Painting Trees in Watercolour

One of the resources for watercolour painters at www.grahameboot.... Grahame shows how to paint trees and how to differentiate between foreground and background.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you. The first wash is done wet on dry paper but being careful to avoid any hard edges. I suppose it is not unlike wet in wet but I find pre-wetting the paper gives far less control and often results in granulation - an effect many people like but I don't. Granulation is also more likely if you paint with the board quite flat. I paint with the board anything from 45-80 degrees from the horizontal.

[@donnalee2161]

No

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Cathal. There are more lessons on the website but my main advice is very simple. Certainly read as much as you can and watch the videos but the more you paint the better you will get. Watercolour is all about confidence and confidence comes only with practice. I also have workshops through the year and again these will be on the website within the next couple of weeks.

[@jenfleming9412]

Absolutely beautiful! You are a master of loose painting. I love how you lifted out for the trees and dropped in the raw sienna. Your voice and descriptions are a pleasure to listen to. Many thanks.

[@dssaura]

Mr. Booth, I followed your tutorial this evening and really appreciate your techniques and beautiful choice of colors. Thank you sir for the great lesson and tutorial. I learned a lot listening to your explanations. Thanks a lot sir. Don Sylvester Houston, Texas

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Don, glad you enjoyed it.

[@nickycarroll6778]

This is the most comprehensive tutorial I have seen. Very inspiring. I will most definitely join one of your workshops really soon. Thank you so much

[@bixnash1]

Very refreshing and so pleased that you encourage lifting out as a technique as I hear so many poo poo that method. Its amazing how many artists refuse to do this. It proves on this painting how effective that technique is and doesnt take anything away from the freshness of this peice. Love it and look forward to you perhaps doing a workshop with us at Bandouille next year B

[@BasilBear]

Dear Graham, I have watched heaps of watercolour tutorial videos and I've got to say that this had topped everything for me, it's just superb! I adore the finished work and the simplicity which you demonstrate is so effective that it's almost simply unbelievable. As an aside, the video production is excellent too. Thank you very much indeed.

[@junedewind7172]

Love the freedom which helps me get out of my tightness. Will try your technique and hopefully will change my art into something refreshing and fun. Thanks for sharing your excellent video and talent.

[@andreamarr7213]

Dear Graeme, most sincere appreciation from over here where we not only have lockdown but freezing weather, so need to get back to painting after a twenty year hiatus, less one lose it, so to speak, or turn to drink lol. ❤🇨🇦❤

[@gitarkid61]

I've watched dozens of 'how to paint trees' and this is by far the very best.....

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Alan, much appreciated

[@carolmckinlay6625]

Thanks Graham for your observations and reasons in the applications of paint to your lovely watercolour painting. Much appreciated.

[@ladyhecate9450]

It is amazing how things come from "what in the world" to a work of art. You brought it all together and made it look so simple. I've painted landscapes in oils for years but got tired of the smell and clean up. So I decided to try watercolor and watch all the "greats" do their thing. I love watching and listening. Your voice is soothing and you explain things so nicely. Thank you so much for helping we aspiring beginners in watercolor.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Much appreciated Delores. Watercolour is a never ending journey of wonder and learning.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Hi Renee. The small silver swordliner is available online from the SAA (Society for All Artists) in the UK. I can't give you the link because KZbin doesn't allow links in comments but just Google it. If you can't shop from the SAA, a lot of brush companies make this type of brush. I would recommend a natural hair brush rather than synthetic which tends to be a little too springy.

[@JohnSalmon]

Valuable tutorial Grahame. I'm so pleased you show your palette and how you mix your paints. That is where the magic starts and gives us a better idea of what you are doing. Many thanks - a masterclass indeed.

[@cristinasalesluis3075]

You are a great painter Grahame Booth! Your technique is absolutely marvelous! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ApproximatelyCee]

I have not seen the lifting color method used in a landscape before, not that I'm an expert (& honestly am so very forgetful these days that I may have just forgotten). You used it quite effectively and with your awesome style of painting in watercolor have a beautiful landscape. Thank you for taking the time to videotape your session. I love your art.

[@rldickie]

Great lesson. Been doodling for decades and it's still always useful to be reminded of those little pointers. Love your description of veridian BTW hideous indeed. Took me ages to figure out what to do with that stuff.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you for your kind comment. There are no extra colour effects added to the video. The original video was shot under tungsten light and was very warm in colour so a colour adjustment was made to make it more neutral. The final shot of the painting was taken with a stills camera and this is closer to the actual colours. This was the first time I had used a new lighting system. Next time I'll use a daylight filter on the lights and that should solve the problem.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments and encouragement. Over the next few months I plan to produce more videos each dealing with particular subjects with hints and tips on how to simplify the process so watch this space!!

[@drbob528]

Hi Graham ... I've only recently started using watercolours; I love it ... and hate it. So demanding , but every little success then becomes a victory. I am stunned by the apparent simplicity of your technique to achieve such a superb outcome. I realise that's a sign of a good artist, but it also encourages others to try your methods. I've never been confident about lifting paint, but will now give it a try. I'm using Bockingford 530 gm paper, so, with any luck it should work. Many thanks for taking the time to put your work online.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Hi Linda, Glad you are enjoying the videos. The brush I use for lifting out is an old size 8 sable that has long ago lost its point but almost any brush will do the job. It is best to have quite a springy natural hair brush. Stiffer hair will "scrub" better and natural hair soaks up the excess paint/water better than synthetic. Some even use a oil painter's bristle brush but I feel this is a little too stiff. There is more tips and info on my website (link in the video description above)

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Hi Anabel As long as the watercolours are from a reputable manufacturer they will be fine. I mostly use Winsor & Newton but I've used Schmincke and they are excellent.

[@TheLiznz]

I found this particularly interesting and your lifting out technique is something I will try soon. Thank you.

[@johnpaolino7834]

Great demo ! Looking forward to watching more of them. Thank you so much !

[@loricalass4068]

I just love watching canvases that start out looking like a big mess but turn into beautiful art works.

[@TheWEEFLO]

I am amazed that you can place more layers and it just gets better and better. A beautiful piece of work

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Lesley. Layering isn't a problem as long as the previous layers are not disturbed. Previous layers must be dry and the new layer must be laid as gently as possible and with as few strokes as possible.

[@pittoreism]

Отличный фильм! Красивые серые оттенки цветов создают гармонию в в картине.Удачи и новых новых работ!Grahame Booth

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Спасибо

[@TrueLoveX1027]

Really appreciate the time to share your really organic and expressive take on Birch trees and the surroundings. Lovely painting! Definitely hit the "subscribe."

[@arqMyriamBM]

Great lesson, one of the best videos on the technique I've seen so far

[@berylrose3213]

Brilliant painting, I really enjoyed Watching this smaller watercolour. Such an interesting old tree to paint, and You have done it perfectly. I also like the snowy lane painting you have done too. Thank you

[@hearfan]

Love the accent and tone of voice too. That's important.

[@larime7968]

hear fan

[@TheCombatartist]

Very nice technique. A suggestion would be to color correct your studio lighting, which has a yellow cast to it and it effects the video.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

The impressionists would have loved this painting! And, so do I. Think I will give this a go. Thanks for sharing! I need to spend some time doing paintings of this "cropping" to get away from the big-sky paintings.

[@imp822]

Thank you so much for sharing. I love how you show your pallet. It helps to know how much water to use. You're very instructive in your video, with actual explanation of what you're doing.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

The paper used for the tree demo was Bockingford 200lb NOT (Cold Pressed) It is a comparatively inexpensive paper and Cheap Joe's seem to stock it. I also use Fabriano Artistico and the colour lifts from that much easier than with Arches. Having said that, if you don't need to lift, Arches is a great paper!

[@eldiablo4131]

Very nice and simple tut...I just love it Lifting begins at 8:08?...(is my guess). most papers begin to 'peel-off ' with just a few wet brush strokes, and that is why Mr. Booth uses the hot pressed, 140 lbs kind of paper, as I recall on a previous comment...he makes it look so very easy...!!

[@smitty1105]

Thanks for this tutorial video. I'm a avid fan of the lift-out technique and this is an excellent illustration.

[@thoward6437]

One of the best demos on KZbin

[@user-rd3jr5pf2c]

Beautiful and lovely art works. Thank you for teaching and sharing.

[@KellieChasse]

Love you Loose style Grahame! I"m such a detailed painter.....nice to watch you work!

[@hirenandfriends]

I love the way you make everything simple and easy to learn.

[@AlisonFennell]

Luscious, instinctive and poetic - fab Grahame - I learned a lot.

[@saralayton4678]

Very good painting; I have viewed this particular demo a number of times; like your friendly attitude and helpful instructions.

[@jairoacosta8940]

they say the essence of art is appreciation. so to you i say; Beautiful , thank you for the video!

[@grandma.p]

Thanks so much for sharing these techniques!

[@shadypenguinX]

mister, your work is absolutely beautiful! Suscribed!

[@Lorenoide2000]

I had never seen a paper like that. You make it look so easy! I loved this!

[@davidsmith812]

Yet another wonderful and relaxing video. THANK you!!!

[@sahasra55]

Sir I love to paint trees today I really enjoyed your demo and your way of guidance is so simple and comprehensive Thank you so much

[@simonewood8884]

You're an amazing inspiration for me as a self taught watercolour painter, many thanks to you.

[@ahallekatti]

simply smart and dexterous, with the right sense of hues. Wow!

[@keithdawes2685]

A thoroughly enjoyable demo. You have a great teaching style Grahame, plus the video is full of very useful watercolour painting tips. Thank you very much..

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Kieth. I appreciate your comments. I plan to have more videos up soon so keep in touch.

[@barbaralinderman]

What a beautiful painting and your delivery is brilliant! You are very good at detailing exactly what you are doing. Thank you so much 😀

[@barbaralinderman]

Definitely going to check out your website. Cheers from Ontario CANADA 🇨🇦

[@user-qq2qe6hi9u]

this is trully amazing demonstration... i learnt alot ... got inspired by the way u use the colours ,the washes and the brushwork... i will definately try by hand on it...the picking of colour is also great technique..thanx for suggesting the paper..

[@mspates5982]

This was a very amazing painting Graham! I'm relatively new to watercolor painting and this looks like it would be a good one to try for myself! I'm going to subscribe to your channel to make sure I don't miss any more episodes. I hope you're still painting and doing KZbin. Evidently this was done about 4 or 5 years ago!

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you for the comment. There are a few on KZbin as I'm sure you have discovered and I do try to upload new ones as often as I can. Unfortunately it takes a while to film and edit each one. I hope to have another available over the next couple of weeks.

[@TheMargieart]

Thank you for taking your time to create this video. It is helpful and inspiring. I will try to paint trees in watercolor!

[@KrisWiltseArt]

Wonderful techique. You work with watercolor as I see it should be. Loose, spontaneous and free! Thank you!

[@daddypeet257]

A refreshingly different approach thanks Love the lifting out technique

[@evonnehatton3346]

I love the looseness of your painting (:

[@LeonaFraser1]

Just stumbled across your video I have watched many many videos on watercolour and must say this was one of the best I've seen, very informative and very interesting thank you so much I will be looking at the others on your website asap

[@irenemacdonald4955]

Brilliant demo Grahame

[@PamelaChase]

Love your style of painting AND teaching ... subscribed!

[@brigittesiegl4313]

Hallo Grahame, sehr schönes Bild. Habe jetzt auch wieder angefangen mehr mit Aquarellfarben zu malen,zuvor mehr mit Acryl. Die Farben, die du benutzt sind sehr nätürlich,sieht toll aus.

[@empielouw5161]

Thank you very much!!! One of the best, if not the best tutorials I 've ever seen. I really enjoyed your explanations.

[@Cpickerel]

Great video....thanks! I love the warmth of the colors and the "freeness" of your painting. I get too bogged down in precision....Thanks Again!

[@reginehulot2702]

Merci M.Grahame Booth, pour vos explications et votre talent, je pense que je vais progresser en regardant vos vidéos, CORDIALEMENT Régine de SAVOIE

[@AlisonFennell]

Totally agree about the hideousness of the dreaded Viridian LOL! But glad to hear of knocking it back with Burnt Sienna:)

[@tmgarcia2002]

Hi Grahame, i love your tutorial! Im just starting to learn to paint using watercolour and i would be trying the techniques you showed here! Thanks!

[@krischung3738]

Thumbs up for you Mr. Booth very very nice

[@perfectstorm37]

I'm an artist and I teach art in my studio in Sussex. I would like to say that you have 'got it' perfectly. Brilliant video! It's simplicity isn't it?

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thanks Gilson. You are quite right. If people only remembered one piece of advice, "keep it simple" is probably the best.

[@doreenchristie1260]

beautiful landscape loved the way you brought it all together

[@evapektas3832]

Wonderful, not only your picture, but also your explenations...Thank you 🌹

[@PaintingWatercolour]

So nice of you Eva. Thank you

[@martinsmith49]

Grahame, I really enjoyed this painting. Thanks you. You could also try switching the camera's daylight balance to tungsten.

[@judithloganart8794]

Thanks so much for this, wish I'd found you sooner! My signature style that I've been developing is nothing like this, but I sketch and paint from life when I can, but many ly in oils. If you ever teach plein air around County Antrim, I'd be very interested. I now want a sword liner brush! Will def be checking out your website.

[@franciscolima304]

Simple and amazing. Masterwork..

[@rosilynking8439]

Super. Thank you so much for sharing. I love trees and the way you paint them will inspire me to keep at it.

[@ccsitaround]

Really a nice demo, Grahame, very helpful. Thanks.

[@annpartin]

Thank you for sharing your "gift" with us. We all need a purpose and yours is helping those of us who want to know more about how to better manipulate our color palate on paper! :) Thanks

[@lochgarbh7337]

Grahame, thanks for posting this lesson. I have taken up the brush after a long time and I hope to improve my watercolour. I live not far from you and I want to paint this kind of thing. I had a go today at the above but my results are nothing like yours. Gonna keep trying though. I know what some of my problems are, eg incorrect brushes. Also overworking and too strong washes. Your results are superb. Would love a chance to talk to you. Cathal.

[@scookes000]

very good.......great talent and clear instructions....just starting on watercolouring you have given me my best picture ! Hope you do a similar video on GRASS .......maybe a golf course scene from NI the golf capital of the world......happy new year

[@abdulrasheedkp4862]

really good. my kids are really excited after watching the video.

[@irishkalia]

Спасибо за видео. Вы хорошо потрудились над его созданием. Получилось очень познавательно.

[@marie-louiseericsson9252]

Thanks for sharing us your way of painting. So beautiful !

[@LOUIE7278]

THANKS FOR THE TIPS ON WATERCOLOR PAINTING.I WILL GIVE IT A TRY.

[@BrucePenny]

I enjoyed this demo. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to visit your website to see what else you are sharing. Thanks again. B.

[@bartomac1]

I love it so much. Your technique is admirable, the purest of watercolor. Thank you very much for sharing your work. I learn by seeing your work.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you for your kind comments

[@luzeugeniaarandaregules7433]

Interesante cada maestro utiliza la técnica de la acuarela como mejor obtiene los resultados ,sabiendo que tiene que hacerlo en un medio acuoso,gracias es muy bueno

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

Beautiful! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this!

[@taunusspatz]

It is a really enjoyable video with good explanations of what you are doing. It is always interesting to learn about new techniques - especially I liked that dry-brush-finger!

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

I too love your work. But I have to agree with one person here that the background music is not necessary. Will be ready with the mute button next time through. Thankyou for your demos. Gorgeous loose paintings and careful instruction.

[@katherinesimonds622]

ty for taking time to answer :)

[@pintoraficionado]

Beautiful work. Thank you for the complete (unselfish) and helpful demo.

[@jammuna1]

enjoyed your painting immensely, great work thanks

[@Medhb]

Simply LOVE your style...beautiful!

[@tracytheedom3470]

beautiful painting,great mix of color.

[@user-si3hr7cy9q]

Прекрасно. Спасибо за такую красоту.Очень вдохновляет!

[@kayfletcher4169]

Very useful video, particularly about lifting out technique.

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Thank you Graham. I have watched a few of your vids and pleased I found your channel. I’ve happily subbed, because your vids are very helpful. I like your style of painting as well.

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Welcome aboard!

[@francescogelpi1883]

grazie mille Grahame, sei veramente gentile a rispondermi in modo così esauriente. Ti sono debitore, spero di contraccambiare la tua cortesia nel prossimo tuo stage che farai a settembre del prossimo anno in Umbria Italy a cui spero ardentemente di partecipare. ciao Maestro

[@PaintingWatercolour]

Thank you Francesco, I hope to see you in Umbria.

[@mywaterdr]

Grahame, excellent tutorial on painting trees...loved it so much I just subscribed!

[@combocreativecentre4514]

Sir no words to say...really very exciting, thank you very much for your tips...pls be with this...

[@anishkumarr6051]

Thanks Grahame for this video. Its really an interesting technique and helpful..