Atmospheric Abstract Watercolour Landscape Silver Birch Trees

I show you how to paint these beautiful Silver Birch trees in watercolour, step by step. Suitable for beginners. If you would like to learn more about watercolour painting, why not check out my Patreon membership: / karenriceart - includes access to longer tutorials, sketch outlines etc...DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND CLICK THE NOTIFICATION BELL...So you will get updates of my latest videos.
MATERIALS:
I use affiliate links and may earn a commission.
AMAZON US: www.amazon.com...
AMAZON UK: www.amazon.co....
Ken Bromley Art Supplies: www.artsupplies.co.uk?referralCode=T2XH2
MATERIALS:
PAPER: W&N Watercolour paper block 300gsm 10 x 14 inches Rough surface.
BRUSHES: Size 2, 6 & 14 ROUND Black Velvet Brushes Silver Brush - see Ken Bromley link above.
Colours:
Winsor & Newton Lamp Black
M Graham Quinacridone Gold
M Graham Quinacridone Rust
M Graham Turquoise
Daniel Smith Sap Green
Daniel Smith Hansa Yellow Light
HB Pencil
Water pot
Framing Tape
Palette
Plastic Card
Salt
Sponge
Kitchen towel
Photo Reference: pixabay.com/ph...
MUSIC:
Meditation Impromptu 03 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Source: incompetech.com...
Artist: incompetech.com... your finished paintings:
FACEBOOK: KarenRiceWatercolourChannel/
INSTAGRAM: / karenriceartchannel
#TreePainting #watercolourtechniques #watercolourlandscape

[@davidcathcart231]

A trick for tearing masking tape: stick it to a clean smooth surface; use one finger nail to apply pressure on the tape where you want it to tear, then peal the tape with the other hand, using your nail to guide where you want it to tear. I find this really effective to get thin strips. Also recommend using good masking tape and not dollar store masking tape. Totally different medium.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your tip about tearing the masking tape David much appreciated! ! I will give that a try... You are so right about getting good tape, the cheaper stuff just doesn't work! Thanks again! :)

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

Hi Karen, I live in France and would like to know if you could give a brand name for this masking tape ... I would love to paint this birch trees but don’t know which tape to use ... thanks for your wonderful tutorials 👍😊

[@fdabill1]

My 7 year old gasped when he saw this video. He said I love that! I really want to paint it. I’m excited to see how his turns out. :) Thanks for sharing. You always make painting look so fun.

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful! :)

[@ArtisticSoulCrafts]

Wow... something new❤️❤️ Thanks for sharing this video 👍 Love from @artistic soul

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@unamcgurry6875]

Stunning! Great tutorial thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@rvfinzi]

Very inspiring and useful tutorial - exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Rita 😊

[@verenabaechler8770]

J'aime beaucoup suivre vos tutorials, toujours une belle réussite. Merci pour ces jolies exemples.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Merci beaucoup pour ton adorable commentaire si heureux que tu aimes suivre ces tutoriels. Bonne peinture :-

[@lindaking9222]

Lovely composition of silver birch

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Linda!

[@deborahsimpson2937]

This is awesome. I am going to try this! I’ve been wanting to do birch trees. So smart with the tape!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Deborah so pleased that you like this tutorial good luck with the painting… :-)

[@marceladevivero2121]

Absolutely loved it....Thank you thank you ....you are inspiring me to do water colors ,,,

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@Eli-fb5ck]

Dear Karen, amazing! I always follow you! Tanks!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@antonellagiardinelli]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent and make it accessible also to self taught people like me.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are most welcome Antonella :)

[@marygoldman2570]

I can't wait to try this. Thank you, it's gorgeous!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kevodevo26]

Spongalicious! Loved it thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure!

[@victorianvintage7244]

Siempre te comento lo mismo pero es la verdad, haces que las acuarelas sean fáciles, me identifico con tu estilo y me motiva mucho para continuar aprendiendo eres una magnífica maestra. Gracias gracias gracias.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Muchas gracias, es tan amable de su parte escribir! :)

[@paulaverger4129]

What a beautiful forest

[@NLSmith-qe4sg]

Loved this! ❤❤❤❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@barbaragemin5117]

Lovely. I’d like to say how useful it is that you give alternatives to the colours you use. It stops us obsessing - I do anyway- about the colours artists use and that we MUST HAVE. It’s something many of we amateurs are guilty of 😄

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Barbara so pleased that you like this tutorial. I am glad you find the colour alternatives useful. I know what you mean about the must have colours! I do like experimenting with different colours, it's fun to do. However I do feel, it's all about the light and dark and texture for me! Colour is so personal and you can be expressive with just using a couple! I am so glad you have found this helpful! Happy painting :)

[@SuzetteG316]

Oh my gosh, this is my technique too for making birch trees - ripped masking tape. I love that you are sharing this as I find it to be very easy and effective. I have also used this technique for making fence posts. Love all your tutorials Karen and I thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Suzette, it is such a great technique, so pleased that you love all the tutorials! Like the idea about the fence posts! Haven't tried that...happy painting :)

[@birgitoko5819]

I simply love your painting style 💕💕🎨👩🏼‍🎨🖌!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@marthalynne9125]

This is beautiful, Karen. You have a genius for making tutorials with composition and techniques that true beginners can use to make paintings that look like they know what they're doing! So glad I'm a member so I'll wait for that longer version to come out before painting this. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Martha! I love the way you wrote "composition and techniques that true beginners can use..." The members tutorial will be out tomorrow with lots more tips and techniques and unseen footage! I hope you enjoy painting along :)

[@IMMA383]

Beautiful landscape!.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Many thanks!

[@asmashila2099]

Many thanks for your new techniques.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you like them!

[@rosief1875]

That was so effective and very pretty. Thank you again !

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Rosie :)

[@Joonflowers]

Wow!! Stunning - thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ladyt1277]

Beautiful! Birch trees are my favorite.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! :)

[@jirinanovak1434]

Very lovely, reminds me the little corner of my childhood , so lovely, thank you 👍🌺

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Jirina, so pleased that you liked this tutorial and you found it nostalgic :-)

[@moniquevergouwen1405]

Thank you It was fun to get lost in painting this. you are really fast .

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you liked it 😊

[@suehrudolph]

Great. Loved the tutorial

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you liked it!

[@donna5659]

Love this!! Thank you

[@Coletta123]

Stunning! I love your tutorials! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Coletta :)

[@WediEre6654]

Very good painting indeed!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@fionafrazer8820]

This is a fun video - I have done birch trees similarly, although I applied them after the painting the background by using strips of white paper glued on (which gave a 3-D effect), and then finished them with shadows etc. I prefer this version - lovely!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Fiona, and for sharing! I quite like your idea. I do a lot of collage in acrylics. Hope you had a chance to paint this one. Happy painting :-)

[@fionafrazer8820]

@@KarenRiceArt I'll try this one today, as well as the city skyline. Thanks for all the tutorials! Feel as if I haven't got a creative bone in my body at the moment, so it's nice to have these to do!

[@pattyboles9195]

I am a very, very new painter and I tried this and it was so much fun!! I think it is my new favorite! I didnt do the salt because I didnt have any in the room, but i so enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That's wonderful Patty, I am so glad you were inspired to paint this and enjoyed it! Well done :)

[@judidoherty936]

Cannot wait to try this! So pretty and inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Judi for your comment, so pleased that you found this tutorial inspiring! Good luck with having a go… Happy painting :-)

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Karen. love this! Thank you💛

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Joyce :)

[@cecilialofgren1396]

I really do enjoy your tutorials! Thank you! 🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! :)

[@janebrownlee8290]

Fabulous! Many thanks Karen. Going to try later today.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful!

[@pollybeach9372]

So exciting! Thanks for a magical tutorial, Karen. I have my masking tape trees all ready for painting. I’m going to take a few good deep breaths before beginning:)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Polly for your comment! I hope you had fun with this one! :)

[@sarahnorthrop9823]

Beautiful 😊💖

[@kevodevo26]

Spongalicious!! Loved it !

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@elenaasavelieva]

Ah, Karen! Just love this painting so much! Thank you for it! 💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@yvonnelocke7649]

Thanks for another beautiful demonstration 💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MaryRoseOutdoorGearCoach]

I loved doing this tutorial. It was so imaginative. Everyone of your tutorials have taught me techniques which are perfect for a beginner, so I don't end up discouraged. I can firmly recommend your Patreon channel. The longer tutorials really add value!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Mary, I am so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful! Thank you for joining Patreon, so glad that you like the longer tutorials! Happy painting :)

[@thokchomjayshree8089]

Lovely idea! Beautiful painting!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@LoriF25403]

That was amazing! Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome!

[@davidcathcart231]

Love this one!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you like it!

[@nicolemarie6273]

How is framing tape different from masking tape for this? Would masking tape work well also?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes masking tape works well, I just find framing tape a little more kinder to watercolour paper (less chance of tearing) :)

[@Cendrillon-5962]

Magnifique!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Merci :)

[@illustbymj]

This is so beautiful 💚💚💚

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@MitchyLou1]

This is so clever!! And a beautiful result. Thank you for sharing this. X

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Michelle! 😊

[@madmax7201]

You're crazy..... I mean this is crazy beautiful. ❤🙃

[@vickiem1010]

Such a fabulous landscape idea - and so atmospheric. Love how you mixed the loose and colourful background ♥ You are a joy to watch and listen to how you accomplish your glorious results. ♥♥♥ With love from Vancouver, Canada

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment so pleased that you liked this tutorial and the background! Thank you so much and greetings to you in Vancouver! :)

[@IdaWinter]

what a surprising effects ! fanatsy without end ...!! I would like to ask what kind of waterreservoirs you have , they seem very practical , also to use in " the field " . thanks again .

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Ida, it is a triple pot. Here is a link on Amazon, but they sell them in many art shops and I lot of my students love them! www.amazon.co.uk/Artists-Trio-Triple-Brush-Water/dp/B01AGFDJR4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=triple+pot+painting&qid=1612084161&sr=8-3

[@phyllisrichardson6992]

Such a beautiful painting 🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Phyllis so pleased that you like this one! :-)

[@madmax7201]

I bought a special tape just for this here. I thought I bought a right one but it still tore the paper alright. I struggled trying to fix the tape's doings. Ended up quite different. But I still think I did alright. Thank you, I enjoyed this walk-through.

[@KarenRiceArt]

I’m glad it worked out.

[@billsiviter9272]

I prefer a dry brush technique for the dark patches on birch trunks.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for sharing!

[@davidmiller7371]

I was wondering why you placed paint strokes on the masking tape border during the painting of the birch trees.. You placed a curved stroke top and bottom and a straight stroke on the right.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for your question, I was demonstrating how to paint the perspective marks on the trees. This was included in the extended version on my Patreon membership. Hope this was helpful :)

[@eleniphotos]

That looks great! Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Helene, so pleased you like this tutorial :-)

[@shelleylee2162]

Hi Karen, When applying the splattering, is it on the damp or wet paper? And using thick paint or not? Thanks so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Shelley, you can spatter wet in wet or damp into wet or damp into damp...and even wet on dry. Hope this was helpful :)

[@rhondadorris2553]

When you used the hard card on the painting, did you wait until it was dry. I am not familiar with this method. I love birch and aspen trees, beautiful!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your question Rhonda, I wait until the paint is damp, and then use the card. Make sure you practice this first :)

[@andrewtalbot9414]

Lovely❤️

[@KarenRiceArt]

😊

[@richardedward123]

I especially like the way you made marks on the trees. Very nice. I'm a new subscriber from Texas. Howdy everyone!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Howdy Satoshi, thank you for your great comment, so pleased that you have subscribed and that you like the tutorial :)

[@friedaschnell6887]

Very pretty Karen. I'm going to try framing tape to see how that compares to painters masking tape in my hands.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment Frieda, let me know how you get on… Good luck :-)

[@janewilkinson7386]

Hi Karen, lovely video thank you. Can I just ask why you put those 3 marks on the right hand side of the taping? (one looked like an amazon smile).

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Jane! Great observations, it was for the perspective of the trees. I included details about this in my longer membership videos :)

[@sherrylee6719]

Hi Karen! Look at your subscribers!! Congratulations! I'm so happy for your success. I want to become part of your patreon, but I've been quite sick (not Corona) in the last few months. This tutorial is wonderful. Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sherry for your lovely comment and for your congratulations! I can’t quite believe it myself! I’m sorry that you have not been well… I hope you are feeling better? So pleased that you like this tutorial and that you want to join the Patreon. Happy painting take care :-)

[@sherrylee6719]

@@KarenRiceArt , Thank you, Karen. Actually, I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis six weeks ago. I'm just trying to adjust to the fact that I'll have this disease for life. I quite have a bad attitude at the moment, but I'll work on that!

[@KarenRiceArt]

@Sherry Lee So sorry to hear that Sherry! I am not surprised your attitude is bad! It's alot for you to adjust to! I hope you manage it well. My sister suffers from the same condition and it took her time to adjust! Take care of your self and don't be too hard on yourself :)

[@michaelmarchand3451]

Ma'am, i've never joined a channel, I was wondering that if after one month i changed my mind, how would I go about un joining, including the monthly membership fee?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for your question, you can cancel Patreon anytime, in manage memberships. Hope this was helpful.

[@michaelmarchand3451]

@@KarenRiceArt TY for your timely response.

[@journaleclectique]

could i use a masking liquid? this is such a beautiful scene, thank you for teaching us.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great idea! Yes of course...Have fun :)

[@lisajensen1843]

I’ve learned a lot from your videos! I’m curious what you do with all your paintings? Do you sell these as originals or make prints and cards? I’ve been painting a lot this winter and some of it isn’t bad! I’ve given some as gifts and had cards made but I’m shy about selling. Friends and family say I should sell.. I don’t know. Thanks for your great content!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Lisa, so glad you have found the tutorials helpful. I keep all of my KZbin tutorials paintings. I do sell my originals, either online or in exhibitions etc...However since Covid, unfortunately I have not been selling in exhibitions. I wish you luck, hopefully soon you could start selling in local exhibitions etc... :)

[@tsaehtron]

I love it! I'll try it this weekend :)

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Kath for your comment, good luck this weekend painting it… Let me know how you get on :-)

[@tsaehtron]

@@KarenRiceArt will do so :) :)

[@dilyssewell1907]

Just found you! Love this painting and I think I can actually do it! Have subscribed so looking forward to many more!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for subscribing Dilys, so pleased that you like this tutorial, have fun painting it! :)

[@ladyjane60]

So far seems like I'd love to give this a try, but got to a tricky part for me . Don't have sponge and don't have tube paint. Could this sort of work with crumbled paper toweling and pan paints? I thought to give that a try at this point in the painting

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for your comment Jane, you can use pan paints but the washes will be thinner. Try using a synthetic sponge... I use those large car sponges and tear pieces off. You get great textures using them. Hope this was helpful :)

[@ladyjane60]

@@KarenRiceArt thanks... don't get out these days to shops, so I guess this will have to wait until I can find some sort of sponge...that's why I was thinking of trying paper toweling...oh well, will put this on hold I guess for now....but so love the idea of the masking tape strips for the trees, I am anxious to try...will try that technique on another piece...thanks again

[@KarenRiceArt]

@@ladyjane60 Try stippling, spattering and dry brush for the foliage :)

[@ladyjane60]

I did it! Wish I could post a photo. It's superb and totally enjoyed every moment. Used my pan paints and the best matching colors I could find, and used paper towel instead of sponge. Worked beautifully! Thanks so much. Will be doing more with you for sure! You have a beautiful and very clear way of explaining and teaching! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@femkevd6059]

Hi Karen, i know that you explained the difference of your petreon vs membership. But i can't remember on what video you explained it. Can you sent me the link to this video? I'm thinking about becoming a member since I am just started watercolor. Are there more beginner videos on your patreon or on the YT membership?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much for your comment. The beginning of this video explains the membership: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiaqqZrd7lnoLc. Here is a link to my Patreon membership if you would like to join www.patreon.com/karenriceart. The videos on both memberships are longer versions of the ones published on KZbin. I hope this was helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask me any more questions :)

[@HeleneHe-bg5sq]

Hello Karen, You use framing tape. I use masking tape, but my tapes are easily teared up here and there by brush or by water. Is that the reason?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Some masking tapes are quite harsh on watercolour paper. You could use a hairdryer to warm the tape and soften the glue before you remove it. That could help.

[@joecool8005]

Disappointed there was no kitchen sink used 😀 Great stuff as always

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment Joe, if I could I would’ve done! 🤣

[@ygh1973]

The knowledge bomb about washing off the paint from the paper blew my mind! Can you really do that?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment! Yes you can really do that! I usually suggest it to my students when they first apply a wash to their painting. If it goes wrong, just wash it off under the tap. I usually use a sponge to help clean off. Then you can start again. Some paints do stain however, but it still works well. :)

[@martymanzo1014]

What's keeping the dark spots on the trees from bleeding?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your question Marty, make sure the dark paint spots are dry. Carefully paint the shadow wash over the dark spots wet on dry, so the paint does not bleed. :)

[@pinkandgray-sylviacauseran6921]

Hi Karen - this is a fab tutorial. What brand of brushes do you use? Thanks Sylvia

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hello. I love Black Velvet Brushes by Silver Brush (you can purchase them from Jacksons Art Supplies). I wish I’d known about them years ago, they have brilliant beautiful points and their loading capacity is amazing! If you were to just buy one, I would recommend the size 10 round. A mop or hake brush is great for wetting large areas 🎨

[@pamgibbons2043]

👌😍

[@doreenhedtke4139]

Question...I noticed you didnt add branches...is there a specific reason or just a personal preference?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Doreen, I added some smaller branches towards the end :)

[@saolairde396]

❤

[@anneglatt8505]

I am a Patreon member but deleted my cookies. I can get your new patreon projects in my email. However I can no longer get into the 28 project that became available late August. My first payment was Sept. 1 2020. Can you help, like your projects and learning a lot.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your message Anne, sorry you are having trouble seeing the earlier projects. You will have to contact Patreon directly regarding this matter as I don't deal with this side of things. However try logging into your Patreon account on a different device? Let me know how you get on...good luck :)

[@alphonsine931]

👑👩🏻‍🎨🎨

[@KarenRiceArt]

😊🙂

[@alphonsine931]

👩🏻‍🎨👑🎨🥇

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you :)

[@janetclarke1978]

.

[@rvfinzi]

Very inspiring and useful tutorial - exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're very welcome!