Painting Trees in Watercolour - Part I

[@virginiahouse1456]

At almost 80 years old, this, my friend, is one of the best on trees I've ever seen. I've been painting off and on for many years, but I'm always thrilled when I learn something new! Thank you for thrilling me!

[@bellap2570]

You are a beautiful soul….and my motivation! I am just starting with watercolor and I am 53years old, live in Canada…and hope to live as much as you are just to watercolor everyday…thank you for your motivation ❤️🥰👩‍🎨

[@patslark]

I'm 67, and actually I am a complete novice. But I agree with you! And I admire you so much for being a life long learner.

[@hansel1jensen]

The comment I wanted to say...🤗

[@gingerbowman9910]

So grateful to have found your tutorials! You’re such a good and talented teacher❤

[@Linda-kh6rl]

Iam almost 78 an he is absolutely the best at explaining trees. I don’t paint trees very often because i have this issue.l have painted all most my live in all meds. An have never liked painting TREES. So now i can learn the right way.❤

[@chonladapyvrkc8308]

I don't know if you've been told this, but watching your video gives me the feeling like I'm watching a BBC documentary. Aesthetic and educational. I think you would be just another perfect narrator!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Well, that's a lovely compliment - thank you Chonlada.

[@cak7862]

I love that you put the spider in a safe place!

[@mariejohansson3142]

I was on my way to give up my watercolorpainting when I found you here. What a teatcher you are! Thanks a lot! Now I have som hope! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😅😅😅🌺

[@gailcheck8611]

The BEST watercolor tutorial on trees I have ever watched! I so appreciate how you have confined this lesson to specific skills to be practiced in order to be understood. Can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and your gift!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That's a very kind comment Gail - thanks so much.

[@peggyconti1225]

I am not a natural artist...art, and drawing is not easy for me, but with your quiet detailed instructions and illustrations, I feel as though, yes! I can draw a landscape. I am thrilled to have found you on KZbin. Blessings and a strong New Year to you.

[@silvertree2189]

I couldn’t say it any better, thank you Gail .🥰 What a great tree tutorial. The rigger brush, wet and dry textures, light and branch/trunk detail. I’m painting as I watch!

[@sillyparty4903]

Couldn't agree more!! Wait for the next one.

[@RosannaCRogacion]

Wonderful tutorial!

[@janettepolt2815]

I'm now a patron........HELP ME!!! This is the best tree I've painted yet!!

[@vacio360]

I truly have a LOVE & HATE relationship with watercolours, but the hate comes from love so I will keep practicing watching this wonderful video that you Oliver made for all of us. Thank you so much again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@trishbrown3285]

These middle ground trees will be my morning homework, thanks

[@joefenech4527]

I'm a beginner in painting and I like your tutorials, a patient teacher. Thanks Joe

[@sherrym.2413]

I searched for KZbin tutorials on painting trees months ago and I was so disappointed with what I found. Your tutorial went beyond and above the rest as you explain how to paint trees in the context of where they are in the landscape. And how to merge them with the ground was such a good tip. Really good teaching, thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Sherry - delighted to hear that you found it helpful.

[@marthabouwma974]

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[@tondanampaiocardenas5155]

You had me at “Let’s get out into the landscape for inspiration.” Loved your teaching style and results. Thank you.

[@stevehenrichs-musicandmoti7031]

Oliver, your tutorials are a goldmine for me. Yours is the only channel I've found that explains the small but crucial things that make such a huge difference in watercolor. You should get the Nobel Prize in watercolor (haha).. Many thanks.

[@hansel1jensen]

Oh, yes!!! The Nobel Prize in Watercolour for Oliver!!!

[@anitasanderszangeres]

hahah yes watercolour is wise and peacefull

[@julieo8017]

The eye brain relationship is complex You have a great knack for both clearly explaining and demonstrating Thank you so much So very helpful

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Julie - you're very welcome

[@JohnMonsterCanada]

Once again, you’ve taught me something. This time I noticed that my trees always look uniform. I’m going to make rougher outlines so they have edges…oh, and practice them. Thanks Olly

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Good to know - thanks John. Yes, uniformity and trees never sit well together.

[@Ant1matter2]

BRILLIANT! This artist has taught me so much in this one video...I have learned to slow down..and think about what is happening..HE has gained a lifetime FAN of not only his works of art but his method and thinking. Everyone wanting to paint needs to see this Artist and listen to him. Thank You so much!

[@jadeanrooney7725]

I painted with oils for years but was really struggling with watercolours. Then I found your videos and they have opened up a whole new creative world for me. I love your teaching style and your wonderful painting style. For better or worse, I paint along with every video and I am progressing. Please keep teaching us!

[@dharmaofdog7676]

I LOVE how his Style of Painting with Watercolors actually embraces the elements of the Medium so it APPEARS like a Watercolor Painting! The soft washes & random, "reckless" areas he seems to encourage are what I find most exciting & beautiful about his work. Color choices are exquisite.

[@ashrienart3363]

Your tutorials are SO good. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere in KZbin. You're an awesome teacher! Thank you so much for all the effort you put into them ✨

[@jennybettles7680]

I've been painting for 3 years so still a relative beginner. This lesson on trees is perfection and is the best I've come across. Thankyou so much.

[@4zengrl]

Your comment at 9:15 regarding degree of paper dampness is SO important! This understanding is a game changer in the watercolor process. Once again, thank you Oliver!

[@barbaragemin5117]

Hello Oliver. I’ve spent years watching tutorials like yours and I must admit improved immensely in my watercolour painting. Your advice on layering, and being a bit more careful about the values between background and foreground just brought it home to me again. Being loose doesn’t mean being careless and shoddy. As you said very honestly, it is NOT easy. Look foreward to watching more tutorials, perhaps on how to simplify a scene ( my nightmare) Thanks very much.

[@larrymisiak915]

Your explanation of your process is very helpful.

[@littlebrowndog66]

Painting in this soft, loose style is the hardest thing for me. The way you explain it is wonderful, so I’m going to give it another shot tonight following these techniques. 🙂

[@Ron_DeForest]

New subscriber. Stumbled upon your channel. You are crazy good. Unless you’re a natural, it’s obvious you’ve been painting for years. No struggle, confident strokes. Very articulate. I know I’m going to enjoy whatever you post.

[@briangable08]

I concur that this is wonderful and so inspiring, I tried a water colour correspondence course whilst working in Oman many years ago but the arid landscape was so difficult I did not continue with it. So many washing exercises that I thought when do I start painting. Now at 79 I am going to persevere and enjoy the coming spring and summer sketching some trees in Herefordshire, wish me luck and thank you, KZbin is really great for learning stuff. I will have to make sure that I live a few more years.

[@salauddeensyed5295]

Please keep posting...we love your tutorials...

[@aldenerickson8268]

This weekend, I went in search of a video on how to draw trees and ended up watching hours of Oliver’s tutorials. Great content that not only provides technique but also the principles and inspiration behind it. Well done!

[@moirastevenson4567]

You are such a great teacher and thank you for so generously sharing your talent and insights. You’re a breath of fresh air and totally inspiring 😊

[@johnhaywood6358]

Rewatching your video for a third time in as many months. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to make videos.

[@Tom_Dancer]

0:00 Intro 4:38 What we're doing 6:44 Simple background 7:51 Colours, consistency and wet-in-wet timing 10:26 Background trees 17:00 Middle distance tree examples 22:43 Middle distance trees applied 28:36 Dense middle distance trees 39:37 Foreground tree 47:57 Dry brush leaves/twigs recap 51:38 Rigger brush for branches recap 54:12 Outro Thanks, Oliver! Some timescodes for my reference.

[@JoseAlves-sr7nm]

Lindo

[@JoseAlves-sr7nm]

Lindo

[@ljjk04]

For the first time I’m getting it I’ve watched so many water color videos and I understand a lot more after watching this video

[@peterlittle6651]

I believe it was Richard Feynman who once said "If you cannot explain something in simple terms, you don't understand it". I have not seen a more instructive but simple watercolour tutorial for some time. Well done Olly absolutely great to watch and learn at the same time.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That's very kind Peter - RF certainly knew what he was talking about

[@peterlittle6651]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 My pleasure.

[@dianemcgregor6171]

I saw this video about a year ago and learned so much. However I’ve started watching it again today and somehow am learning all the bits I missed first time round. There is so much info your videos that I can’t take it all in at once. Thank you for this.

[@larrymisiak915]

Thanks. Trees are a captivating subject. It is wonderful to see how such simple brush strokes can create a “scene.”

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Larry - that's one of the aspects of watercolour that I enjoy so much. It's perfect for quickly rendering trees.

[@TheAnis65]

I have been following your tutorials for over a fortnight now and been using it n my paintings . I have seen 2 full. Ideas this being my second. Have been painting for almost 9 months on my own watching many tutorials. But your tutorials are absolutely brilliant . You teach in a manner that not only has my painting improved by a few thousand percent in the last fortnight. Thank you . But you have made me want to learn it welll and will for the next couple of month practise from all your tutorials and improve my painting . Thanks had almost forgot then the joy of learning for betterment . Thank you 🙏

[@rosinelenoane779]

This tutorial is a beautiful Christmas present for all of us who love trees and watercolour ! Thank you Olly .

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Rosine - thanks for the kind comments

[@goat8477]

I really love those longer tutorial with your calm voice over it. It is an immersive experience - calming as well as instructive. Thank you.

[@tiklingrikit]

while in awe of the paintings that you make, i am truly grateful for the learning that you also give. thank you.

[@shariarnold9649]

Thank you! I can’t wait to paint some trees 🌳 I got a rigger brush for Christmas…

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent Shari - give it a go and happy painting

[@LuciaDeGiovanni]

This is such a wonderful tutorial, thank you so much for all the details and tips, I can't believe it was an hour long and I still wanted more at the end! Keep these videos coming, so inspiring!

[@PreetiSharma-sb5qk]

amazing guru. very good tutorial.very few teachers like you.

[@davidgreene3809]

Thanks for producing and sharing this video. I’m sure my trees will look better after watching your demonstration.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank David, and give those exercises a go - they're great for building confidence with trees.

[@lynandrews4160]

The video helped me paint the most reasonable background trees I have yet been able to do. Your meticulous teaching style is just what I need. Thank you. Lyn

[@RE-xv9fp]

This is so amazing to watch and learn from! I'm a beginner and I found this so easy to follow, no rushing, just calm and autenthic

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent - so pleased it helped, and always feel free to get in touch if there are things that seem unclear as you start off with watercolour.

[@artdavisstudios]

Watched this for the third time and am going to do the exercise again. This is so helpful.

[@llipton6956]

Thank you Olly! I have been eagerly awaiting this video and it is excellent, so helpful! I love that you are encouraging exercises rather than completing a full landscape!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

thanks Louise - those exercises should help and they're always fun to do.

[@kima.785]

I was watching your tutorial and in the background, my husband piped up and said he enjoyed listening to you and your calm and relaxed tone. Great tutorial. Just found you and have subscribed. Many thanks for sharing your talent and skills; already I've learned a great deal.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I'm not a watercolour artists, but watching you paint is just wonderful :) Your voice and how you engage is just fabulous :) so glad I found you :)

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you so much!

[@ridiculousignoramus]

Love this! When I was a child I was fortunate to see Victor Borge in concert. I spent the two hours in tears because he kept setting up to play and then pulling back into a joke. I wanted the music! I’m having echoes of the same here! One demo, to me any rate, is worth a thousand words! Love it though! Please do much more.

[@MoonSpinners]

Even though I’ve been painting all of my life, watching a fellow artist’s process is wonderful. We never stop learning. Thank you, great video 👍

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That's very kind - thank you.

[@phyllisknight1354]

Thank You Oliver, each time I watch you I am learning how to use my natural abilities .

[@christinedekeuster7378]

Thank you a lot, Oliver, for your explanations given with so much calm, patience, good sense and kindness. So interesting !!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Christine - thank you!

[@raccoons_stole_my_account]

This video is the most adorably british thing in existence and I totally love it!

[@rosm6621]

This has been one of the best tutorials I have ever followed. Very indepth as to how and why trees need to be painted a certain way. Thank you!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

I am so happy I have discovered your channel. It's not easy to come about experienced artist like you. I just watch while I do other no brainer work, but hope to find some time to at least do these exercises.

[@lakcurious]

Many many thanks! I'm 69 years old and only started painting two years ago and I'm glad I discovered your channel. I was never allowed to enjoy art lessons, I was always self-taught on KZbin. You explain so well and thoroughly that it took me out of my comfort zone. How nice that there are people like you who share their knowledge and experience so generously! And please keep going, I still have so much to learn! Warm greetings from Germany!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Greetings to you in Germany - and thank you for the kind comments. I'm delighted you're finding the videos helpful

[@britthunt5707]

Thank you for sharing, these techniques have been so helpful to me, as I am very new to painting. One of my favorite tips that you shared was on painting more natural tree trunk & branches by pushing down on the paint brush to get those variations along the edges. I have always struggled trying to get those random little "bumps" along the edges. You are the only artist / teacher that I have heard explain that simple, yet effective technique. I have watched 100's of "Tips & Techniques", & "How Tos" before I ever even picked up a brush, so although I'm a novice painter, I'm not a novice at watching watercolor videos. As much as I've enjoyed and learned in them, your video was the first to offer an "exclusive" tip, at least from my perspective, thus far. Simple as the tip is, it was the most helpful "tid bit" to improving my tree paintings, and I can't say how much longer it would have taken me to discover that w/o that your video. So, thanks again, I always enjoy watching your watercolor videos, and will continue to do so in the future.

[@ranias76]

I cant express how what an amzing teacher you are Oliver,thankyou so much .

[@kyranleonard1466]

Love this tutorial - so explanatory and not too complicated to follow - thanks so much

[@JuliaChildOfGod]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I am 64 and just began painting for the first time 4 years ago -- in acrylics and oil. Just two weeks ago, a friend commissioned me for a watercolor. I was intimidated by this medium until I watched this video. I painted a tree per your instruction and my friend loved it. So, now I am now going to watch all of your videos!! Thanks again!

[@JayNathanWatercolor]

This is great. I often try to paint trees but am never very happy with the results. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙏

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You and me too Jay! - it's just a case of having fun with the process and keeping on learning from what we weren't satisfied with.

[@richardtorr4553]

This is so good, my word I feel I am now in danger of actually being able to paint! Thank you for your top-class lessons.

[@gwenharrison6752]

Wow!! This is what I have lookwd for...a step by step explanation regarding that beautiful transparent look with distance trees. Thanks so much...

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Gwen - glad you've found it helpful

[@patriciasell]

I've forgotten how good you are! Haven't been receiving notifications.

[@barbaragemin5117]

Thank you Oliver. This is the first tutorial I’ve watched. I’ve been painting for several years now, and have watched hundreds of tutorials. I found this an EXCELLENT tutorial on trees simply because you went into greater detail regarding just HOW wet/damp the paper should be to obtain the all important aerial perspective of distance and the difference between background, middle ground and foreground. I’ll need to pay even more attention to the water on my paper now. Thanks again.

[@vandemonian5412]

"embrace the trees" - love your teaching Olley - many thanks - such great videos

[@karensadler3242]

Such an incredible video, very understandable even for this Deaf person. I never could understand the use of rigger paintbrushes...but now I do! I'm going to be watching as many of Pyle's videos as I can!!! Thank you so much for the artwork, teaching, and the closed captioning!

[@patsnipes5143]

The camera is too far from the work. Hard to see the actual paint and strokes.

[@eileenjohnston6835]

I now feel compelled to paint some trees. Lovely video! Thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent! Give it a go Eileen

[@TomCatSg]

I really adore the colors you come up with, they are so nice and soothing. Thanks for the awesome tutorial 🙏🏻

[@JaredCullum]

Great demo Oliver. Really enjoying your videos!

[@worldofcolors9470]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and helpful tutorial. My petpeeve is painting trees. Loved all the tips about brush using and color mixing. Detailed with plenty of exercises. Greetings from Canada🙏

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Greetings to you too, and thank you! Hopefully there's something there to help you with your tree painting.

[@claudioignaciocanzoneri7523]

Dear Oliver, you He is one of the few who teaches. I hope, thanks to your lessons and advice, I can paint some decent watercolours. At least I'm going to try. I do not intend to profit from it, but to enjoy the process. Thank you.

[@betsyoglesartist]

Thank you, Oliver, for such a wonderful tutorial on painting trees. So very helpful!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Betsy

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

I’m hooked on these tutorials. They are fantastic.. thanks so much.

[@jillianpayne8710]

Thank you so much a really instructive video. I learnt a huge amount .

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Excellent Jillian - and thank you

[@janemoody3543]

How wonderful to listen to your ideas in creating a desirable painting! Trees particularly but it’s the detail that interests me. Thanks….you’ve made my day! Back to painting!!!!

[@marielapuce9660]

Thank you very much for this wonderful tutorial. The way you do it is so smooth! I wish you a beautiful, free and happy new year!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

That’s very kind of you Marie - a pleasant and peaceful New Year to you too

[@das_jez6453]

"Spoil yourself sometimes - put in a fencepost..." love this :)

[@tezoodle]

So helpful and inspiring, thank you so much Olly! I am really enjoying these videos, more than I can express in words. I've just ordered a copy of Mr Deakin's Wildwood book too - thank you for sharing your knowledge and know-how with us 👍😀💕

[@TeresaG-r2w]

Thank you Oliver and for the book recommend too. Looking forward to watching the next video. 🙂

[@FrederickFung-f1t]

As a beginner in watercolor, I watched a number of KZbin tutorials and read a few books on the subject. Your tutorials are the best! You explained the techniques in understandable terms and the demonstrations are just wonderful! Thank you 🙏🙏

[@MattJoyce01]

My word, what an engaging tutorial. I love trees and have just started sketching and painting. Fertile ground indeed. I love how you explain how, why and also express the joy of doing.

[@terrydevries914]

Oh my, that was so helpful! Yes, trees are magnificant! I love painting trees . Very helpful tips. I’m going to try the gray shadow color. I also think your sticky mix of neutrals in several of your palette wells was useful. Looking forward to your next tree tutorial.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Terry - those sticky mixes are real time-saver as your washes are drying up on you.

[@reneegardner1742]

I have been taking lessons for over 5 years.....this has been the most helpful in painting trees I have ever heard!!!

[@lindabambrough3128]

Absolutely fantastic !! As a begginer at watercolour this was by far the best tutoriaI I have seen, thank you so very much for sharing your brilliant skills x Until now I wasn't all that interested in landscpes but you have just thrown a spanner into my brain and made me instantly love it lol..and your voice is very very easy on my ears ,thank you once again..

[@lindabailey776]

Finally someone that I can stand to listen to, I wasn't bored at all ,I'm 72years old and I love painting trees and mountains ,I've been painting for a long time but mostly with acrylic ,but I always found it difficult to do my blending and shadowing, so I decided to try watercolor and I'm having great fun and my children want all that I do,and it's all because of you ,you've taught me more in an hour than anyone else ever has,and for that I'm truly grateful ,with a grateful heart ,thank you.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

very kind of you Linda - thank you

[@fredimmel6153]

I really enjoyed your video and I'm grateful for your advice and willingness to share your experience and knowledge! Thank you and I look forward to viewing more of your content as I explore the world of watercolor!!

[@shannlakho4805]

Your tutorial on trees is the Best Olly! Love your teaching style!

[@lcbodeman]

I loved this tutorial, especially how clearly you explain the mechanics of painting trees in the foreground, middle ground, etc. Well def try this very soon. Thank you for sharing this. Thumbs up!!

[@margaretstanton7567]

Wonderful lesson--thank you for teaching me I don't have to paint individual leaves & branches!!! yay!

[@valeriedurrant7819]

Thank you for bringing this content! So helpful for an artist like me learning from home.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Valerie, and thank you

[@kitchencarvings4621]

I love the fences and gates that you all have there in England. They are so well built and attractive. Here most people have those welded red painted metal gates.

[@beckyhofer4328]

Brilliant! Oliver, Your clear teaching style gives me so much hope. Thank you for bringing to my attention the ‘sticky paint’ on and thicker paint once the wash is finished. Those are two elements I’ve struggled with. I’m really learning from your videos.😍

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Becky. Preparing ‘stickies’ really helps.

[@Andrea-eg6ro]

Practicing, practicing and more practicing painting trees, it’s so tricky getting the timing right for the distance trees, but I’m really enjoying learning, thanks Olly!

[@pkheine]

Thank you so much for this wonderful lesson on painting my nemesis, trees. I have been painting for less than a year and have learned so much from your videos, especially this one. Thank you for your generosity of teaching, and all the effort that goes into making these videos. It is greatly appreciated. The color pallet that you use really resonates with me. Thank you from the U.S, Atlanta, Georgia.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks for the kind comments - vey much appreciated and greetings to you Atlanta.

[@mabelames2983]

Thank you for sharing your lovely way of getting trees look like trees on paper.

[@dianevose9655]

Lovely relaxing tutorial, I don't paint often as I'm mainly a woodland photographer and this was a beautiful vlog. Love how you use depth of field within your tree scenes with the distance, middle and foreground, so well observed. Fabulous! 🌿🌳🍁🍂

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Interesting Diane - and thank you. I'm a keen landscape photographer as a hobby, and so the disciplines of composition and DoF really help me with my painting. The two sit together very well. Always feel free to share a link where we can see your work - you can never see too many woodland pictures.

[@jillianpayne8710]

Oliver I am, indeed, so grateful for your amazing tutorials. Many many thanks. Jillian.

[@elsagarciavega4333]

Really nice!! Thanks so much for you beautifull explanations, easy, clear and so generous.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Very kind Elsa - thank you.

[@francoishofer9254]

You are a master of watercolours, they all have a peaceful atmosphere, so relaxing !