Painting an Old Oak Tree in My Watercolor Journal

[@awllypollyas8292]

So far you are the only person that understands my appreciation of the ways tree branches look, every single tree has it's own character and style. You picked out such a beautiful oak.

[@robinmoreno3610]

Love this. Ran across at the exact time I decided to do a landscape with a giant oak. Thank you

[@hollytree2927]

You're not just painting a tree but light and its interruption in a moment of time. Its pretttty cool :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Holly Tree Yes! Poetically put. Thank you.

[@sarahackland6103]

It's such a great video. I have rewatched it so many times, just as I have with all your tree drawings/paintings. I would love to see more of this kind of thing. P.S. thank you for putting these youtube videos out, really appreciate them!

[@ladyhecate9450]

That is the beauty of winter....seeing the true beauty of a leafless tree. I am always looking for interesting trees to draw. I find them fascinating. I do not paint a tree just to paint it but because it has atmosphere. Wintertime can be a beautiful time of year to not only see the beauty of a tree but what is sitting on a branch such as a hawk.

[@Tiberius41]

I think being an artist teaches us to see differently , to see beauty in the everyday which is the greatest gift we get. Beautiful tree well done.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+John Noordermeer Yes, I agree. Seeing what's around us with awe and wonder fuels our art work.

[@nancyhittman6724]

Steve you are the very best teacher of watercolor. You have totally inspired me over and over and I truly learn something from everyone of your videos. Your humor and the music and of course Reese add so much. Thank you for sharing your talents and your time.

[@michellerobertson5235]

I would like to see more of your plein air architectural old inn, houses, barns, type of watercolors. I love how you explain your techniques.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oh I love those too. I will definitely do more. So much to paint, so little time. 😉

[@soniamoore9776]

This video is so useful for my trees project. Your work is fantastic, thank you.

[@KateintheDesert]

You are a wonderful instructor, very easy to listen to and very inspiring. I drew a bit as a child, but spent the majority of my adult life taking care of family and working. I am now nearly at retirement age, and that little girl in me is waking and wants to draw and paint again. You are the person who has inspired and woke that child to see the beauty and who now wants to capture that beauty with watercolor. Thank you for sharing you talent and love of nature.

[@billdollar6155]

I love your studies, I have started to do studies myself thanks to you. Thank you very much. Have a wonderful day.

[@izzytheamazing]

I have watched so many watercolor videos and it has been so hard to find ones that have the information that *I* personally was looking for. I love that you appreciate the gnarly leafless tree like myself, and it's so hard to find people that take the time to really teach how to draw those details. Thank you so much for this video and the sketching video!

[@renaes5262]

I'm so drawn to drawing trees. Watching you paint a stunning tree portrait really got me off my feet. Tell me about the tripod easel deal you used outside... I'm trying to imagine how I will rig a standing desk clamped articulating easel so I can stand near my desk, in the studio. I need to step back frequently while I paint....

[@MissBooksmith]

This is a beautiful tree and you have done it justice.

[@B1ackDahlia767]

I really love this. I watch it every so often. It reminds me of the illustrations that were in my fairy tale books when I was a child. 😁

[@awllypollyas8292]

What books do you recall? They sound awesome

[@robynbeltrametti1748]

Love your videos! would love to see some plein air ones for landscape? You are a very good tutor also, talking nice and slow, and one can follow easy as you go along, thank you for sharing your talents...Regards Robyn

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Robyn Beltrametti Thanks so much. Glad the videos work out for you.

[@MsPandora93]

I love drawing trees. Each one has it's own character and I love this old Oak. Thanks for sharing.

[@adamw2621]

I find myself reaching for the #4 Princeton Neptune Quill before anything else now. It is the same size as about a 14 or 16 round, but there is just something about those quills, I have all 3, that I love. You can do huge washes down to hairline cracks in rocks with those things. I highly recommend those brushes! Awesome video again Steve. I like the perspective that you tackled here, and made me realize I need to stop with the easy perspective ha! Thanks again!

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Flora - Yes ma'am! Its absolutely fine. Its even ok if you want it to mosty be a drawing with just a few washes here and there. You're the artist!

[@helenemeer5902]

and another one on trees, great! Love trees and especially oaks for their quirky ways ... hawthorns are good at that too ... have one in the garden so will be out there as soon as it is dry and have a go. It has a number of dead branches at the top that have gone really mad and crooked. These need to come out but I will paint them before they go and remember the blackbird sat in there singing its heart out :)

[@teresacassidy7482]

Most wonderful video! Here it is October 60% out, sunny, I need to be out drawing a tree as the leaves are now almost off. BUT the wild apple trees have been most generous this year and I'm watching videos and cutting apples! Thank you for inspiring me to put the apples down and go out back and draw. The Bible verse at the end was the trigger, go out and appreciate what He has given before it's too cold for these old bones to go out.

[@pmr9859]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and talent with those such as myself who are less gifted, yet hopeful to learn the skill and work on improving and further develop the art of watercolor painting. 😊 Wish only people like you were allowed to become teachers and instructors!!

[@lindamcneely]

now all you need is a happy bird on one of those nice branches!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very true!

[@lindamcneely]

sorry didn't mean to say happy although that's good too what I meant to say was a humming bird lols

[@jennygort]

beautiful painting!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+jenny gort Thanks!

[@renobscure7910]

Thank you for sharing these tips and wonderful painting!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Ren Obscure You're welcome.

[@mukwah1111]

Beautiful ! I want to see the piece next to the one you are working on. It looks amazing. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@mindofwatercolor]

mukwah1111 Thanks! The one next to it is in the video below. An exercise in watercolor pencil. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2S0mHp-lL16rrM

[@cshula1]

Beautiful and helpful!!

[@PamelaGoodman-56]

Love watching you paint..your trees are wonderful! The quill looks awesome! Thanks for the video!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Pamela Goodman You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@janisvogt1079]

I have been watching hundreds of watercolor KZbin videos over the past year and several are very helpful, i.e. Allen Owen. However, I have become absolutely hooked on yours. I've probably watch 10 or 15 of yours in less than 2 two days! Easy to listen to and understand, helpful information, and great techniques. Thank you :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Janis Vogt So kind! Thanks so much for watching!

[@williamgrandone7287]

Janis I second your opinion. I have been searching all over looking for someone who could concisely but professionally explain the essentials of watercolor to me and this site is the best .

[@irisimillo3028]

Me too

[@sarahconroy3634]

Great teacher! Thanks. Mary

[@tillygirl56]

Wow, amazing to watch everything you create!

[@mindofwatercolor]

tillygirl56 Thanks!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

I love the oak tree but around where I live there's hardly any oaks at all. I live in Florida so I mostly see palm trees, ever green nothing really exciting like an oak. So love the painting.

[@ivyroman6339]

love love love your videos. I learn so much. Love that you explain your thought process. The short videos are great when you don't have a lot of time for the long ones. As good as they are. Just one little thing. Maybe if you don't put music when you are teaching. I have a hard time staying focused on what your saying. Thank you so much for sharing you talent and time. Love the scriptures in the end. Just puts me in a peaceful frame of mind and soul.

[@nevermindthebuzzcockz113]

I've been enjoying all your videos as they come out, thank you for your tutorials ^^

[@mindofwatercolor]

Ere Lent You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@sherronrobinson6772]

Great tutorial. Very informative. I really need to graduate from the "cutout" trees I always seem to paint. Thank you for sharing your expertise..

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sherron Robinson Glad it was a help. Thanks for watching!

[@Scattycatartwork]

Thank you, i'm enjoying listening to your tutorials whilst drawing and painting. Very informative and encouraging. Great style and approach :)

[@christinelewis6557]

LOVE this video and your comments! trees are my favorite subject...so interesting! Great job ( =

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@janicewhitwell1576]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@mindofwatercolor]

@Kimberly- Its called a Quill. Its just a large round that will, as you said, keep a fine point or do large washes. This one in particular is a Princeton Neptune.

[@celiab3701]

I loved it, so happy to have found your channel!

[@annelouise4639]

Thank you, Steve, for your inspiring videos! I'm keen to get out into my garden and try a study of my own oak tree before it bursts into spring leaf here in Australia.

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Adam - Agree completely on the quill. Thanks!

[@JenniferFortner76]

I LOVE the Scripture you put at the end of your videos, Steve! A great reminder that all of this beauty you are painting comes from our Creator!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+ Teresa Cassidy - Thanks for the comment and for watching. This time of year does seem to pile on the inspiration a bit doesn't it?

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

great tutorial/ study steve really enjoyed it

[@mindofwatercolor]

Andy Coakes Thanks Andy!

[@jeanmiller5120]

I'm going to try this....thanx! BTW how about something on rocks? I see some nice rocks on the next page of your journal.

[@Cherylherb]

Steve, Thank you for these videos. I have been trying to go back to drawing and watercolor painting after a 35 year hiatus. It is all rather intimidating, but thanks to you the juices are flowing and the inspiration is there. If you have already mentioned this before, sorry ,but I am curious about the large brush you were using. I am trying not to have too many brushes ( ha, my husband wouldn't agree with that one) but am interested in some really good basics. Once again thanks for sharing your talent as both artist, and teacher!

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Cheryl Herbert The brush is called a quill. They are just large rounds. This one happens to be a Princeton Neptune. Thanks!

[@marielunedesign5356]

I tried watercolor many years ago and I did not really like … By watching your videos that made me want to try again. I'm did a real test this time with good watercolors QoR (I'm a fan of Golden) and Mr. Graham ... I love it! I'ts easier than fluid acrylic.Thanks to you :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

MarieLuneDesign Great to hear it!

[@PoeticLite]

Lovely sentiments to accompany your observations of the tree, Steve, including the thought in Genesis 2:9a; always a timely reminder adding to our appreciations. Thanks :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

PoeticLite Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@junejaruchika]

Totally loved it.. Its great that you put soo much effort in making people around the world learn from you.. Kudos :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

My pleasure!

[@Trinkafi]

That brush looks interesting. A fat looking brush that can do such fine detailed lines. Can you tell us a little more about it?

[@B1ackDahlia767]

That is what's referred to as a "quill" brush. 😉

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Hi Steve, this video was most helpful and presented in such a casual but informative manner. I have a leaning towards vines and textured trunks etc. I need to put brush to paper and actually produce some sort of creative work.......need heaps of practice. Your casual manner is very easy to follow, you appear to teach on very personal levet...many thanks for the encouragement........ Lorrie in Oz..

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much Lorrie!

[@emilialevy4898]

I just found your channel. I really love your work. And the things you say about painting are absolutely inspiring! Thanks for this awesome video! :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Emilia Levy You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@kabluey5971]

Thanks, Steve, for your videos. I really love doing trees myself, the more knarled, the better. Great detailing on the branches, it really came to life with the shading like in your video of the vines on the column. Is that a pic of that vid as your avatar? Btw, it looked like the masking came off that painting pretty well even though you had left it on for two months. Have you ever masked a painted area and done a wash over the background? Thanks for posting your channel, keep up the Good Work!

[@mindofwatercolor]

KaBluey59 Yes, the wisteria painting is in my avatar. I have masked painted areas before but not often. In the video I edited the mask removal to a very short time but it was very hard to remove and took quite a while. I left it on waaay too long. Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@barryteghtmeyer5466]

Rigger brush = a great invention! Seeing detailed winter trees always reminds me of Frederick James White Sycamore watercolor painting. Check it out! Being a museum educator, I get to see so many incredible paintings first hand. Love that sketchbook! Is it from the company you mentioned previously? Thanks!

[@FloraYKim]

When drawing before painting is it alright if the pencil marks are a little vissible like how you did it in the video? Or should it be even lighter?

[@MariaMackiewicz]

I love that!! :-)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Maria Pereira Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@syasya1999]

Great video Steve (:

[@mindofwatercolor]

Syasya Qaisara Thank you!

[@NYTruthseeker]

Love your videos and especially the music! Who is playing? and this one is different version of your regular music background, right?

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Sandy Wold Don't know who recorded it. Its actually from KZbin's music library.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

what journal is that? I will put it in my wish list- It looks lovely!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its this one. Global Arts Handmade journal - amzn.to/1Wq7HNK To be honest though it overly thirsty and a little difficult to paint on. Its really cool looking though.

[@isabeltipple9942]

What type and size of brush are you using here please Steve? Very inspiring...

[@mindofwatercolor]

Princeton Neptune Quill. I don't remember the size. Probably a #4.

[@Qiao9999]

Your watercolor journal book looks good, did you make it yourself?

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Li Feng No, but it is handmade in India. I bought it at Hobby Lobby. It has no brand name.

[@theeaselrider4032]

Hi Steve, I know this video was from a few years back, but what brushes are you using? Particularly thick thicker one. I had a look through the links you posted but didn't see it listed there. Thanks. And trees are also my favourite things to draw ( with ink in particular ) & paint - I've been using Gouache almost exclusively lately, with pretty good results.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I think its a Creative Mark Danube Quill, a Jerry's Artarama brand.

[@AntonioMazzolaWatercolors]

Steve, I purchased the same journal on your recommendation and because I loved the look and feel of the paper. I must say that I am having a difficult time with it. The paper is extremely thirsty making it hard for any kind of washes. Any recommendations on how to work on this besides dry media. I work primarily in watercolors. Thank you. Tony

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, it is very thirsty! This paper is pretty new to me and I warned about it being thirsty in my giveaway video with the watercolor pencil tips. The sizing is not quite right I think. It definitely takes some getting used to. Try dryer washes and building up color from very light applications. Hopefully that will work better for you . I have other journals with better paper so I'm thinking of reserving this one for simple line and wash technique and watercolor pencil which seems to respond better.

[@AntonioMazzolaWatercolors]

Thanks Steve. I may use it for gouache or like you said line work.

[@tillygirl56]

Steve Mitchell Design what journals can you recommend that have good paper. the Strathmore 400 journal gives me problems. I haven't found a journal with paper that behaves well with watercolor.

[@mindofwatercolor]

tillygirl56 I'm pretty new to WC journals myself but here is what I can tell you. Arches makes a field book but its pricey. Arches is hard to beat. I've recently purchased a Stillman and Birn wet media journal but haven't tried it yet. I've heard they are pretty good. I'll be trying it and reporting on it at some point. Moleskin also make a WC journal which I hope to try but haven't yet. Personally I like the Strathmore journals ok but you can try one of these others. If you do let me know what you think.

[@tillygirl56]

Steve Mitchell Design I have the stillman and birn, it is okay. The Strathmore visual journal watercolor journal, it is okay...., I think being a better painter would help, haha! I was thinking the Arches field book was the next step as well. Also cutting up my own bockingford, or Arches paper and taking it to an office supply and having them bind it for me. I just don't think they put quality paper in their journals. I was looking forward to trying the one you got at Hobby Lobby. I like thirsty paper. Thank you for your videos, and taking the time to answer our questions.

[@rachelhilton1196]

Hi, would you mind telling me what sketchbook you are using in this video? I love deckled edged paper. Thank you 😊

[@mindofwatercolor]

In the description

[@luvmyweim85]

I have a really cool tree that I wanted to paint. Unfortunately for me I wasn't going to sit outside in 20 degree weather. I do have a reference photo though! When I get around to it I will share it you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

luvmyweim85 Yeah, thats a bit chilly. Sounds like a good subject though. Go for it!

[@Slotzzzz]

Thanks..

[@maz8116]

Great videos. What brush are you using in this video? Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Ma Z Princeton Neptune #4 quill. amzn.to/1JQrvk8

[@maz8116]

+The Mind of Watercolor Thanks so much. I really enjoy your videos. I love your work on the trees, simply beautiful. All around amazing work. Thank you for your hard work and posting all your videos.

[@254silky]

I was wondering your take on Winsor & Newton watercolor markers which they say is vastly different from water soluble markers.

[@mindofwatercolor]

d phil I have a review video planned for the future but am not done testing them. Stay tuned.

[@254silky]

Steve Mitchell Design Great I will look forward to your review of the W&N watercolor markers.

[@isobelrae9130]

I really want you to thank you for this as I am trying to paint an oak tree outside my house at the moment. Could I make a gentle suggestion ? Turn off the music !

[@SketchingRocks]

Love your videos but I find the music in this video overshadows your words. About half the volume would be much more pleasing

[@shartle10]

What brand is that watercolour journal? LOVE the deckled edges

[@mindofwatercolor]

shartle10 Its handmade in India for Hobby Lobby. Thats where I found it. It looks cool but the paper is ultra thirsty and not really easy to paint on.

[@peggyoreilly9670]

Steve I love you, but turn that music off

[@edherider]

Sure wish you could lose the music. It seriously gets in the way of your instruction. It is distracting. Love your presentations!