...tried to before the paste was dry...big mistake...:o But today is another day!!

[noodle1]

Hi Michelle you're smoozin' me right..... oooh I like it...thanks cutie.:)

Alright Elizabeth here's my trunk..now see I can abandon fine with photos, tis a bit crooked but it's all there..lol How'd I do??? Didn't pay much attention to the roots tho..:o

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/139027-2-lge-tree-bark.jpg

Doggie sitting here crossed eyed think we need to go out..lol well he does anyway, he's fond of trees too! :lol:

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Your oak bark is awesome Elaine! I can definitely see the abandon in this - wonderfully textured. You get an A+!!! :thumbsup:

Elizabeth

PS - I kinda pooped out at the roots too! ;)

PSS - just found the part about the dog :lol::lol::lol:!

[noodle1]

Hi again,

nithya, Sue and Dee, thank you guys for the kind words, didn't mean not to say that to you.

Sue I think the modeling paste could be a great idea (for lots of things), I don't have much experience with it myself but if ya got one of those triangular palette knives with the small end I bet that would work great.

You do need to be able to push it around or spread it out some, brushes don't do such a great job there. Or any one that has a small tip to them, plastic or metal. You can pull this off, I agree with Elizabeth and your background is just about done, now I'm envious..haha

Wow Elizabeth an A+, now I will be intolerable...LOL naw I won't. Thank you for the inspiration and the kind words.

Okay will try and get the other done, it's on a stretched canvas and the bark exercise, which was on a watercolor block, I could lean on, another quirk apparently :lol: that's why I don't don't paint on canvas, I can't rest my hand on it..lol hopefully I can find the little pegs to stretch it out some otherwise it will have a whole new dimensional look to it ..:eek:

Elizabeth I'm loving this class thank you a thousand times over!

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: I'm enjoying so much presenting this material, Elaine...It's music to my ears to hear you're loving the class! :music: :D

About canvases; I decided not to use them for these exercises mostly because I didn't want to have to mess with the edges :evil:. I tend also to work on canvases on the easel, and paper on the table although I put my paper paintings on the easel A LOT to assess. Do you "easel" your canvases? It would be difficult to lean on them that way! :)

Great advise to Susan about the modeling paste! It makes sense that some painter's knives might work! Susan...if you're out there, I'm anxious to see your progress!

I'm hoping I haven't lost the rest of the class over the last couple of days. I'm getting ready to roll out a rather lengthy demo on fall trees and another shortly after that of a summer tree scene with reflective water.

More in the morning....

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

I do Elizabeth but it's been so long since I've used a canvas, I'm the Ampersand panel fan remember..haha I have this little annoying neck-arm thing since my accident and I can't hold a brush well in the air, so on occasion I'll use the ledge and angle the panel and just realized I do lean on it, it doesn't work so good with a canvas however :lol: I do put up my paper too to assess, I assess about every two minutes guess that's one reason I'm so slow LOL. Somewhere in this studio I have a bridge, duh now that will work, that's why I bought it..:D

I'm hoping I haven't lost the rest of the class over the last couple of days. I don't think you have, the interest is high, sometimes the participation doesn't offer the actual activity a class has. Not to worry.
This is an excellent class and I voted such.

I actually wanted to remind everyone too to vote on this class, it's one way to participate and appreciate everything being done. So don't forget everybody! :)

Fall leaves oh nice, can't wait! See you in the morning :thumbsup:

Elaine

[sveldstra]

Just letting you know I'm still here too following along.:wave:
I'm just waiting for when we start working on our own references. My painting is almost finished so I'm just waiting to get input before I finalize it.

[oldradagast]

I voted for this thread as being great since it is!

I'm just very busy now and will be out of town this weekend, so painting has to wait until later one, unfortunately. That being said, I love what I've seen so far, and it has been very educational.

[susme48]

Thanks, Elaine!! Tried the pallette knives...toothpicks....q-tips...but I know what I want...a cookie press with icing tips!!

Elizabeth...I am still here!! I love this class...you had me at hello (did you say hello??? :lol: ) Just have a crazy schedule between Bubba and life....and when Bob is home, he hates when I paint. He wants to spend time together. Besides I can keep putting off the portraits I need to finish if I take the clase...:o

I did get a bit of painting done...worked on the paste...used an old hair dye bottle to squirt it out. Made it a little rounder. However I keep wondering if it is ever gonna dry. I kind of actually like this so far! Unusual for me...usually I am hypercritical of myself.

Since I have no patience, I started working on it once it was tacky...:o I still need some highlights, I think. I wish that somehow the 3D effect would photograph better. I cannot scan it until it is completely dry, or it will squish. So this is just an 'ok' photo of it, since my camera is a cheapie. It still needs some highlights...but it is coming along!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2009/51170-birch3x.jpg

I did not start painting the bark...but I do have some samples.
430193
This is willow
430194
This is oak

The pine had toooo much glare...sigh! Did find this site that has alot of bark....bark (http://www.susanssoul.com/bark.html)...so I made of some.

[Raymo]

Elizabeth....I think it's a great class. I love doing trees and I just about did some tree trunks today. Might do some tomorrow. I gotta get out of this funk i'm in. Last time I went 2 yrs between paintings and I regretted losing the brush control I had gained. Yeah, I might just give it a try.

[~~Kathleen]

Hi all, nope I did not drop out, just an un-planned business trip that took me a way for a couple of days.
Susan...Molding paste. I use the Goldens Light moulding paste, and while tricky to get used to, it can be done rather easily.
I found that if I applied it in strips by placing a line of it on a plate (or whatever) and cutting my long palette knife flat edged into the middle of the paste and picking it up with a kind of swipe.
then reverse this and lay the paste down.
Now the secret. Do not use the same knife to shape the paste.
Drop it into your wash water and clean it before using it again.
use a clean knife that has been dipped in clean water to smooth and or grove the paste as you want it. The film of water will really make shaping the paste so much easier. Yep, you cannot rush painting it, but you can sand it back/down with a fine emery board once it is dry. This works great when you have gone outside the lines.
If you need a bit more help let me know.
I will be back tomorrow afternoon (after Lunch with the Art club)
~~Kathleen

[snowfall]

Hi there

I hope there is a little space left for me to join the class. I'm pretty new to the forum, having only posted a couple of times, but I'd love to learn how to paint trees really well. Here is my first attempt at the birch trees. Looking forward to your comments on how to improve my painting.

Daler Rowney acrylic paper
T. White, Mars Black, Paynes Grey, Ultramarine and Cad Yellow Light (W&N paints).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/142898-pics050309_017.jpg

Pam.

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Elaine! Ah yes, the Ampersand panel girl...I had forgotten.:lol: You know, just from my limited experience with that, I think it would have made an excellent support for the birch trees. The surface is very slick as I remember and would have allowed a lot of manipulation with the paper towels, etc. I'd be tempted to try it, if I had one of those panels around.

I hadn't realized you had some hand and shoulder difficulties. I'm so sorry to hear that. I must say though, it hasn't hampered your creativity, and I think it's wonderful that you've found ways to compensate. The bridge sounds like just the tool for you. Maybe it will help to make finishing your birch trees less of a pain. :)

Thank you so much for the rating this thread, for encouraging others to vote as well, and for the boosting my spirit. You're the BEST! :clap: :heart: :clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Sharon! I'm glad to know you're still with us! I've got a little bit more "how to's to post, but it is my hope to roll out the plan/assignment for the main project(s) later today. Thanks for hanging in there, and for your patience. I'm anxious now to see your tree painting! :D

:wave: Hi Matthew! Thank you so much for the thread rating and for the kind words about this classroom! I'm looking forward to having you jump in when you return from your trip (if your time permits). The thread will live on even after it's two-week featured time as long as there's still participation, so there's no real time constraints. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your trees soon! :)

:wave: Oh my gosh Ray...2 years between paintings!!!!! That's one heck of a slump! I'm thrilled that you are inspired to try some trees. Lots of beautiful references offered by the members, and I have a feeling there may be more coming as well. Great to have you with us and I thank you kindly for your encouraging words about this class! :p

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Susan!

When I opened this thread this morning, and scrolled down and saw your painting, I was completely and utterly blown away! It is magnificent (and I'm NOT just saying that!!!) Please, DO NOT overwork this. In my opinion, it is done! I too wish we could see the 3-d effect better. Maybe a shot slightly from the side?

I'm not sure if you frame your paintings or not, but I could see this done up in a glossy black frame. It's very striking and that would finish it off perfectly!

Amazing outcome! I'm SOOOOO proud! :clap: :D :clap:

Elizabeth

PS - almost forgot, LOVE the bark references too, especially that first one! Thank you for adding these to our pool!

[sveldstra]

For anyone who didn't quite get Susan's last bark reference, please make sure your volume is turned on.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/151124-32313-lol28.gif
My teen had to figure it out for me.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Kathleen! I'm happy to see you're still with us, but have just had other irons in the fire. WoW! Great info on the modeling paste! I may have to get some of that to play with myself! Thank you so much! :D

:wave: Hi Pam! Welcome! Of course there's room! We're glad to have you join the group! You've done a wonderful job on the birches. You've achieved a nice distinction between the two groups of trees by slightly darkening the left bunch. Your bark texture is well done too! The only suggestion I might have is for you to perhaps "mess up" the background a bit. Some of the foliage behind the birches looks too formal - or in other words, not as haphazard as nature would present. A very easy correction, however, would be to simply add more greenery, beginning with some additional darks (greens) and then sprinkling some highlights over that. I don't have photo shop, but I tried to demonstrate what I mean using MicroSoft Paint:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-Pams_birches_2.jpg
I hope this helps a bit!

I'm looking forward to seeing your update if you decide to go back and make changes, and more of your tree work as we go forward.:D

Until soon!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Susan!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks for the tip, Sharon! It was much more "interesting" with the volume on!:D

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Hi everybody!
Some really great stuff happening with Elizabeth's guidance. I have been sneaking in to the back of the classroom, late as usual, and while I haven't actually completed anything YET I still plan to take part. Yesterday was supposed to be the day but other things interfered with my plans. I have at least been reading all the posts. Great teaching Elizabeth!

[Li'l Brown]

BTW, how do you vote for a thread?

EDIT:
Nevermind I just did. :D

[noodle1]

Gooood Morning Professor Elizabeth and all my fellow classmates.

Been busy round here...wow Sue told ya you'd pull if off...LOL Woof Woof to you, you silly girl, that was great! :thumbsup: Turned out great kiddo!

Pam that's fantastic, with what Elizabeth said you'll have a masterpiece!
Sharon can't wait to see what you've been up too, always exciting to see your paintings.

Raymo I know those funks...grab a brush and dab, will lend you my inspirational sign if ya need it, it works...LOL
Go Forth and Paint in Reckless Abandon courtesy of Elizabeth's
wisdom..haha

Elizabeth, I'll go for the panels when we do our own painting, but actually with the marble dust surface I wasn't sure the wiping of the paint would work, first layer kind of sinks in like watercolors would and with acrylics well ya know, but the end result usually is fantastic on them. Will have to remember the WIP part when we do our own, so bad at that...LOL

Well I didn't get as much done as I had planned but I'll finish. Hubby home today so I have to find a project for him to keep him away from me....LOL

I shall return to catch up. Great painting everyone!
Elaine

[PattiLou]

:clap: I'm still here. :wave: I have been working on a Juniper tree that I started about three weeks ago... keep getting interupted to go to meetings or having company, or spending too much time on the computer.:o

Anyways, Susan I have used molding paste on Saguaro Cactus before (the painting, not the 'real' cactus, lol) and it was sooo much fun. I just put a glop on and used a plastic fork to make grooves in it and move it around. Looked kinda neat but it does take time to dry. After it dried I painted it green and highlighted it. The ridges really showed up.

Everyone's trees look great... I need to get out there and start slinging some paint around.

Ray you need a good dose of Yarnell to get your motivation moving. You know he has been painting flowers the last couple shows and I've never seen him paint plowers before. I wish it was easier to get his shows, he explains things really well.

Bye ya'll, gotta get the laundry out so I can paint.

[edtree]

:wave: Good Thursday Morning Everyone!

For further inspiration before we dive into our main project, I’m including below some great demos and classrooms from other artists here on WetCanvas. I’ve added a few lines to each link so you’ll know what you’re clicking on:


Sticks and Stones by Sveldstra
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=544403
This class concentrates on creating rocks for the first several pages but includes so much important and helpful information on painting trees, tree bark, and many other landscape elements later in the thread. It is a must see!

Symbols Practice (Skies, rocks, trees, mountains etc) by Idcrissis55
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450444
An excellent thread, presented by Idcrisis55, that includes some excellent demos of the elements in landscape painting. Included are: Clouds, trees, water and rocks.

Knife Painting with Acrylics by Gnu
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273758
This demo is not all about trees and landscapes, but includes excellent information on knife painting. Well worth looking at if you are interested in adding texture to your paintings.

Creating Depth and Distance by Shunter
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=543223
Creating Depth and Distance classroom thread, presented by Shunter, has some great helpful information and beautiful examples.

Perspective Need Not Frighten You! by Charlie's Mum
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532941
Charlie’s Mum’s classroom on perspective provides excellent, easy to understanding information, including putting your paintings’ landscapes elements and figures into proper perspective.

Painting Clouds n Skies by Noodle1
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541156
I’m including Elaine’s beautiful classroom on clouds here because nothing makes a landscape or tree painting more spectacular than the addition of dramatic clouds.


Step-by-Step Landscape by Mike Callahan
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/30147/479/
A wonderful demo of landscape painting, by WC member Mike Callahan, that includes mountains, distant trees and a body of water with reflections!

Four Great Demos/tutorials by Larry Seiler
http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Landscapes/Roadside/
In this demo, Larry is painting on location, taking us from choosing a great view, to blocking in the trees and other landscape elements, to his brush and knife techniques.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Acrylics/Waterfall/
Here Larry paints a beautiful plein air scene of trees, rocks and a waterfall. To me, the trees steal the show in this painting. Great photos and commentary included.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles/Larry_Seiler/137/
A terrific study in painting pine trees, Larry’s magnificent usage of light is illustrated well in this demo of a plein air scene in upper Michigan. Although he uses oils, the illustrated techniques may be used for acrylics as well.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Landscapes/OcontoRiver/
Another brilliant demo of trees and water by Larry S. It’s amazing to watch the development of these paintings from blocking in to completion.

I'm sure there are many more demonstrations and tutorials here on WC and from the Web that I haven't found yet. Please feel free to post your favorites here!

Thanks all!:D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Forgot, here's a couple bark close ups just for more references..haha
Now to find my leaves.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/139027-FORSYTHIA.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/139027-broken-tree-back-yard.jpg

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine! Must be the support I used was different from the ones you're talking about. Evidently, gessoed board is a whole 'nother animal! :o :lol: I will be anxious to see the wip pics when you start your main project! I have faith that you will remember! Thanks for the additional bark references! I especially love that first one! It could be a painting in and of itself! The second is also lovely, GREAT light! :thumbsup:

:wave: Morning Jesslyn! :wave: Morning Patti! Great to see you both!

Okay, I'm off to load up one more mini demo, then to the store, and will post more on the main project this afternoon! In the meantime, I hope everyone has began choosing a reference (or two)!

Until soon!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

Bringing branches forward
or pushing them back
using light and shadow

I began this demo by sketching a basic tree shape with two branches on a piece of tracing paper. I then traced two identical copies on to my painting surface (any surface will do; I used a piece of canvas pad.)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0146_small.jpg
****************************************

Using the two identical tree shapes, I used light and shadow to paint them each according to how I wanted the branches to appear: coming toward us, or moving away from us. My goal was to illustrate how you can manipulate a single shape to appear differently using light and shadow.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0145_small.jpg
Notice in this example above how the highlights on the right branch (and tree) makes the branch appear to lean toward us and makes the darker branch recede?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0149_small.jpg
In this example, by lightening the left branch (and side of tree), this branch appears to come nearer to the viewer.

If you wish, please do some experiments on your own. It’s quite amazing and fun!
****************************************

These two photos show the same trees with just a quick wash to provide a bit of background. These pics illustrate how what surrounds the focal changes the mood, the light and the way we see the element.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0147_small.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0148_small.jpg

I hope something in the above is helpful!:D

More soon!

Elizabeth

[LavenderFrost]

Elaine, I don't know what smoozin' means, but I just tell it like it is. :lol:

Nithya, that's an ambitious project. I really like that first photo though. Reminds me of wondering through the woods as a kid.

That's looking really good Susan. Do I see some wildflowers in there too?

Ray, just keep telling yourself you love painting.

[~~Kathleen]

Okay here is where I am, I actually was going to use this for the original work, but as is usual it has taken on a life of its own.
This pic was taken by a friend of mine, and I would appreciate if no-one used it, as I am painting it seriously. (thanks, I just hate saying that:crying:)
The reference pic;
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/92567-Fresh_beginning_original_size.JPG

Where I am now;
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/92567-fresh_beginnings.jpg1.jpg
It is interesting to note that I was sitting here looking at the pic tryiing how to decide how to make the background jumble of branches/twigs recede into the background. As is with me, I decided to leave it alone until the answer presented itself. (a method that works very well for me) Then I came here and VOILA! The answers.
First stage, I completed the sky and drew the basics on the canvas....16" X 20" Have to do lunch with friends, but will get back later on today.
~~Kathleen

[Charlie's Mum]

Wow, this class is galloping along!

Great to see all the birches - smooth and knobbly!!! ;)

[noodle1]

Sorry Michelle, I forget my slang not everyone elses..just means making someone feel exceptionally good so they get a big head, could have just said that huh *sigh* I appreciate your "like it is" I prefer that any day.

Kathleen that's cool, I'm not sure where I'm heading for the finale painting.
By the time I finish these birch and alter ala Elaine..:o I just might do a single tree in the middle of nowhere..LOL

Okay back to work was just checking in to see if I'm still somewhat caught up. And Elizabeth that is a very handy little tutorial, simple and easy to follow and works! Going in my archives, thank you.

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Kathleen! I love your reference and what you've gotten done so far! It's going to be magnificent! I know what you mean about not doing something until the answer "comes to you." I've had paintings sit for MONTHS waiting on an answer. I'm glad you have already found your answers! I'll be anxious to see this progress! :D

:wave: Hi Michelle! Hi Maureen! Nice to have you pop in and check up on us! :D

:wave: Elaine, I'm glad you found the mini tutorial worthy of saving, lol! :D

Okay, continuing in the next post as I'd better get my butt in gear and post the main project.....

[susme48]

Kathleen...thanks for the info!!! So much to learn...so little time...:lol: Texture is fun!!


Thank you, Elizabeth!!! I had so much fun doing it!! I might just look into a frame for it, since it is small! Now I hope to get to the bark...but it looks like I have lots and lots of homework...Whew!! And more to draw...and a painting to plan! Thanks for not being mad about the "bark"!

Sorry Sharon, I just had to do it, once my insanity thought of it!!

Thanks, Patti!!

Michelle, yep...just felt compelled to make it springtime with a few flowers. :)

Kathleen...that is great!! Still don't know what I am gonna do for the MAIN project...feel like the birches were...:lol:!

[edtree]

:wave: Hello again fellow lovers of trees and landscapes! :D

It seems we’ve already come a long way in only 5 days, sharing photos, some favorite tree painters from the past, and doing a bit of practicing. Now it’s time to jump in with both feet! I’m going to post a fall foliage/tree demo today, and a summer tree/river demo tomorrow to get the ball rolling…but, since Member-to-member (MTM) means, all of us learning from each other. I feel you would be a bit cheated if you went away from this class only learning tree painting Elizabeth’s way.:eek: With those things in mind, as you go forth and choose your reference and begin painting, take lots of pictures and jot down notes to share later.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Choose a reference photo from which you would like to create a painting. The reference must have a least one tree in it. You may choose from any of the following sources:
· The pool of photos offered anywhere in this thread
· A reference from your personal files
· Any of the past painters paintings shown in this thread
· Any references from the demonstrations posted in this thread
· The WC photo reference library
· Your imagination

2. Once you’ve made your choice, tell us about your reference: for instance, why you chose it; what your goal or goals are for the painting; enhancements you plan to make, etc. Also include what kind and size of support you will be using.

3. If you feel comfortable doing so, use your progress photos and post a WIP (Work in Process) or Demo to share with the group. (This is optional but very much encouraged.)

4. Feel free to post your painting at anytime during the painting process to ask questions or get feedback from the other members.

5. No time limit – just have fun! And finish!!!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

Painting Fall Foliage and Trees in Acrylic

Here is the finished painting. The steps are presented below.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0116_final_small.jpg

Photo reference by Jocelynsart can be found here. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=67147)

For this painting, I used the same preparation method as before by taping to a piece of cardboard a 9” x 12” paper support. This time, however, I’m using watercolor paper instead of canvas pad. (You will find the support prep demo on Page 4 (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549871&page=4)and Page 5 (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549871&page=5) within this thread.) After wetting the entire surface, I applied color to the two main plains: Sky and land. For the sky, I mixed a very small amount of Ultramarine Blue with Titanium White. For the land, I used Burnt Sienna with a little water, applied haphazardly to give this area some preliminary texture.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0101_small.jpg
****************************************

Once the painting was dry, I mixed a small amount of Payne’s Gray with a little water and added the furthest trees, varying the value of the Payne’s mixture so that some of the trunks and branches were darker, some lighter. At this stage, no work was done on the bottom portion of the painting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0102_small.jpg
****************************************

Next, I added to the Payne’s and water mixture, a dab of Deep Green Permanent, my goal was to find a color to give the illusion of the furthest pines. Once I was happy with the color mix, I scrubbed in the far pines using a dry brush method. To dry brush, I picked up a bit of the paint mixture on my brush, used no additional water, and then spent the mixture mostly on a scrap paper until all that was left was a small bit of paint. I then scrubbed it on to the painting. If you get too much paint, you will not get a wispy effect so using the scrap is very important.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0103_small.jpg
****************************************

Using the same dry-brush method, I then scrubbed in some of the distant foliage using alternately: Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber and Cad Orange. Before finishing this stage, I put on my palette a small amount of Yellow Ochre and dry-brushed a bit of this color into the background and scrubbed this color along the edge of the foreground (where the tree line ends) and worked my way forward a bit with this same color, further giving the foreground area a bit more texture, depth, and color variation.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0104_small.jpg
****************************************

After washing out my brushes, I went back to the painting using again the mixture of Payne’s Gray and Deep Green Permanent as I wanted to further define some of the darker areas of the pines before moving on. To apply these, I again used the dry-brush method with a slightly heavier hand (meaning, a bit more paint on the brush).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0105_small.jpg
****************************************

Continued in next post.....

[edtree]

Here is a close up of the progress so far in the background area.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0106_small.jpg
****************************************
Here, I decided to add some brighter yellow to the tree foliage in the back and some brights to the foreground. Keeping with the dry-brush method, I applied a thinned mixture of Lemon Yellow and water.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0107_small.jpg
****************************************

Finally, it’s time to move forward working more into the mid and foreground area beginning with the addition of the main tree trunks and more of the dark values in these areas. Because at this point these additions are mainly for placement purposes, I used just one color and water – Burnt Umber – drawing with paint, I added the tree trunks using a variety of round brushes. I then used this same color to add a few of the ground shadows. Just before setting the painting aside, I used a tiny bit of white with the Burnt Umber on the front/left side of the main tree.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0108_small.jpg
****************************************

Once this step was complete, I put the reference next to the painting to assess. I see I have given too much lean to the main tree on our left, but decide that it doesn’t matter. I also am looking now at the sky color and may consider lightening it later on. Other than that, I’m pleased with the progress so far.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0109_small.jpg
****************************************

With a pallet of Payne’s Gray, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber and Titanium White, I began to refine the trees and add some detail to the foreground.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0110_small.jpg
****************************************

Continued in next post......

[noodle1]

Elizabeth that is breathtaking, love the colors the light play, the style, you're amazing! Totally in awe of you skill and talent!
Elaine

[edtree]

More work on the trees with the same palette.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0111_small.jpg
****************************************

Here, I’ve moved away from the trees and into the foreground leaves. Using alternating colors (already on my palette), with a #3 round, I squiggled and scrubbed the variety of colors that make up the mass of fallen leaves on the ground. I also used a bit of white and burnt sienna to add some of the bright leaves on the small tree nearest us, to the right.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0112_small.jpg
****************************************

Close-ups of leaves in foreground:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0113_small.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0114_small.jpg
****************************************

Once I was satisfied with the leaves in the foreground, I spent a bit of time looking at the painting again as a whole and adding tiny bits of paint where it was needed to complete. After these small additions and adjustments, I decided not to fuss with the sky, and call this complete!

I hope you enjoyed this demo. Please let me know if you have any questions about any of the steps and feel free to also use this painting for your project.

Here is a final look at the finished painting:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/94944-0116_final_small.jpg

Happy painting everyone! :clap:

Elizabeth

[nithya_swamy]

Yet another stunning demo. The painting has an abstract feel to it, yet the leaves in the foreground are so real. Very warm feel overall :)

Since my reference has fall-winter style of trees only with a lot of dried leaves, this will be of great help I am sure. Thank you for taking all the efforts in putting together such good demos. I am off to paint now :D Hopefully, will have something to show tomorrow.

[susme48]

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/confused/confused0054.gif (http://www.pearlpoker.com)
What else is there to say?

[~~Kathleen]

Elizabeth, thank-you so much for the time and effort you have taken to show us how to do this.
You have answered so many questions in one place that I have wondered about so many times.
To compile the information in one place, is what makes MTM work so well.
I have read all of this in fragments but never been able to put them together for a complete work!
Needless to say, I refer to the MTM archives many times during everything I paint now!
You are a dear.
~~Kathleen

[edtree]

:wave: Elaine, Nithya, Susan and Kathleen - thank you! (wish I had a group hug smiley)! :D

Nithya, I 'm glad there was something in the demo that you might be able to use for your fall painting. I'm excited to see your progress!!!

Kathleen, how wonderful that you've had some questions answered through the MTM classrooms! I'm so pleased that the series has been such a success!:clap:

Elizabeth

[barb8j]

I agree with Susan http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/confused/confused0054.gif (http://www.pearlpoker.com/)

[susme48]

A rousing AMEN! to what Kathleen said! This is so great having these classes!!

Elizabeth, if you just add the following: http://www.pic4ever.com/images/grouphugg.gif with before and after to your post...you will get a hughttp://www.pic4ever.com/images/grouphugg.gif (had to separate the image tags or it would have just been the emoticonor an x) I have not had the chance to really particpate as much as I wanted in these, but I have, and am, certainly learning alot!! And I will continue to go back and try things!

Well....I scanned the painting, and then I tried scanning it from the side, by propping it up...failure...:lol: So I took a pic outside, and it shows some of the depth, but not all. Using a ruler, it is about 1/4" deep most places. I also included a closeup where you could see some of the texture. Not sure if I mentioned this before...I usually forget, this is an 11x14 canvas.

430287

430288

430289

The scanned colors are much truer, so you may not think it is as good. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/291.gif The camera seemed to add alot of blue when I compare them. Still not sure if a few highlights at the top might be in order or not, and maybe just a wash over the middle darks?

[Raymo]

Oh well, at least I did something today. Baby steps. It's supposed to be a stump with bark peeling off. My camera taking abilities are having issues or its the cam. I kinda did my own thing and did a Yarnell study but it's a tree or part of one. Anyways here's my stupid stump....

430298

Hmmm, after posting I can see that I should have put a little shadow under the bark on the right side. Would have been nice. Oh well, it's pretty stupid anyways.

[noodle1]

Hi Everyone,

Sue that looks terrific, you got a lot of depth, I love it! :thumbsup: cutie!

Hey Raymo your "stupid" stump looks great, nice job!!!! :thumbsup:

I finally finished mine just a bit ago, wish I had paid more attention to the tree positions but well LOL I was just having fun running my finger down the wet paint. :D Here she be..

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/139027-Birch_tree_finish.jpg

There seems to be some dead areas in the photo, look like solid fills.
But there aren't any just a bad photo.

If I had to C&C my own, which we all do anyway right, I'd loose points for not keeping to task. I think I should have rearranged my trees after I realized they didn't look right and as usual I over did, and not real happy with the more shadowed trees, so feel free to suggest about that please, but believe it or not I really learned something and when I try again I intend to get out of my own way! :evil: It's a 12x16 stretched canvas using Elizabeth's palette of colors, and my own obsessive nature...:D

Now to choose something to do and soooo much to choose from.
See you in the morning all.

Elaine

[biddlebeach]

susan! nice job!!
love all of this, have not been participating, but watching and enjoying!

Nice stupid stump Ray!!
what up with you? you okay???

Gees Elaine! I think it looks awesome!! see , what do I know? I know waht I like and THAT I like!! so quit it!

[Raymo]

I think Noodles cheated or something....looks like a dang photo....it's beautiful Elaine :clap:

Thanks Mary.....i'm having a bad reaction to some medicine and have a rash and severe itching all over. I'm doped up on antihistimines. Lol, I was watchin a movie yesterday and fell asleep probly 100 times during it. I never ever take naps. I need to get a handle on this reaction before I have a nervous breakdown.

[*dee*]

Raymo, are you the inventor of the saying "dumb as a stump"? :lol:

That's a very nice stump, it just needs a stupid woodpecker on the side of it.

[biddlebeach]

I think Noodles cheated or something....looks like a dang photo....it's beautiful Elaine :clap:

Thanks Mary.....i'm having a bad reaction to some medicine and have a rash and severe itching all over. I'm doped up on antihistimines. Lol, I was watchin a movie yesterday and fell asleep probly 100 times during it. I never ever take naps. I need to get a handle on this reaction before I have a nervous breakdown.

Aw,, Ray,, I hope you feel better soon, I am gearing up for that scooter pic!! the sun came out today, it won't be long now!!!

[Raymo]

Aw,, Ray,, I hope you feel better soon, I am gearing up for that scooter pic!! the sun came out today, it won't be long now!!!

Now youre talkin....wear something sexy too, woohoo !

[Li'l Brown]

OOH OOH MR. KOTTER!

*waves hand furiously in the air to get teacher's attention*

Ok now that I have your attention, I wanted to show you what I've done. Yes, I am at the beginning on the tutorials when the rest of you are far ahead.

But, as my political prof once sagely noted as I handed in a paper at the very stroke of the hour it was due: "You have the dubious distinction of being closest to the wire, but still under it."

I've honed that skill over the years.

K, blather blather I've had too much caffeine today. Here it is so far. Excuse the bad pics, taken at night with a crap camera.

Honestly Elizabeth, you're a genius. Not that this is anything wonderful but with practice I think I could really do something good. I used wc paper and even after stretching and gessoing, I still hate it as a support, so back to the cheapy canvas board for my next lesson. I'll finish this first though. Maybe tonight if it dries fast enough.

K, cya later!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Mar-2009/52726-DCFN0020.JPG

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Barb! GREAT to see you! Thank you so much for the jaw-dropping smiley!!!

:wave: Susan, thank you for the code to post a group hug smiley. Dang though my post was too old to add it. I will keep this for another opportune moment though!

About your birches, I wonder if you realize just how good your painting is. It is as if I could walk right in! It has tremendous depth! Fantastic finish!!! :clap: :D :clap:

:wave: Hiya Ray! I was extremely pleased to see your tree stump! It is so very charming and nicely done. Makes me want to go sit down by it, lean back and get comfy and read a book. After seeing yours and a few other posts about Yarnell, I had to go look him up. He does some nice work and so do you. Not stupid at all! :clap: :D :clap: By the way...You and Elaine are going to get demerits if you don't quit insulting your paintings! (Susan, I need a smiley with a scolding finger)! :lol:

Sorry to hear you're having some bad reactions to the rash medication. I hope the worst is over now!

:wave: Elaine...just as I suspected, your birches came out perfectly! I don't see a single thing that needs to be changed or tweaked! (And I mean that - now stop criticizing your work, it's beautiful!) I had some difficulty photographing mine too so that the details weren't hiding in the darks. I'd love to see it in real life! You should be very proud and pleased....I know "I" am!!!!:clap: :D :clap:

:wave: Mary, it's wonderful to see you too! I'm glad you're enjoying the Tree Class thread!

Okay, I'll see you all in the morning. Looking forward to seeing everyone's pics for the main tree painting project!

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

I just went back and saw Susan and Elaine's finished products. *hides pic behind back*

Can we just ignore my last post cause these two are making mine look bad :lol: :lol:

Excellent job Susan, I LOVE texture too and you did fabulously! Elaine, as usual you come through with a great finish (regardless of your own criticism) - looks very good to me.

Ray, I like that little ol' stump. I have a pic of a rotten old one that I have been considering too - they are interesting!

What a fun class! (omg... somebody remove the diet coke from my house please!)

[susme48]

Darn...ate my post again...this is getting old! http://www.pic4ever.com/images/confused0078.gif Fooled the server tho'...I saved it on notepad!

Thanks Elaine! But your trees have leaves...real ones...mine just have blotches...:lol:

Ray, I like your stupid stump (say that 10 times really fast...???) Sorry you are having a reaction to meds...that is NO fun!!

[arpett]

Hi all. What a great class. I have been watching all the classes with great interest, and have practised a liitle for my self - never realy showed it. So here comes my first painting in this forum. Little late for class, but........
Here is my progress so far, just about post #64. C&C most welcome.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/157463-Bjørk_1_535_x_800.jpg


Format A4 on gessoed Mdf W&N Galeria paints. Paynes Grey, Permanent Green Deep, Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue,Tit White and Mars black.

[nithya_swamy]

If someone here has missed out, this week's WDE has two mind blowing images of trees. Rows of trees with terrific shadows, they would be awesome to paint. Just check it out folks :)

[edtree]

:wave: Very good Horshack...er..uh..I mean Jesslyn! :) No hiding this behind your back - how could anyone see all the beautiful texture on those trunks ? Excellent progress; your painting is shaping up wonderfully :thumbsup: (even in spite of your troubles with the paper)! One thing that sometimes helps if you're using watercolor paper is to completely wet one side and put some weights on the corners (just the very tips of the corners). Let dry. Do the same to the backside. Let dry again and be patient because when you do this, it will curl like crazy, but it comes out of it. It doesn't take away ALL the buckling, but it helps.

:wave: Welcome to the class, Arpett! No worries about being late - plenty of time for anyone to do the birches or any of the other projects. Your painting is looking mighty fine already! Great distinction between the two groups of trees - nice variation so far in your background too! For suggestions, maybe add a mid tone (medium gray) to the trunks of the lighted group of trees. This color would be applied thin and toward the middle and a bit to the right of each trunk. This will help give them a bit more roundness. You might do the same on the other group of birches only with a darker gray mid-tone. Hopefully all of that made sense. Please let me know if it didn't. I'll be watching for your update! :D

:wave: Hi Nithya! You weren't kidding. Those are some spectacular tree references from Shelley's WDE. There are some other photos as well that have nice trees. Here's the link for anyone who is curious: All Media Art Event 3/4/09. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550782)

Elizabeth

[sveldstra]

Good morning. I've been lurking and waiting to join in, but was already so far ahead on this one, and needed to focus on getting it finished. I have a couple of paintings waiting in the wings for a pair of photographers who have requested pieces done from their references for a combined media show in May that I really need to get a move on.
Anyway, I'll start with the reference photo.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/151124-spirit_tree_pic.jpg
As you can see it is quite dark, but I think that is part of what I like about it. The other big draw is the dead tree in the middle. I was fascinated by the way the trunk has twisted over the years, it kind of shows the life it has lived. This was the focus of the painting. I've named it spirit tree, and wanted to differentiate it strongly from the other trees surrounding it. Usually I am a realist painter, but I have used methods more akin to abstract or maybe even comic book illustration to try to communicate it's ghostly quality. Because of the level of decomposition it likely won't be there in another ten or twenty years, less if the parks people take it down, and I wanted to create a kind of memorial piece. So here is Spirit tree, there are a few small details I am not totally happy with yet, particularly the sapling growing in front of the tree closest to the viewer, but if you see anything else, please c and c, and let me know.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/151124-adj_tree.jpg
I scanned it so the image isn't perfect, but probably better than my photography skills. Oh yeah, and it is 9X12 on canvasette canvas textured 170lb paper.

[noodle1]

Good Morning Elizabeth and classmates.
http://www.curtumevexas.com/images/Smilies/Classroom3d.gif

This is a very productive group I'd say, everything looks fantastic!
Guilty as charged Elizabeth, http://www.curtumevexas.com/images/Smilies/BadGrade3d.gif I'm sorry ooooh don't want demerits, lol

Those references are gorgeous thanks for bringing them to our attention Nithya. Sue mine are blotches too...lol just tiny ones. Jesslyn I'm just old and cranky, ya know us old guys are never satisfied...hahaha I love what you did definitely needs to be out front and seen!

Well I think there is just too much to choose from..lol I'm getting picky, good day to make a decision and get going, rainy and yukky and that makes me want to snuggle down with some paint, in my jammies..haha Think I'll do a "chinese" painting...one from column A, one from column B :lol: Okay time to get serious.

Elaine

[Li'l Brown]

Sharon this looks really good!

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Sharon! YaY! The unveiling! Lovely reference, and painting! :clap: :D :clap: You've rendered beautifully the spirit that you were inspired to paint in your main tree. The branches have such life, freedom and grace, even though it is frozen at that moment in time when it ceased to live.

The only suggestion I might make is to perhaps add some additional slips of light leading from the back of the painting, to our right (where the light is coming from), to the main tree. This would help the viewer to understand the heightened brightness of your focal tree without blasting it.

To me, your trees do not look at all cartoony. Wonderful texture and colors on the focal, and the background trees blend so well and support the scene well. I didn't see anything wrong with the little sapling. A very sweet detail that to me is working just fine. :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Elaine!

I'm glad to know you've decided to behave :lol: ! Hey I know you were kidding, but a Chinese tree painting WOULD be awesome! I hope you do decide to try that! I think it's going to rain here too so I may get busy on some of my painting projects. I WAS planning on raking - fall leaves still on the ground.:eek:

More soon!

Elizabeth

PS - between you and Susan, you find the neatest smileys! How adorable is that one with the classroom! Cute cute cute!!! :D

[sveldstra]

Even my husband commented that the quality of the scan was bad, "you aren't showing them that?". So I broke out the camera, not sure if it's better or not. OK it wasn't, so I also broke out the tripod, (I definitely drink too much coffee.)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/151124-Radom_008.jpg

[marionh]

OK - finished my birch trees. On water colour paper, 1/4 sheet.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/42113-007_640x480.JPG

And a couple of progress images. I quite like the first one for its abstracty look:)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/42113-002_640x480.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/42113-004_640x480.JPG
Interesting journey. I didn't use enough paint in the first stage and I didn't realise until most of the way through that I had two groups of 4 - Maybe I should have painted out one of the back ones.

Off to view and read the progress of the thread.

PS - forgot to say that I don't have neutral grey or Mars black or the dark green. I used sap green, paynes grey,cadmium yellow and white - with the very slight addition of cereluem blue and red.

[LavenderFrost]

Everyone is doing so well! I guess I have reverted to my childhood ways of not doing my homework. :lol: Well, I did manage to put some lines on canvas yesterday. I hope today I can make more progress.

There is a grouphug icon here. :grouphug: Sounds like Ray needs one. If only I could also pass around the cherry cheesecake I made.

[edtree]

:wave: WoW Sharon! That IS quite a difference! I take back my advice on the lighting - you've done well with the value shifts as is. BEAUTIFUL Painting! :thumbsup: :clap: :thumbsup:

:wave: Hi Marion! Nice to see you back and to see your beautiful birch painting! Hummm, I think you're right, something really special about your initial painting, very abstract, with a touch of fantasy. Not to say though that your finished painting isn't equally good! Nice work on that bark, and what's unique and different about yours is how your background trees are distanced from the focal - maybe by accident - but because your background darks begin mainly toward the mid-line, it has given the piece the illusion of a grassy area behind the main birches and pushed the forest back in the painting. Very nice effect! :clap: :D :clap: The two sets of 4 trees isn't bothersome to me, but you could add another trunk to one of them - 'specially now that you've had all that practice!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Michelle! Oh what I wouldn't give for something sweet! It's a no-no on my diet :( I'll bet there will be plenty of other takers though and we love group hugs! I think I see Ray in the middle of all of us. :D :) :D

Can't wait to see what you're working on once you get going!

Elizabeth

[susme48]

Jesslyn, I really like yours!! Thank you! Not sure how we crossed with the times, I must have really taken a LONG time to type.

Elizabeth...hanging my head in shame over criticizing myself...but quite happy that you think it is good. My hubby told me to leave it the H*** alone, except to sign it.

Arnt I really like yours!!

Those are nice pics in the WDE!!

Wow, Sharon...that is neat!!

Marion, nice job!!

No caregiver today, or the weekend, so we will see if I get to paint or not..but I am watching!!

[laf.art]

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for this class, it is teaching me so much. I have completed the birch trees but as I don't have a scanner and am absolutely rubbish at the camera uploading thing I'm afraid I can't show it, but my other half is impressed and that's no mean feat lol

[Raymo]

:wave:we love group hugs! I think I see Ray in the middle of all of us. :D :) :D Elizabeth

That's what i'm talkin bout.....group grope....errr....hug :grouphug:

[edtree]

:wave: See Susan - you're outnumbered, lol! You'll see once you begin to display this (at shows). It will be very popular; I would bet money on it!

:wave: Hi Laf! You're very welcome! I'm so happy to know you're participating even though you haven't been able to post your progress pics! When you do find a way, even if it's after the class ends, please post it anyway. I'd love to see it!

:lol: Ray :lol: I think you must be feeling better? :D

Elizabeth

[PattiLou]

Wow, Sharon that is really cool! It doesn't look catoony to me at all.

Nice Birch forest Marion. I really like it.

I finished my homework today but when I took a picture it was too dark... will take another tomorrow. I deviated from the lesson.:p I did try it on watercolor paper but when I went to wipe off the paint... that sucker was not coming off period. It was soaked in and dry even though I was working quickly. Being outside in the heat probably didn't help. Anyway I tried it on somthing called 'Linen Canvas' by Strathmore. Still didn't want to wipe off, it is just too darn dry here, so I finished it without wiping off. Jeesh, I just can't follow the lesson, sorry teacher. :lol:

I didn't get out to take photos of bark either, but here is one from my files that I always thought was interesting. It is Rainbow Eucalyptus from Hawaii.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/125378-RainbowEucalyptus.jpg
Have a good evening all,

[Li'l Brown]

That's a very cool tree Patti Lou! I thought it was a painting at first!

Here are my finished birches. They must be older, bigger and more... rugged birches ;) Nonetheless I like how it turned out! I have the bark study done too, will have to wait til tomorrow to post it.

9X12 on wc paper (which, now that it is dry and not so buckled, I REALLY like the feel of!)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/52726-Birches.JPG

[noodle1]

Evening everyone,

Sharon have to ask is that the idea from the ATC's wow if it is I hope I get it lol selfish me haha, looks great and no not cartoony at all.

Hi Laf nice to have you in class, sorry bout the uploading thing, but if you want to try it again, what seems to be your biggest problem maybe we can help you figure it out. Would love to see your painting as would everyone.

Marion your birches came out great! Love the light and the feel of the path into the woods, very cool!

Patti, as one who lives to "deviate" I'll bet it's great..can't wait to see it.
Love that bark that would be fun to paint, love the markings on it.

Jesslyn that is terrific, I really love the texture you have. I'd be happy with this too it does have a good feel. Great going!

Okay folks, I got a quick pm from Elizabeth and was going to wait a day to see if she managed to get in but she's having a problem with her computer, every time she tries to upload her next demo it zaps out on her. She said it's done it four times in a row in the last hour, that's why the quick pm. And she was keeping it going but I think the pm to me might have been the last it would do. Maybe if it just sits a bit, she says it's rather old.

She will be getting the next demo in using another computer, if need be, but that may not be until Monday, but we're all busy with our painting, and uploading our progress so all we have to do "Raymo" dear lol, is behave while teacher is out of the class..:lol: Just teasing ya, and you must be feeling better which is a big "hurray".

Post away, we'll just swamp her...lol she'll love it. Worse case scenario is her
computer guy can't look at it until Tuesday or Wed., I did pm her back but I'm thinking she may not have been able to read it, I told her we're fine we have lots to do.

Have a great night everyone I'll see ya in the morning and hopefully Elizabeth will too.

Elaine

[susme48]

Elizabeth...I surrender to everyone's good taste...:)

Patti, neat pic!!

Jesslyn, I really like yours!!

Elaine, if Elizabeth was having the same problem I had most of the day...it might have been WC. I had a heck of a time getting anything to load, except the main page. So I spent the day painting...but not trees...people.

My dad is back in the hospital...so I needed to immerse myself!!

[noodle1]

Hi Sue,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, I will be praying.
I hope that's all it is too I jumped a day in saying something but I know everyone knows Elizabeth answers almost immediately and I believe that was what she was doing, giving us a heads up in case. Sorry you had problems too, so far I haven't had any with the site, who knows.

Elaine

[nithya_swamy]

Ok, my progress here. I am one confused soul right now as I am unsure how the painting will shape up. But here is a step by step process so far.

I have merged two fotos, only in my mind :D, and have directly sketched in on the canvas with a very watery burnt sienna. Have done the sky also quite watery now, with cerulean blue and titanium white. I plan to have some trees in the background, very shallow waters in the foreground with some rocks here and there. I also have a fallen branch in the foreground.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3335097140_d9a28e1baf.jpg

And then I have started adding dark foliage in between the trees. The colors used are olive green, some crimson and burnt sienna.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3334263691_cdd9641d89.jpg

Then I suddenly decided I wanted couple of more bigger trees in the foreground, and have sketched them with some olive green. Thats generally how haphazardly I work :D Since the background foliage is not supposed to be so dark, I have added a layer with titanium white, mauve and olive green. Very loosely mixed on the canvas itself. This is a night photo and it not so good.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3335098478_bc5d4d027f.jpg

Then I realize that the trees all look very evenly spaced, so define them a little more in clusters. Have added another layer of the sky too, as the first layer was too watery.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3334264953_627120de24.jpg

And then with some yellow ochre, burnt sienna and a hint of orange, I have added some foliage in the background. It is a winter scene with only dried up fall leaves, so no bright colors used really.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3335099878_532d8c879e.jpg

With some flesh tint for the brighter side, and pthalo blue + burnt sienna for the darker sides, I have done the trees again. Here is how it looks right now.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3335100390_b8b8b3cee8.jpg

Today I hope to define the trees properly and add more leaves etc. And hopefully start with the water. Will keep you all posted.

Oops, forgot to mention, mine is 16 * 20 inches on gallery wrapped canvas.

[snowfall]

Hi

Everyone's trees are looking so good.

I've attempted to make some improvements to my birch trees. I hope it looks better. I noticed a huge improvement as soon as I tidied up the centre bit where I had all those spindly trees.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/142898-birch_updated_004.jpg

I'm not sure whether I managed to sort out the far right hand side foliage though but I've had a go. I feel as though the painting is getting a bit dark so I will leave it alone now. But I will keep practising this one again until I get it right.

I have also had a go at the tree bark study

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/142898-birch_and_bark_006.jpg

Any suggestions for improvements are most welcome.

Now...on to the fall trees demo.

Bye for now.

Pam

[noodle1]

Morning Classmates,

Nithya that's looking great, you did a terrific job combining two photos.
Love the added touch of the stump foreground. The last progression you start to see a wonderful play of light, this is going to be awesome.

Pam you have been busy, wow! Personally I think it's dark where it should be and lighter following the direction of you source where it should be, you're tweaking was right on. I was thinking the same thing bout mine so I added some more specific dabs in certain areas seemed to help. I'm a big high contrast painter I like the drama and I think you've got some great depth going.
You're bark is soooo cool! Looks rough and dimensional, nice job!

I had gone looking for some Chinese/Japanese unusual trees, taking Elizabeth's suggestion and my joking a bit more seriously but I couldn't find any that weren't copyrighted, so I'm kind of making it up...lol Did a good deal of research now to apply it to my attempt. Different feel then the traditional landscapes they're use of color very unfamiliar to me, should be interesting...LOL

Just laid in the background last night and will post cause I promised to remember
to offer wips..lol I am so bad at stopping once I get started. Looks pretty scary at the moment but I'll post it later, have early errands to run and get it out of the way so I can get busy and paint

Big hugs to Elizabeth, will send them on the wind cause her computer being bad.

Happy Painting everyone, will see you all later,
Elaine

[edtree]

I finished my homework today but when I took a picture it was too dark... will take another tomorrow. I deviated from the lesson.:p I did try it on watercolor paper but when I went to wipe off the paint... that sucker was not coming off period. It was soaked in and dry even though I was working quickly. Being outside in the heat probably didn't help. Anyway I tried it on somthing called 'Linen Canvas' by Strathmore. Still didn't want to wipe off, it is just too darn dry here, so I finished it without wiping off. Jeesh, I just can't follow the lesson, sorry teacher. :lol:

I didn't get out to take photos of bark either, but here is one from my files that I always thought was interesting. It is Rainbow Eucalyptus from Hawaii.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/125378-RainbowEucalyptus.jpg
Have a good evening all,
:wave:Patti...this is LOVELY! Bravo for the deviation - The texture, the lighting, the background, all is rendered beautifully!

Note about watercolor paper: There have been times when I've painted something on watercolor paper and didn't like how it was going and actually took a wet toothbrush to the entire thing. Watercolor paper handles the "abuse" quite well, leaving only shadows of colors and shapes and makes a terrific muted surface to continue upon. Not that you need to do this, just for future reference when you're working with this paper.

I'm looking forward to seeing the updated photo of this, though truly, this is awesome awesome awesome! :clap::D:clap:

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Morning everyone! It's amazing how everyone comes up with something so different from the same reference. Nice going Nithya and Pam!

Hope Elizabeth's computer revives quickly. I recently had computer problems too and it is soooo aggravating. In the meantime, as you said Elaine, we have work to do! Gotta make Teach proud!:lol:

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Everyone!

Special thanks to Elaine for the note yesterday to the group about my computer woes and for keeping things afloat. I'm not sure now long the old gal will hold on, but after fiddling with her muchly last night, she seems to be hanging in there for the time being.

As Elaine mentioned, if I DO disappear, that will be why, but once I get back to work Monday, I will respond from there. I won't abandon ship, I promise.

Okay, off to respond individually! :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

Here are my finished birches. They must be older, bigger and more... rugged birches ;) Nonetheless I like how it turned out! I have the bark study done too, will have to wait til tomorrow to post it.

9X12 on wc paper (which, now that it is dry and not so buckled, I REALLY like the feel of!)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/52726-Birches.JPGMorning Jess! I LOVE your mature birches! They are so rugged and beautifully textured, with the exact right amount of shading. The trees in the background are excellently rendered as well, as is your foreground foliage. The depth you've created is perfect. I hope you've stood back to see the effects and how well you've done. Also love the way you highlighted just a few spots on the trunks too - lovely! Exceptional job on this! :clap::D:clap:

Elizabeth

PS - can't wait to see the bark study!!! :D

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Nithya!

I'm blown away by what I'm seeing so far, and so very pleased that you're providing us with so many wonderful photos with descriptions as you proceed. Your "by the seat of your pants" approach is fascinating and provides an awesome example of the mixing of reference (or in this case TWO references) and imagination.

I'll be watching intently! Beautiful work so far! :thumbsup: :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

I've attempted to make some improvements to my birch trees. I hope it looks better. I noticed a huge improvement as soon as I tidied up the centre bit where I had all those spindly trees.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/142898-birch_updated_004.jpg

I'm not sure whether I managed to sort out the far right hand side foliage though but I've had a go. I feel as though the painting is getting a bit dark so I will leave it alone now. But I will keep practising this one again until I get it right.

I have also had a go at the tree bark study

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/142898-birch_and_bark_006.jpg
:wave:Morning Pam!

You've been hard at work on those birches, and it shows! You've done such a good job messing up the foliage between and behind your focal trees! Such a difference! GREAT WORK!!!

This could very well stand as is, but I concur with Elaine's suggestion that you could add some additional foliage to the far right. Since that area is mostly in shadow, most of the foliage will be dark and mid-tone green with just a few hints of highlights. If you get too many, it lessens the impact.

Again, you're doing fantastically and I must add how very proud I am of how well you've done with the birches AND the oak tree. Beautiful texture and sense of presence. I couldn't help noticing too how nicely that hole came out in your study - you've rendered perfectly the way it protrudes and is deeply hollow. Magnificent use of light and shadow displayed in this. You did good! :clap::D:clap:

Elizabeth

[PattiLou]

:wave:Patti...this is LOVELY! Bravo for the deviation - The texture, the lighting, the background, all is rendered beautifully!

Note about watercolor paper: There have been times when I've painted something on watercolor paper and didn't like how it was going and actually took a wet toothbrush to the entire thing. Watercolor paper handles the "abuse" quite well, leaving only shadows of colors and shapes and makes a terrific muted surface to continue upon. Not that you need to do this, just for future reference when you're working with this paper.

I'm looking forward to seeing the updated photo of this, though truly, this is awesome awesome awesome! :clap::D:clap:

Elizabeth
Oops! No, no, no Elizabeth and everyone... the picture is just that... a picture of bark that I took long, long ago. I should have posted it separate from my comments about my painting.:eek: It was taken in Hawaii and is Rainbow Eucalyptus. Amazing isn't it?... wish I really could paint that good.:D

My painting is birch trees (supposed to be, lol) but the rest of the composition is, ugh, lets just say different than the lesson. I need to take a photo of it today and post, but right now we are off to the "Blooming Arts Festival". Hope to check out all the artists in the area.

cya later,

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Patti! Ah, my mistake, lol! (Sorry about that!) I missed somehow that last sentence which explained the tree/bark was a photo! It IS lovely though,and will make a great painting. I think it would be very do-able for you! I hope you give it a go for real! I'm standing by then for the photo of your birch painting. Hope you have loads of fun at the Blooming Arts Festival! I always like to check out other artist's work too!

:wave: Susan, I almost missed the post about your father. I'm SO sorry to hear he's in the hospital! I'll be adding him (and you) to my prayers.

Elizabeth

[edtree]

River Trees and Reflections Demo

Instead of presenting the entire demo, I've decided to post this in stages, just in case someone wants to paint along. I'll post updates each day (providing my computer cooperates, lol!)

Here is my reference (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=82693) photo from the Wet Canvas Photo Reference Library. Photo was taken by macdragon.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-stream.jpg

****************************************

This demo is a step-by-step example of a full landscape with trees and foliage. For this demo, I used a sheet of 9” x 12” canvas pad paper.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0001_small.jpg

****************************************

I started by measuring in ½” on all sides and marking with a pencil. I used 1” painters tape to secure the canvas paper to a piece of cardboard. By doing this, you will have a ½” border around your painting when you’re finished.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0002_small.jpg

****************************************

Once all 4 sides of the paper are taped, I run my fingernail along the edge to help seal it and prevent paint from seeping under the tape.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0003_small.jpg

****************************************

I begin by taking clear water and wetting the entire surface of the canvas paper using a 1” bristle brush. These brushes can be purchased at home improvement stores for under a buck!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0005_small.jpg

****************************************

The first colors I use are Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White, blended loosely on the palette.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0006_small.jpg

****************************************

With the canvas paper still quite wet, I apply the blue/white mix in broad horizontal strokes. Then, I let the painting dry completely which took about an hour.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0007_small.jpg

****************************************

After looking at the reference again, I saw that the sky has a slight pinkish hue so I loosely blended a bit of Permanent Rose with Titanium White and applied it to the painting. Please note that since the painting was dry, I used more water with the paint mixture as I did not want to completely obliterate the blue.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0008_small.jpg

****************************************

Here is the result. Notice that the paper is not a solid color, but varied with the pink, white, and light blue. I again, set this aside to dry completely.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0009__small.jpg


****************************************

The next step is the under painting phase, or blocking in. For this I used a thin mix of Burnt Umber and water using a medium, synthetic round brush. The consistency of the mix is illustrated in the photo below.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0010_small.jpg


****************************************

I used no pre-drawing for this exercise, as we do not necessarily want to make a carbon copy of the reference, but a painterly version. By eyeballing the basic layout, I loosely “drew” in the basic layout of the background using the Burnt Umber, dipping occasionally into the un-diluted blob of paint for the areas I wanted darker. Notice I am NOT painting the focal trees at this point. Those will come later. We are building this painting from back to front.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/94944-0011_small.jpg

****************************************

To be continued tomorrow (Sunday)......

[susme48]

Nithya...looking quite interesting so far...neat to watch you progress!

Pam...really good!

Glad you are back, for now Elizabeth!! Oh my, I am really falling behind! Ok...better get busy!!

[sveldstra]

Beautiful reference photo Elizabeth. I just love watching how other people paint. I'm looking forward to seeing this one develop. Unfortunately the piece I'm working on right now is a marine painting, so I won't be painting along, but I will definitely be following along and watching.

[arpett]

Hi there!
I have done some progress - think i will say that this is finished! or....????

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/157463-Bjørk-2_539_x_800.jpg

[mooz49]

Really enjoying your demo Elizabeth :clap: ....haven't tried any yet though! :o

[RPut]

Hi Everyone in Class! I'm late as usual and have a lot of reading and work to do! Trees are one of my favorite things to paint, so I will try to catch up and join in. I see I have a lot of reading to do!!! You all have been busy under Elizabeth's wonderful guidance!
My husband came home with this on his camera just yesterday. He is always taking ref pictures for me. Hope you don't mind if I share another tree! I think he's an awesome photographer!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/117502-IMG_2240.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/117502-IMG_2241.JPG
See you Later!!

[noodle1]

Ruthie I think he definitely is these are gorgeous!

Well I've done a little preliminary painting and ummm I have no idea where I am going with this..LOL Talk about cartoony so far, now Sharon this is cartoony
LOL

I usually have all my elements in place, but this one they'll come in a bit later (after I figure out what they are..lol) First two progressions and first of many bad photos..:o Actually I think it's the surface, until the layers build up photographs very grainy. 9X12 Ampersand Pastelbord Panel. Okay here's the first two.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/139027-Sized-1st-wip.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/139027-2nd-wip-tree-class.jpg

This one is kind of fun..so far..LOL Don't worry Elizabeth it will have a tree or trees..LOL

Elaine

[Raymo]

Hey Elaine.....why you paintin on pastel board ?

[susme48]

Nice tree your hubby is a good photographer, Ruthie!!

Elaine....I know I am gonna love this!!

[Li'l Brown]

Ok, running way behind but by golly I'm still in the race. My next sheet of wc paper is being stretched as I type this.

So, I did a lot of dabbing but then my picky side was butting in and making me "paint" details. So it's not quite what I wanted it to be but hopefully it still resembles bark. It's from a ref. I posted earlier in the thread- all the bark refs from me are maple, by the way. Then I was going to try to do more (hence the stick trees in the background) but decided I didn't want to anymore so I just left them.

Bark study, 9x12 on canvas board
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/52726-Bark_study.jpg

[Li'l Brown]

By the way, when stretching the wc paper, can it hurt it to use the hair dryer for faster drying?

[Li'l Brown]

Now I'm just being annoying. Here is my next reference pic, from the RIL, by Kathryn8 (thank you!)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/52726-18735Woods_IL_WC_01_by_KAthryn8.jpg

[noodle1]

Hi Guys,

Hey Raymo my man, that's pretty much all I use, everything I've painted round here so far has been on these panels, well in threads I started anyway. Use to use another brand, somewhat different but marble dust finish so when I saw these I thought I'd try them, the other company doesn't make them anymore either. I like the reaction of the marble dust surface with the paints and the reaction with just water. Spreads better, remains blendable longer because the layers soak in but don't dry quickly and in the end the colors stay sooo rich. Just my preference is all. But hey in your own words you could've figured that out being my other nickname from you is "weirdo"...LOL Some day you should try one, they're really a cool alternative.

Oh Sue I love you, you always push me towards the positive. Here's hoping you will and I will and of all teach will, I'm driven I want another A+ only with more ++++++s....:lol:

Time to get back to it.
Elaine

PS oops Jesslyn cross posted oh never annoying, that is beautiful isn't it, gonna try it, love the colors one could really explore tone and values with a single color. Thanks for sharing.

[~~Kathleen]

Hi all, after a crazy week of running around when I was supposed to be at home, I am back at it!
Wonderful work everyone:thumbsup:, and I have to admit that so many variations on a theme has really inspired me.:music::music::music:

Okay, while I have not been here in posting, I have been on line and following this class very closely.
Here are a couple of that I did a while back of Lodge Pole Pines, and the lakeside by the family cottage on Lake Manitoba.
To date, I do not think that I have done a better job of painting of trees.
430511
430512
430513

But reading here and learning about distance/bark and shadows has inspired me to try this painting.
The reference:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/92567-Fresh_beginning_original_size.JPG


Where I am now...a whole long way to go yet, but I can actually see that it is possible to do this:eek:
(I must be crazy)
I don't know what it is with me, but Green seems to be the dominant colour that I am working with lately, and there is never ever a green in my paint supplies that has fit the bill!!!!
So I mix and I blend.
Comments, while remembering that everything is just blocked in now, and I have an enormous amount of work here if I am ever to finish this!
C & C welcome (while remembering the above statement)
~~Kathleen
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/92567-fresh_beginnings_3.jpg

[noodle1]

Kathleen this is coming along beautifully, like the other too.

Jesslyn I'm scatter brained today your trunk is awesome girl!!!
I've always used water color blocks so I really don't know, I failed wc' as such
but I'm sure Elizabeth knows she's never failed anything.

Elaine

[~~Kathleen]

Thank-you Elaine, I added another "Tree" painting to the last post.
While the one I am working on now is not quite what the Teacher asked for, it is one that your class has inspired me to attempt! (FINALLY)
It has bark, distance,shadows and leaves.
(And a whole lot of GREEN!:lol:)
~~Kathleen

[susme48]

Kathleen....this is really getting interesting...love to watch you sort of pull a painting out of itself!

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Susan! :wave: Hi Sharon! :wave: Hi Anne!

Susan, you've already done so much considering all that's going on in your life. I hope you don't feel any pressure though you know I'd love to see MORE from you! :)

Sharon, Maybe the next classroom will be a good spot to work on or post your marine painting. I believe Kat will be presenting Water and Reflections - should prove to be a fantastic class and great timing right after this one on trees! :)

Ann - I'm looking forward to seeing some trees from you if you decide to try something. I've always so enjoyed your work! :)

Elizabeth

[edtree]

Hi there!
I have done some progress - think i will say that this is finished! or....????

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/157463-Bj%C3%B8rk-2_539_x_800.jpg
:wave:Hi again Arnt! WoW! You've really taken this to another level! I'm especially awed by your beautiful foreground foliage. Man oh man does that zing! Great work on the trees themselves too! Your entire painting has marvelous depth. You've done a fantastic job! I think you could very well call it finished!!! :clap::D:clap:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: WoW! Ruthie, those two tree pics your husband took are gorgeous! Wonderful atmosphere and the light coming through on that second is dazzling! Either of these would make an awesome painting! I hope you decide to jump in after you've peeked through the thread. There's always room for one more! :D

:wave: Hi Elaine! I'm already on the edge of my chair...I LOVE your painting so far. I can't believe you think this is cartoony! The way you've painted the sky is especially grand. It's going to be a wowzer! :thumbsup:

Elizabeth

[edtree]

Ok, running way behind but by golly I'm still in the race. My next sheet of wc paper is being stretched as I type this.

So, I did a lot of dabbing but then my picky side was butting in and making me "paint" details. So it's not quite what I wanted it to be but hopefully it still resembles bark. It's from a ref. I posted earlier in the thread- all the bark refs from me are maple, by the way. Then I was going to try to do more (hence the stick trees in the background) but decided I didn't want to anymore so I just left them.

Bark study, 9x12 on canvas board
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/52726-Bark_study.jpg
:wave:Hi Jess! I'm thrilled to see you decided to try a bark study! You're doing well so far, but if I may make a general observation....I get the feeling that once you got into this, you began creating bark as you see it in your mind, and not as it actually was in your reference. Not that we need to be a slave to our references, but, the unique quality needs to remain. I hope you decide to go back into this. Maybe turn it upside down and forget it's a tree, heck, forget it's bark! Just paint more of what you're really seeing. I hope I didn't overstep by saying this. I just know you can take this to greater heights! :D

Elizabeth

PS - The reference you've chosen for your next project is awesome! Love the atmosphere and the limited palette. I look forward to seeing this all dressed in paint! :thumbsup:

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Kathleen! Good to know you're still with us! Wonderful examples of trees in both your finished paintings. So different from each other, but I agree, some very fine work from you on both of these! Though I would loath to try and pick a fav, I tend to sway toward the first one. The style is light and it has exceptional mood!

I'm so impressed too by your current project. One of the most wonderful things happening here is the way that front branch comes toward us so beautifully! I think your greens are great, but I know what you mean. I piddle around with mixing a lot too to try and get some nice variation. Most of the tube greens I find too blue so I'm always adding yellow it seems. I can't find a single thing to pick at, my friend. Just keep going the way you are, it's coming together well! :thumbsup: :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Just popping back in real quick, Jesslyn I was asking you if you were going to give it a try, didn't mean I was.duh, my head is not on my shoulders today at all sorry.

Kathleen now the "first" one is grand as well, love the chopping stump.

Elizabeth ah thanks, if you believe it then I believe it shooting for "wowzer" then. Cartoony maybe in the sense of the colors at the moment, very different for me, I'm usually rather subdued but you have created the abandon in me, hurray, and there's no turning back..lol Only thing since I'm making this up I'm wondering about my perspective, background. Gotta stare at it for a bit an check Maureen's class too.

Back to work.
Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine!

Nothing about the perspective alerted my eye as bad or wrong, but it is pretty early in the game (at least from where "I'M" sitting)! LOL! That said, I'm waving you on to second base (can you tell I'm watching a baseball movie, hahaha!) :D

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Elaine I am looking forward to seeing your next update! I saw the clouds in the beginning stages and it has "NOODLE" written all over it!

Kathleen, I know what you mean about never seeming to have the right green to match the ref pic. I guess the good thing about nature is that you can find a thousand different shades of green so no matter what you have, you can make it work. Your progress pics look really, really good.

Hi Elizabeth, I know the bark study ended up kind of lame and I just wasn't into it. So I got lazy and said ah well it's good enough. I think I was over eager to get to the next project. I may yet return and try to fix it up.

But here is first pic of my next endeavor. Just a wash of burnt sienna with a little burnt umber mixed in at the bottom for some darks. Hmm, was I supposed to be working wet here? Must go back and check.

9x12 wc paper

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/52726-DCFN0007.JPG

[PattiLou]

Wow Arnt, some great trees in there.

Ruthie your husband did good on the photography. Those old trees have character don't they?

Elaine you are really going to town there girl. I'm pulling up a chair to see what it is going to be.

Jesslyn I keep waiting for some baby birds to pop their heads out, lol. And what a gorgeous picture you picked to paint.

Kathleen your first painting looks really cold, great job on both of them. The new one is coming along nicely and I like the backlit view.

I think I am caught up now... will post my work next.

[PattiLou]

Ok, here is my homework teach....
Like I said I started on watercolor paper and it didn't work for me. I'm not good at watercolor and I think it was just getting back at me, lol. Anyway, I switched to these little ATC cards that I have called Linen Canvas. I like the feel and it didn't buckle.

So I started adding green and tried to wipe it but not much came off. ( must paint really dry) Then I did the birch trees and then I thought it needed a path. But I just couldn't help myself and added some flowers and then a fence. Well, flowers need rain so I added a puddle so if you come walk with me watch where you walk. :lol:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/125378-BirchTrail.jpg

Trying to get my homework caught up and thought, what the heck, I'll do the tree bark on an ATC also. This one went real quick.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/125378-BarkStudy.jpg

Then I took a picture of my painting I have been working on. The shadow at the top is from my easel. This is a picture I took in Utah from Buck Canyon Overlook... Canyonlands NP. It is still on my easel so any C and C is welcome. It is 14"x18" on gallery wrap canvas.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/125378-BuckCynOverlook.jpg
I'm ready to move on now. I get tired of a painting after awhile and want to start something new, lol. The exercises have been a nice break from the juniper.

Thanks Elizabeth for the work you put into this thread.

[sveldstra]

Patti I just love all the texture in that twisted old tree. Absolutely mezmorizing .

[nithya_swamy]

Patti the last painting is brilliant!

[snowfall]

Hi

Thanks Elaine & Elizabeth for your comments and advice plus everyone else who commented.

I've just been updating myself with the thread. I'm overwhelmed with all the gorgeous work on this thread.

I'm about half way through the demo for autumn fall trees, but I'm not happy with it and I don't think I like working on watercolour paper either. I was using a watercolour block but the paper still seemed to buckle quite a lot. I spent quite a lot of time yesterday and I think I just got too tired with standing and painting. I am a bit too impatient and want to get to the end result quickly - I definately need to slow down a bit and think about what I'm doing. I ended up covering up most of my sky, the background foliage is hideous (i can't seem to get it right at all), I've lost my background trees and I ended up making my foreground trees too thick. I think I've placed things OK on the paper but ended up doing each thing too big for the actually size of the painting - not sure whether this makes sense or not!). Anyway, here is the mess I made:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/142898-autumn_trees_002.jpg

I'm going to abandon this one and start it again on different paper. I might go back to try and save it (if I'm desparate for something to do). But any tips to help with a rescue operation would be helpful or shall I just bin it?

Pam

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Jesslyn! Awesome start to your next project! I love the variations you've achieved already with just the two colors. Whether you worked wet or dry, the outcome so far is great! :thumbsup:

Which reference did you decide to paint? Forgive me if you posted it earlier...my memory isn't what it used to be :lol: :o !

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Good Morning Elizabeth and fellow classmates,

We are just such a good class, right teach?..LOL

Patti oh my goodness that is the tree I've been dreaming of, it is splendid!!!
You did such a marvelous job on all of them but the last wow girl you're amazing! The texture, the foliage the distance mountains/bluffs are incredible,
vertical depth, distance I am so in love with this painting! This is a materpiece!

Pam just me but I don't think loosing your sky (which I actually don't think you did) is a big deal, your view would seem to suggest larger front trees and the background would recede alot and get less defined that's where you get your depth from. I actually like it, maybe pick it up later and work on it. I don't see it being too big I see you being able to really pull back the background making it a long view with reverse light, like moving out of the trees into where the sun shines on the other trees..just me.

Well gotta get dressed for Mass. Today is my Willie's birthday, yes I'm insane but he's my little pug boy and he's ten and yes I'm taking him to Petco to pick out his present...:lol: :lol: He's been my buddy since he was wee and he
was my inspiration after my accident to get walking so I spoil him..lol

I'll be back do intend to paint some today, have to keep up with you guys you're all so prolific and good. See ya later.

Elaine

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Patti!

I love the birches with the special touches! The fence, the path, the flowers - ALL wonderful additions and the puddle gives that area right in front that extra bit of sparkle! I think the path gives even more depth to this scene, and too, makes the painting unique! Only one teeny tiny suggestion and that would be to perhaps carry over on to your path a few hints of those charming flowers.

The oak bark tree is beautifully painted as well! I love that you finished yours with a background and added that tiny branch to the right. You did an outstanding job on this! (I agree too, it was a short, but fun tree to do, wasn't it?)

And finally....man oh man is that juniper tree SWEET! Not only that, the sky and clouds and your background elements are superb! I wonder if tiring of a painting is an indication that it is done.....hummmm.....In this case, I'd say yes! AWESOME !!!!

I've so enjoyed all of your work here in this thread, Patti. You're a very talented painter and I'm sure as time goes by and others view this, they will find your paintings to be very inspirational. I hope you decide to do more, (especially since we've got a whole week to go), but even if not, thank you so much for your participation! :clap: :D :clap:

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Mornin Sharon and Nithya!

Patti, holy moly, that painting is astounding! The tree is beautifully painted but so is the rest of it. Bravo!

Hi Pam, I am about to start that exercise today and I have a feeling it's not going to be quite as easy as Elizabeth makes it look lol.

Hi Elizabeth- the ref. is the one from the RIL by Kathryn8 - the trees in the yellowish-foggy light. I posted it here a bit back.

HI Elaine, have fun present-shopping. We just bought kitties new toys and a new water dish so I don;t think you're insane at all. :D

Hope to get some painting in this morning. It's a gloomy, rainy day here, so it's a good day to be inside.

[PattiLou]

Thank you Sharon and Nithya for your very kind comments.

Oh Elaine, maybe Ray is right... if you have been dreaming of my tree you are wierd... (just teasing you know:p ) Thanks for your exhuberant comments. I might have to paint another tree now.:D

Elizabeth -
On the birch tree wildflowers do you mean I should let them spill over into the pathway. I thought about that and that I probably had the path to straight. This is the first time I have painted ATC size... they both show much bigger on the screen than they really are. I can fix the flowers easy enough. By the way do you apply a final varnish or medium to ATC's?

Funny story about the Juniper tree. When we stopped at this overlook it was mid-day and the Utah sun was very bright, temps over 100 degrees. It was an awsome view (to the left of the tree) where everyone was taking pictures of the canyon, but the sun was shining directly into the camera. I took one look and knew the pictures would turn out poorly so went looking for other scenes and found this tree with the view behind it. I know everyone probably thought I was crazy kneeling down on the ground in just the right position for another tree to block some of the sun, but hey, I'm used to it and I like my tree.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm not tired of the thread (you can't get rid of me that easy, lol) just tired of this particular painting. I guess it is time to sign, varnish and frame it. I'm waiting to see what is next and enjoying everyones inspiring work.

Hey there Jesslyn... we missed each other in cyber-space. Thank you much for your kind comments.

[edtree]

:wave: Good Morning Pam!

Please don't be discouraged with your painting. The only thing slightly amiss really is that some of your foreground trees are a bit too dark. It is definitely not ruined though, and I don't think you're seeing all the good here.

For instance, it is really quite lovely when you happen upon a spot in a forest when the trees take center stage and all you see are a few peeks of sky and light. Even though your painting may not be exactly like mine or like the reference...I say, so what! You can work with what you have and make it spectacular!

Your background foliage colors are beautiful really. I encourage you to step back from your work or from your screen and you will see this. :)

Okay, where to go from here (should you decide NOT to scrap this one) I suggest mixing up some burnt sienna, payne's gray and just a touch of titanium white and painting over your dark trees EXCEPT the very front 3 or 4. This will give you your mid ground. Here's a quick illustration I did in MicroSoft Paint for you:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-Midground_tree_revision_small.jpg

See how even by lightening just a few trees in the mid ground, it lightens the entire scene? Remember too, there will be much foreground foliage added and that will add yet another layer of depth. Let me know if you want to continue and we'll work some more on this.

I will be watching for your update! :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Elaine!

Not silly at all about Willie's birthday. I celebrate all my kitty's births, though two were strays and I have NO IDEA how old they are really. I just made them all on the same day :lol:! I'm sure you'll pick the perfect gift, and I'm sure he'll know it's his special day!

Oh yes, this class is the BEST! I'm having a great time painting with all of you, and so proud of all the spectacular work being created! I hope everyone knows too that I want to hear when these find new homes (if you sell your work)! :clap:

Okay, hope you have a good Mass and a fun time picking Willie's bd present! See you when you get back! :D

Elizabeth

[PattiLou]

I am a bit too impatient and want to get to the end result quickly - I definately need to slow down a bit and think about what I'm doing. I ended up covering up most of my sky, the background foliage is hideous (i can't seem to get it right at all), I've lost my background trees and I ended up making my foreground trees too thick. I think I've placed things OK on the paper but ended up doing each thing too big for the actually size of the painting - not sure whether this makes sense or not!). Anyway, here is the mess I made: Pam

Pam - you sound like me about being impatient. Anyway, it's not a mess... just not defined yet! Take a break and look at something else then come back and make this particular painting your own. After all if you wanted a picture you could use a camera and take one. :lol: I found doing the exercises on little ATC's a break from my main painting. I think I need to do that more often and have more than one painting going at a time.

Looking forward to what you do if you choose to go forward. By the way, I am queen of scrapping things, so you can't be.:D

[edtree]

:wave:Hi again Patti!


Elizabeth -
On the birch tree wildflowers do you mean I should let them spill over into the pathway. I thought about that and that I probably had the path to straight.
* Exactly! Just a few here and there so that it doesn't appear trimmed along the edge. :)

This is the first time I have painted ATC size... they both show much bigger on the screen than they really are. I can fix the flowers easy enough. By the way do you apply a final varnish or medium to ATC's?
* I don't have much ATC experience, BUT, I don't believe they would or should be treated any differently than a full-sized painting. If it were me, I'd give it at least a coat of medium.

Funny story about the Juniper tree. When we stopped at this overlook it was mid-day and the Utah sun was very bright, temps over 100 degrees. It was an awsome view (to the left of the tree) where everyone was taking pictures of the canyon, but the sun was shining directly into the camera. I took one look and knew the pictures would turn out poorly so went looking for other scenes and found this tree with the view behind it. I know everyone probably thought I was crazy kneeling down on the ground in just the right position for another tree to block some of the sun, but hey, I'm used to it and I like my tree.
* It was an excellent shot, Patti. The view was perfect! So much depth and the focal, beautifully placed! I have always believed it takes an artist's eye and soul to take a good photo. You not only did that, but painted it too! Thanks for sharing the story of this. Makes me want to head out with my camera! I rely too much on others' photos.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm not tired of the thread (you can't get rid of me that easy, lol) just tired of this particular painting. I guess it is time to sign, varnish and frame it. I'm waiting to see what is next and enjoying everyones inspiring work.
* I'm SO glad to hear that, Patti! YaY! :D

Elizabeth

[edtree]

River Trees and Reflections Demo (Part 2)

Here’s where we left off yesterday:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-0011_small.jpg

Notice that even at this very early stage, the impression of reflective water is already apparent. Because a body of water acts like a mirror, it will reflect the same colors of the sky. To be sure the water is reflecting the sky accurately, it is best to use this approach and paint them at the same time.

****************************************

Still getting a feel for the basic lay of the land, and still in the under-painting stage, I add Payne's gray to my palette. With a diluted mix of the payne's and water, I add the background trees and leaves. For the tree branches and trunks, I used a fluid sweeping motion from bottom to top to help taper the trees at the tips where they narrow. For the leaves, I employed the dry-brush method, meaning, very little paint on the brush - so little that it is nearly dry - and scrubbing the color onto the painting. If these methods are new to you, it might be helpful to test your paint strokes on a scrap before applying the color to the painting. If you do get to heavy a color, you must wipe it off right away or it will be permanent.

Since we have these same trees reflecting in the water, it is best then to paint your trees ONE AT A TIME – first the land tree, then the reflected tree, moving from one side of the painting to the other (left to right) until you’ve painted all the trees. Working in this fashion will help you keep both sets of trees fairly identical.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-0013.JPG

At this point, I also add some of the Payne's gray to the bushes behind the far river bank and a bit to the river's far edge. Not much. Remember, we're building in layers so nothing should be too heavy.


****************************************

Continuing with the under painting, I now add Phthalo Green to palette, mixing it loosely with a bit of the Payne’s Gray.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-0014_small.jpg

Using a medium round brush, I add bits of the deep green foliage to both the background and to the water area. Again, for the furthest trees, keep the paint thin. I also added this mixture, a bit heavier, along the river’s far edge.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-0015_small.jpg

****************************************

Proceeding with the under painting, I decide to deepen further the shadow areas of the green foliage. For this I used a mixture of Mars black and Cadmium yellow. Then I let the painting dry completely.

Once the painting was good and dry, I decided to add a few brights. For this, I use Cadmium Yellow Medium with the Phthalo Green. Please note that these two colors should not be completely mixed, but only slightly blended so that the intensity of the color may be varied over different portions of the painting. The paint is applied to the painting using a combination of methods: dry brushing, light dabs and a few well-placed short swipes. Remember, a little goes a long way with yellow and if you get too much in the sky area, it will turn it green. Precede using minimal amounts of color.

This view shows both the deepening of the greens and the brights.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/94944-0017_small.jpg

****************************************

To be continued tomorrow (Monday)...

[noodle1]

Just had to check before I ran out, Elizabeth this is a stunning demo, I've always hedged reflections I just may have to try tho you make it look soooo
possible. Beautifully inspiring.

Patti, ROFLOL..I am weird just won't admit it to Raymo hahaha but I knew you were kidding. I meant...years and years ago I did a wc of a tree so similar but was with an oriental theme (only one that ever looked fairly decent..haha)and thinking about maybe doing another I went to find that one, which among all my junk I just can't find...so it wasn't so much "your" tree but one that was so darn close that that was weird..LOL Guess wasn't suppose to tho but just couldn't believe it when I saw your astounding painting, it was almost the same tree..LOL

Gonna git see ya all later, happy painting.
Elaine

[LavenderFrost]

Elaine, wish Willie a happy birthday from me! My Kira will also be ten this year, in April.

Patti, I always coat my ATCs with a matte spray for protection.

Everyone is doing a great job on their paintings. I'm making slow progress, as usual, but I have remembered to take a few pictures along the way. I'll post them all at once when I'm done.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Elaine! I'm glad you're enjoying the demo! I've tried to add a few more descriptions this time! I hope you do give reflections a go; I'm sure you would do them up beautifully! :D

:wave: Hi Michelle! I'm glad to know you've got a painting in progress WITH pics! YaY! I'm looking forward to having a peek! :D

It's been pretty quiet in here today. I hope this means everyone is super busy on their paintings! :p

Until soon,

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Good Sunday Afternoon Everyone!

Believe it or not, we’ve got a whole week to go before this class officially ends.

So far, I’ve presented what I thought you might like to know or learn, but I’d like to know what you would like to perhaps have presented in the second half. This past week I was blessed with time off from work but will have to return on Monday (so I may not be as prompt in replying). Even so, I would be more than happy to work on some specific areas of trouble or interest for you.

Please post your requests and I’ll do my very best to accommodate them!:D

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Well, here is a day's painting. I took progress pics and just will post them all together. I would resize them but it takes too long so they are all going to be large. :o

9x12 on wc paper

The reference photo:http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-18735Woods_IL_WC_01_by_KAthryn8.jpg

Stage 1- the background:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-1.JPG

Stage 2-Background trees: I accidentally put in a couple of close ones here which did make it a litle harder for me later on.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-2.JPG

Stage 3- Drybrushing the background foliage. I really wondered if this was going to get better at this point.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-3.JPG

Stage 4- Mid- and foreground trees: Thought I botched it good with those big black trees in front :(
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-4.JPG

Stage 5- More working on getting the values of teh trees correct. This part I found challenging bc teh bg trees were more of that burnt sienna but the very closest were regular black and grey. I was confuzzed. :confused:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-5.JPG

Stage 6: The end. Had enough! Unless Teach has suggestions of course. Here is my tentative final product. I've added some yellow leaves in the foreground but they are not so solid IRL.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/52726-Final.JPG

There we go. C&C please :D

[edtree]

:wave: WoW Jessyln! I have to say it again...WOW!!! Your painting turned out fantastically! I was nodding along as I read your captions because I've had many of those same experiences. That scrubby stage when you wonder if it will ever actually BE something...the "uh oh" stage where you wonder if your values are right or if you'll be able to correct them. At last though, we arrive at the Ahhhhh stage, which you did brilliantly!

Love love love the way you created those leaves on the ground and the additional sharp shadows. Very striking and beautiful! The variations of color strength from foreground trees to background trees is exceptionally well done. It looks perfect! I'm so proud and I hope that you're equally proud of yourself!!! :clap: :D :clap:

Elizabeth

[susme48]

Jesslyn, your bark is interesting...alot like I usually do it. And I love your new one!!

Patti...this is great!! Nice bark! And a major wowowowow on that tree and canyon and sky!! You did such a great job!!

If I have missed commenting on anyone...please forgive me...this is one busy classroom!! Elizabeth is such a good teacher...I am sure learning alot!! In a number of areas!

Pam, I am another person with immediate gratification issues...:lol: I want it right...and I want it right, right now!

Elizabeth, I am looking forward to following both of your demos, but not sure I will be able to get to them very soon. I am so glad we are not limited to just the length of the class!!

Jesslyn...I like how yours turned out!!

Well, I am really behind in my homework...have not started on the fall study, or the reflection study, or the "big one"...sigh! Not enough painting time when I am here by myself with Bubba.

Anyway...after taking a bunch more photos of bark...Bubba and I went our for an hour or so yesterday taking all kinds of pics, while he got to ride in the back of the pickup, and pick up a few cool rocks along the way.

I finally decided to use this pic of an old southern pine, because of an added 'bonus'...an empty cicadda shell. It is not too great, I quit painting on paper, and it is hard to go back to...:lol: but at least I tried. I wish I had made it smaller, bark is harder to make look real up close and in your face (I think).

Guess I am babbling and stalling...:lol: it is 8x10 on archival scrapbooking cardstock.

Ref....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/51170-pineandcicadashell.jpg

Mine...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/51170-mybark1x.jpg

[noodle1]

Hi all,

Oh my Jesslyn what you did girl, whoohoo! Less classy response then our teacher but it's sincere, you did so well. The reason I never painted landscapes in my whole life til now was that "masses" scared the life out of me, I saw this one and gulped but I know I have to try, I'm so in awe of your outcome. :clap:

Sue!!! Wow that is stunning! Gotta tell you I've watched you since I came and you just get better and better and better, thrills the daylights out of me my friend.

I set in my tree with one to go but you can't see the sketch, I can't see the sketch, gonna go paint a bit now when I get some shape I'll take a pix.
Just wanted Elizabeth to know I wasn't slacking off..LOL Boy now I do have some catching up to do..:eek:

Back to work.

Elaine

[susme48]

Thanks, Elaine!!!

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Susan!

I see you've been hard at work. This is a superb bark study/painting complete with bug!:D That bark to the left is especially wonderful - such great variations of color and lots of nooks and crannies - your transition area to the other color of bark is also extremely well done! I can't remember who it was that said it, but I agree, you have a true talent for textures. Awesome work on this - another one ready to sign! :clap: :thumbsup: :clap:

Elizabeth

PS - almost forgot, your pine needles are mighty fine as well, and gives the painting a wonderful zing of color! :music:

[Li'l Brown]

Thanks for the positive feedback ladies! Elizabeth that is high praise coming frm you. I'm pretty pleased with it too but I do see the things I don't like. You have revived my love of landscapes here! Thank you for that :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Sue your bark is awesome! That bug shell (while well painted) is GROSS!!! I have a big thing with large beetle-types ever since I lived in Taiwan and there were huge FLYING cockroaches everywhere! One landed in my hair one day... shoulda seen me FREAK OUT! They also seem to make me want to type in all caps :P

Elaine girl, you better get crackin'! :lol: Good thing Elizabeth is patient with us huh? Looking forward to seeing your next update too!

[susme48]

Thanks, Elaine!! I appreciate your kind words!!

Jesslyn, thank you!! I am with you about the flying cockroaches ( had them in Florida) big enough to feel like they could carry you away...shudder. Cicaada's I grew up with, and know they don't hurt you...just make alot of noise...:lol:

[~~Kathleen]

Again, I have had to be away, and while I arrived home this morning, because of the weather I had to stay at the airport for a few hours 'till the highways were opened up again. We have been experiencing a wicked cold snap with gale force winds plummeting the temps to almost 40belowF.
I see that now with the wind dying down, it is now only -30C. (about 22 below F.)
But I got home and gazed upon Howards garden and started to dream.......:music::music: Man-oh-man his flowers look positively wonderful right now.

Fabulous works here, what a fun class....I am so pleased when I look at everyones efforts.
Good for you all!
I got about 3/4 of an hour painting in before my company arrived this evening, and this is the result.
(Remember, I am kinda going off on my own tangent here with the lessons learned here)
I have circled a glaring mistake. I must increase the size of this branch so it follows through. The way it is right now looks wrong.
I will begin working on the bark with the twig buds on it next. This is a smooth branch and almost red in colour, so it will be a challenge.
As well, I want to keep the depth of the extended branch as it is isolated from the others. (make sense?)
C & C welcome and very much appreciated, as I have learned here that often others can see what is right in my face but I just cannot seem to unless someone points it out.
~~Kathleen
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2009/92567-for_posting.JPG

[snowfall]

Hi

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to fight to the end and carry on with my painting. It's all part of the learning experience for me and it seems daft to abandon it altogether...

Patti - good idea about doing the smaller paintings. ATC sizes will probably help me out a lot. I think I am heavy handed at the moment and painting small will force me to be more precise and more light handed (hopefully).

Elaine - thanks for your comments. Hope Willie enjoyed his birthday treat.

Jesslyn - gorgeous painting. I love the muted background and all the interesting shapes in the foreground trees.

Susan - your bark study is looking great and a cute little bug (looks cute on paper but horrible in real life)!

Kathleen - your painting is looking great, can't wait to see it finished.

Elizabeth - I've decided to carry on with the painting. I didn't manage to get any painting done yesterday (Sunday) so I have nothing to post yet but i will change the trees as you suggested and then start to do the foregound foliage (hopefully at some point today).

Thanks again everyone - I hope I haven't missed anyone out.

Bye for now.
Pam

[edtree]

:wave: Morning Kathleen!

Yikes, those cold temps and winds sound ferocious! Hopefully the brutal bout of weather was short lived! I'm longing for Spring, and flowers too. :)

Your painting is coming along nicely. I love the focal branch, especially at the joint! Very well done...so natural! The birthing leaves are already spectacular too! I have no doubt you'll pull off the smooth bark just fine! :thumbsup:

So glad you checked in and showed us your beautiful progress!

Elizabeth

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Pam!

YaY! I'm glad you decided to keep going with your painting. One of the keys to becoming a better painter is finding ways to edit when things don't turn out as planned. (Heck, you haven't even strayed off the path that far with this one - you should see some of my blunders!!! :eek: ) I have faith you will do just fine!

Looking forward to seeing the update! :D

Elizabeth

[Li'l Brown]

Morning! A sleepy morning with the time change here, and I have some kind of eye infection so as usual, Mondays suck. But wc! makes it better :D

Kathleen this is looking sooo good! I guess the mistake is glaring to you but I never would have known.

Go Pam Go! Go Pam Go!

[PattiLou]

Way to go Pam.... waiting for the update!!!

Kathleen - Looking good from here. So sorry about your weather and glad it is not me.:lol:

Susan - Your bark texture looks great and even the bug. They are fascinating to see stuck on the tree aren't they? Just a small little tweak would make your tree look more rounded... by darkening the one side just a tad. Like the following:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2009/125378-51170-mybark1x.jpg
Looking at your reference it appears (to me) that the sun is hitting the side where the cicada shell is and the other side is in the shade. Just my thoughts that you could very well ignore.:D

[noodle1]

Good Morning Elizabeth and Classmates,

I'm tardy but I actually jumped right in to painting after making the rounds..LOL

Elaine girl, you better get crackin'!Jesslyn I know, I know.LOL Old age plus the tortoise syndrome makes "hurry" seem like a foreign word...:D

I'll have something to show a little later, have no idea where I am going with my color palette, I think an alien has invaded my body, I got up this morning, looked at it and said "who did that...." LOL

Kathleen had you not circled it I would not have noticed and even after you did I still didn't notice..lol Great going girl!

Okay I've yakked enough, gotta get to work, haha
See you later, I'm in the back of class trying not to give in to my chatty nature and just paint...lol

Elaine

[oldradagast]

Wonderful trees here - good job to all!

Cicadas... hahaha, they are such silly bugs! Harmless, but BIG and LOUD!

[susme48]

Thanks, Pam!

I see what you mean Elizabeth. Actually the sun was right behind me...so the shady side was behind the tree. But it does look better witht the shadow. Don't know that I will do anything much with it...put it in my album of paintings to save but not frame...:)

Kathleen I am so enjoying watching this progress!!

Matthew...that is so right...big and loud!

[nithya_swamy]

Susan, your bark is awesome. The texture is mindblowing. Great tree paintings everyone :)

Here's what I am upto. Added some more mauve around the barks just to define them better. Did the barks in more detail.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3342293062_4707a97ff3.jpg

Then added some darks around the lower part of the barks. Have started work on the rocks as well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3341460145_8328160383.jpg

Elizabeth, I'd like to know if it has any depth at all. The painting is still at a very unsure stage, I am trying to get the picture in my mind. Your feedback is welcome. Any suggestions for improvement are greatly appreciated.