Why You Struggle to Paint Trees. I Can Help.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Like this video? Want to buy me a new tube of paint... or generally, just support the channel? Now you can and it would be most appreciated. Once I reach my $1,000 goal, I'll be buying a second camera to record my mixing palette since it's the number one request I get. Cheers! www.buymeacoffee.com/steveatkinson

[@louisekrause8559]

Love your work! Nice to see a 'lefty' at work

[@bogtrottername7001]

Agreed ! Aren't all of us lefties born geniuses ???

[@consueloyoung4484]

Loved your demo. Look forward to more and would love to go through your closet, bet there’s a painting I would love, lol 😂

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Consuelo, I appreciate that!

[@lisengel2498]

Very fine and inspiring process - and the most important advice of not being afraid - and Reading the book Landscape painting by Carlson

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching Lis!

[@oreokookie1000]

exactly right about the tree personality...this summer, all I painted was treelines....one of my best had a sideview of about a dozen trees. We had a heat wave here in new england, and in august, some of the trees in my treeline changed color. all of the trees had the same curve side shape, yet each one had a bit different green, some had an orange top. That was an exciting discovery after painting for 50 years outside!!

[@jimstormcrow]

Came here by accident just looking for motivation...I really enjoyed your process, thanks.

[@Kelliesniderart]

You're a very good teacher. Thank you so much.

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Love your demo and the confidence-building talk. Thank you. Fear has no place... and "it's a series of corrections"... love it!

[@saratarr2231]

I’ve learned more from watching two of your videos than I have in many many classes. Thank you. I’m not a beginner so it’s fun to watch your hands with audio off a second time through. Gestures of trees is what I’m trying to do better…I have a long way to go. I think you have stopped this channel and I’m sad about that. It’s so valuable to have good teachers accessible and I’m in Seattle.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Sara, it does my heart good to know my videos are helping you. BTW, I've not stopped the channel. Life has gotten in the way and I'm working on a large commission as well as some paintings for show deadlines that are coming up. I do have several videos in the can and just need to have the voiceovers added. Stay tuned!

[@johncarmanarts]

Nice demo and info. Tank you. Fwiw, as far as simplifying, the painting looked it’s best at a lot 20-22 minutes.

[@SB-qs9zu]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE this demonstration! Thank you.

[@LGLRTV]

LOVE this painting and how you went about achieving it. Thank you for the video

[@jerrythomas7401]

You have such a great voice to listen to and I appreciate you sharing your life long experience with everyone. Great work on all your paintings.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Jerry, I really appreciate that! Paint on!

[@robv.9258]

This was a KZbin recommendation... I’m glad it was. Thank you sir for the video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Rob, I'm glad it was too! Welcome!!

[@emmanuelpower2439]

The search is on for Carlsons book... i don't think i really understood the passage you read, but your explanation helped a lot. More thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're right Emmanuel, John Carlson's book is not the easiest to understand. But, I encourage you to take the time to get used to the outdated writing style and you'll find it's loaded with painting gems and well worth the effort. Here's a link to it on Amazon (not an affiliate link): www.amazon.com/Carlsons-Guide-Landscape-Painting-Carlson/dp/0486229270/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35MPJ2UKADAR1&keywords=john+f+carlson+guide+to+landscape+painting&qid=1669219972&sprefix=john+f+carl%2Caps%2C354&sr=8-1

[@howlingwind1937]

That was nice that you said the trees were living breathing beings who are individuals in their own way and don't encroach on another trees space. Once again thank you for sharing your video. Cheers from Tasmania!

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Also really enjoyed the soundtracks you put with your video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Awesome, thank you!

[@giovannisiano574]

A video that inspires optimism in the process of painting!

[@annmariethomas9968]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your expertise and for the encouraging words.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Ann Marie. Paint On!!

[@sandragisbell9072]

Like the song that was playing during the sketch time. Love the way you paint

[@MIM-hf6pv]

Beautifull style and color you create ! I unfortunately feel fear of painting and hope the more I work it would go away . Best regards from Poland !

[@EugeniaPortobello]

Super helpful and enjoyable.

[@EugeniaPortobello]

And love the painting! (forgot to mention)

[@vickiduron7218]

I love this painting. I can't wait to try this technique.

[@donnamccormick807]

I really appreciate your encouragement and practical positivism!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Donna, that's kind of you to say!

[@brianmcginty5837]

Your landscape paintings are impressive. It's very helpful to watch you paint and to see the results you achieve.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you and happy painting!!

[@johnslawson3917]

Hya Steve, really like your trees ! Just had a quick go thru of Carlsons Guide, wow ! most informative ! John Slawson, Toronto, Canada

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi John, somehow I missed your comment. Sorry about that. Awesome, thank you! Carlson's Guide to Outdoor painting is the best. Love his paintings too! Paint On!!

[@marthasierra7801]

Wonderful tutorial, thanks so much.

[@ColaBuildsMC]

Very helpful! Loved the music

[@Handotr]

Man, I love your oil painting tutorials. Thanks for all the tips. I will be able to implement immediately

[@MiuArtStudioUK]

Thank you, this is the style I love and I wish one day I will be able to paint like you! I have learned a lot in this video. 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Miu. All it takes is dedication and brush mileage and you can get there!

[@demej00]

Beautiful.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Jimmy! And thanks for watching

[@peggymary]

you're a very good teacher...loaded with tips, shared experiences and encouragement. Great job of filming, too - I learned a lot. thank you!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful Peg. We're all just standing on the shoulders of our teachers and I'm thankful to be able to pass along what I know, or learn along with you! Best of luck with your journey!!

[@DanielL143]

Pure joy.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hey, thanks Daniel, much appreciated!

[@freemandodsworth6526]

Just great! I have a moldy old copy of Carlson's book from a printing back in the Sixties and I would not trade it for a shiny new one. Your fluid strokes and awesome value/color control are inspirational!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Freeman. Yeah, mine's new. I got it in the 80's!

[@rembvanrijn]

Excellent video, Steve, many thanks!

[@adrianadebeer4958]

Love your technique

[@Coco2345ful]

I would love to see more of your work, process for mixing those fabulous greens!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for the suggestion Dee. I'll add it to my to-do list for future videos! Happy painting!!

[@triciaratliff3366]

You do give the trees great personality. Thanks for sharing. =)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Awww, thanks Tricia! What a kind thing to say. =0)

[@jillrobbins4488]

I learned so much about painting trees and about variety in brush strokes. Thank you so much for this wonderful video!

[@bruceosborne1892]

Always a pleasure to watch you paint Steve. Sure glad I fond you on here. Thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Aw, thanks Bruce! I'm sure glad you found me too. Hope you're well!

[@pleinaire8698]

LOVE the Carlson book and have referred to it many times!!

[@janakiperera7387]

Excellent tutorial.

[@mikerockwood4475]

Thank you for sharing and teaching. Your help , helps me to enjoy being an artist, getting lost in a creative mind and ending up with the joy of being an artist.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's so great to hear Mike! The world needs more painters and Art! Go get 'em!!

[@lindasteere1873]

Love the trees along with the rest of the painting. I usually paint too much detail in them so I will try your method now. You do great work so thanks for sharing!

[@roslynr9767]

Thank you so much! I am struggling with trees and your video helped so much. Plus, as a lefty I appreciate watching another lefty! I feel turned around when I watch a right handed person paint. It is subtle, but definitely has an effect on me. I will start watching your videos more. Great music!! Would like to know your pallet.

[@stevenwmclean]

Brilliant. Thanks Steve. Very enjoyable.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hiya Steve! Thanks for checking in, I always look forward to hearing from you. Paint on!

[@karenwhite6140]

Great video and superb painting! Super-helpful commentary, too!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Karen, we come to the family!

[@marvinhirschfield9999]

Very good explanations. Clear and informative.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Marvin, glad you liked it! Happy Thanksgiving.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Nice my friend! Some excellent essential ideas on rendering trees. "Check your values" agreed, so important, and I believe even more so than color which many painters tend to obsess over. Hope the quarantine is treating you alright. Take care.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Steve, thanks for checking in. I know you do a fair amount of tree instruction in watercolor and I figured, hey, what's one more in oil, ha! Life is pretty normal here and I hope it is for you too. Paint on brother!!

[@BrandochGarage]

Great video. You have so much really good advice in here, and not just about painting trees. Anyone interested in painting would do well to listen to your words. You have made a great impression on me. Trees are great, music is very relaxing on a rainy day for me up here where I am. I am by no means an expert, but I had a few compliments on trees in the past. Every knows trees, and I think people appreciate them so much. I sure miss them when they disappear.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Brandoch Garage! Thanks for the compliment, I do appreciate it. Yeah, there's just something so right about putting painting and music together. Everyone has such different musical tastes that it can be hard to choose music for the videos, but I just play what I like to hear and hopefully don't turn too many people away with it ;0)

[@sherrierichard2848]

Great tutorial! Thank you.

[@tombryan720]

Very nice it's been great watching your videos.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad you like them, thanks for taking the time and I hope you find them helpful Tom. Paint on!!

[@Ramesh_009]

Sir! Give video guidance on the subject of banyan tree, root, leaf, picture understanding and its colors.

[@teresagrigsby-rose8761]

It's gorgeous 😍

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

Trees have always been easy for me. It's people I can't do! You've mastered the person...as wells as trees...as well as skies...so on and so forth. LOL!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Haaaha, we always have our kryptonite, don't we Taylor. Mine is painting flowers, just can't do it, lol! Probably cuz I've never tried and probably never will...

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt, flowers are a tough one, that's for sure. I'd rather paint trees anyway.

[@jonathanknight3342]

Very nice study and exercise!:)

[@Coco2345ful]

Love it!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

So glad, Thank you Dee.

[@elanamarino2624]

Really great tips throughout...thank you...oh how I'd wish you could do a video on moonlight landscape...

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Dr. Joyce, sorry for the late reply. So, you'd like to see a video of me painting a moonlit scene? Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTOg3uErJd7iKM I hope you enjoy it!

[@cazscot8397]

thoroughly enjoyed the demo. Thanks.

[@johncollado1151]

Hello Steve.... another beautiful piece to add to your collection. I noticed watching you paint, and have found in my own artwork, that there is an "ugly" time in each piece that you have to fight through to reach an ending. I always have problems with these times and sometimes I can't seem to get to the other side and wind up not finishing a piece. Though, sometimes I will come back to that piece at a later time and see that ugly phase, then push through it. I really hate those stages in a painting or illustration. I usually see it more in my own work, not so much in a client's commission. I still haven't figured out why. Thanks for another inspiring video. Stay safe.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're right John. I remember hearing Robert Bateman talk about the same thing in his paintings and since then I don't sweat it. I do find that sometimes if a painting is going sideways on me, I toss it in the closet and start again. But you've got to know when you can't pull it out of the fire, or when to just keep pushing because it's part of the process. Thanks for your support, you're awesome!

[@dell_gama7773]

Beautiful

[@lindaburton1633]

Loved this demonstration, especially because I am also left handed and so few painters on uTube are. I do wish you had talked about the colors you used and also more showing us your palette and mixing. Thanks!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Linda, I'm going to start incorporating more of that. I have another camera on order so that I can have video of color mixing on my palette in future vids. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@davechittenden1657]

Excellent and very informative. I feel like a pupil to a master of old..one day I'll be allowed to mix up the colours and trim the hog bristles before putting down my first marks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Dave, thanks for your thumbs up. Pick up that brush and have at it buddy, you got this!!

[@davechittenden1657]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Yes I should..thanks for your encouragement 🙂

[@danmarino7050]

awesome demonstration! reference pix looks like Jackson Hole

[@phylr3983]

Stunning!!!

[@karenafishler-bridge2604]

So lovely, thank you!

[@janedoe5229]

Thank you so much!!! Thank you especially for the copy right free reference photos. :)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Jane. I hope you have a ball!

[@wdtpaints]

Great painting. Really enjoyed your critique at the end. We all do it I guess.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Wdtpaints! Yes, we should always ask ourselves what we could do differently to get better. It's a good thing to be honest with ourselves. I appreciate you watching!

[@oliverhill113]

Thank you for sharing your work and technique. It was a lovely video to watch and listen to.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Oliver, I really appreciate the compliment. Paint on!!

[@Coco2345ful]

Love your trees...would liketo know about your color mixtures!

[@karenjohnson6487]

Looks perfect to me. Well done Steve. I enjoyed watching up paint and listening to your thoughts as well. Thank you.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Karen, thanks for the compliment! I hope it helps you not only to paint trees, but everything is kinda based on the tips in this video. Paint on!

[@lisengel2498]

Very inspiring, fun to watch and listen to your remarks -

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Lis, I appreciate that very much.

[@abdulkader579]

Excellent

[@claudiabarillari4626]

Beautiful work thank you for the tutorial 😊💖

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're most welcome Claudia. Thanks for the kind comment, it's much appreciated! Paint on!!

[@waltpierluissi2301]

Thanks for your demo, evendough i do more watercolors than oils, still can pick up good ideas from your videos.... You know, most of the time that I am watching a video from a professional I feel intimidated, but with you is totally different, the way you explain the issues and situations makes me feel much better... I am 60, from an old school, and your videos are been very inspiring. Thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Walt, if you're old school, I am too cuz we're just about the same age! I tell people, I may be old but I got to see all the cool bands! Thanks for watching, it's time for me to do another watercolor video, thanks for the reminder, I'll add it to the queue!

[@waltpierluissi2301]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Thanks for answer me, I do appreciate it...

[@diannabyrne5931]

Thank you Steve. Love your instruction method and narrative.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Dianna, you're sweet to say so. Good luck with your paintings!

[@milychka2008]

Thank you Steve - so calming, simple and unassuming - Just exactly what I need today xoxox

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

So glad you found it helpful Emiliya... C'mon back now, ya hear?

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I noticed that you really grab way low on the brush which I guess gives you more control as opposed to other painters I've watched who hold way up high with a lot of room between hand and brush tip!I like it low too😍🙏🏻I'm a pastelist but incorporate wet media into my style

[@lalithakrishnamurthy9663]

Great painting your brush work and your informational about how to paint the trees it is helpful and enjoyable!keep up the great work!you are amazing!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Lalitha, thank you so much. I'm so glad you found it helpful! Good luck with those pesky trees!!

[@dez3332]

Love the video. I'm painting still lifes in oil now and haven't painted from a photograph in a long time so watching how you do it gives me some inspiration to try some landscape painting from a photo. Great, loose and descriptive painting in this case. Really nice. Thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks DE Z, the great thing is that good practice and technique transcends subject matter. It all works the same, or mostly the same. Thanks for watching!

[@Ramesh_009]

Very nice sir

[@phildussault420]

Another great painting and entertaining video Steve. I look forward to watching these!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Phil, I appreciate your support and glad you find them helpful!

[@wagner240773]

Hello from Brazil. Steve, thanks for share it...Fabuloso..aBRAÇO!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Muito obrigado Wagner!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Great video!

[@tekoanow]

I would appreciate it if you could tell us more about the colors and blends you are using as you paint.

[@lkbuck]

Excellent Steve!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks David, hope you're well and getting lots of painting done!

[@jimreid9674]

Beautiful painting Ugly frame. What were you thinking Steve?

[@silvercreekcrossing]

These are beautiful. There’ll be a real change in my future arts thank you for sharing I’ve learned a lot about values and highlights and the approach I should take in painting trees.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

So glad to hear that you found this helpful Jennifer. Happy painting!!! 😊

[@jamessupple3942]

Stunning: great artist, great educator! Thank you!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks James, I'm glad to hear it was helpful. Paint on!!

[@pleinaire8698]

nice painting!!..I've never seen anyone hold their brush the way that you do....sooo close to the bristles!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

yeah, it's something I'm trying to break myself of, ha! Thanks for watching!!

[@chammikaiser7740]

Thank you so much for this video Steve. You have such a soothing voice with so much joy coming through reflecting your love of painting. I really enjoyed the way those trees came to life. Beautiful painting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Aw, thank you Chammi! I'm glad it comes through cuz I really am so very lucky to be able to so what I love for a living. In my next video, I'm planning on talking about the challenges of being a fine artist and an introvert. Should be a good 'un!

[@renato4583]

Muito lindo

[@susanthiele4129]

Thank you!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Happy to help!

[@b.comeau2597]

By the way, I ordered the Carlson book that you recommended! Awaiting it anxiously! Your video is excellent, thank you!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's great B., I hope you find it as good as I have.

[@chandael]

I am so happy when your new videos come on. Very enjoyable and informative. You make it look so easy! Great tips and techniques thank you for sharing! Also like the music and was really impressed with the cows you painted behind that big cottonwood:)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Boy Chandael, you were paying attention! I'm so glad it helps you. It makes the time spent worthwhile. Paint on!!

[@lisengel2498]

Very inspiring and much fun to follow the process andlisten to your experiences - and since I am always curious I would have like to here your reflections on the choice of oil color brands, medium and even your choice of colors for this Landscape painting.

[@nothumbs12gaming79]

Fail until you dont....just started oil painting...it will definitely be a uphill battle..lol. Thanks for the lovely painting experience.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Yep, it's good you know that going in. But like the saying goes, Anything worth having... ;0) Luckily it's so much fun! Have a ball!

[@DeboraExum]

I found your channel by way of a comment you left two years ago over on Larry Williams channel. I've never tried oil painting and love that this video is my introduction to some of the techniques. Glad you have decided to continue publishing videos. I love your music choices, stories, and explanations that even a beginner can follow. I'm more of a simple art doodler at this point and enjoy how one medium can influence another. Happy to have found you.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Welcome to our channel Debora! We all started as doodlers, haha! Out of doodles, beautiful art grows. Thank you for making me a part of your artistic journey, I'm happy to be a part of it!

[@elanamarino2624]

Yes, the Carlson's landscape book.. everytime one reads it will learn something new ...to the beginner out here who really is serious- must learn and understand the fundamentals of Carlson and Edgar Payne composition...also...understand basic color theory, know what colors are bias...if you don't your colors will appear muddy ..garish...

[@lisastewart4991]

Steve, thanks so much. I found this incredibly helpful. I love trees, but struggle to paint them convincingly. This has given me some great strategies. Appreciate your willingness to share so generously. 😀👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Go get 'em Lisa. Like they say, don't practice till you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong... ;0)