Quick Tip 213 - No More Artificial Bark

A subscriber stated that their painting of bark on a tree looked artificial and wanted a tip on how to make it more realistic. Art teacher/artist Dianne Mize demonstrates how to do that.

[@necatisevinc9060]

ı just love her....she is spending so much enerji just teach the people she dosent even know....ı mean ...isnt she just great.....

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks!

[@justuspierce9533]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my account password. I would love any help you can offer me

[@frankiehaley9371]

Yes indeed after much searching I feel I have found the pot of gold at rainbows end. Thank you so much for your generous shating Dianne

[@johannebrun3409]

Omg bless your soul!! Thank you so much for your videos!

[@timsullivan5328]

An accomplished confident artist is never hesitant to share techniques She is living proof Thank you for the great videos!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wow, thank you!

[@M4rteevee]

This is one of my favourite painting KZbin channels, thank you for posting these videos Diane!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@lillianfyn2606]

I'm learning so much from you!!! Thanks Dianne.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks.

[@robinmcewan7390]

You are an amazing and generous teacher. Thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Ah, thanks 😊.

[@cazscot8397]

Excellent demo Dianne - thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@lindagarner4739]

Thank you Diane. Love your demonstrations.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks for watching.

[@coloradocorri]

I learn so much in these quick tips - thank you Dianne!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@eleanormacdonald7031]

Such an excellent demo. Thank you so much, Dianne.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@virginiarparker9503]

Thank you for your time. I enjoy listening to you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks!

[@Allthough]

Awesome. I was going to be starting a painting involving trees along a riverbank and just now came across this. Perfect timing! Thank you for demonstrating how to do this.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I like perfect timing! Happy painting!

[@gracecoleman7577]

Thank you so much for this Dianne - much appreciated. Great tip.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@sattaurnikki]

Thanks Dianne once again for your patience and your willingness to share. 🤗😀

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Always a pleasure.

[@mariegamber]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I learned so much. You are a wealth of knowledge. I am enjoying your online classes so much!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks, Marie.

[@LizMcNamara47]

Thank you so much, it’s very helpful to make us see those transitions, I’ll look at those terminator areas more now!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Have fun with this.

[@davidkemp3094]

Finally a properly worded analysis and instruction. Clear and concise. I am a retired theatrical scenic painter and this is so helpful.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it!

[@ushadilip3039]

Thank you so much for giving the value able tip in creating textures on the tree barks.🙏🏾

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@seanhampson4126]

Beautifully put! This helped me a whole lot! Thanks for making it so simple to understand!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@joanistotler8804]

Thanks, Dianne - super explanation!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks!

[@JAsisterti]

that was great, thanks Dianne!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@neenakandwal6191]

You are an amazing teacher, thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you! 😃

[@patriciapilipuf6372]

Great tip. I have always had trouble with texture on trees. Thank you for this tip

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Happy to help!

[@jessabear1988]

Love this! Thank u so much for posting your videos 🥰

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome! It's a pleasure to share these.

[@LuC1800]

Wonderful lesson. You are the best teacher ever ,

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you! 😃

[@jacomans9078]

I love the way you describe everything, you leave no margin for error,, very precise, thank you,

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@cindymorgan66]

This was such an informative video. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks! It's a pleasure to share.

[@elizabetenunes3719]

You explain so easily. I Just love. I have a trunck to redo right now. Put only 2 values and very symetric textures. Thank you so much!!!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Happy painting!

[@kathaleenavaldez-jackson8093]

Love that she takes her time to explain things makes all the difference. GREAT video and wonderful teachings, thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@sandrascroggins476]

This is really helpful! Thank you for explaining the process!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're very welcome! have fun with it.

[@joannelargent3786]

Thank you Diane! I was having a very difficult time with a tree in my oil painting. Finally, I have the technique to make it realistic.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wonderful! Have fun with it.

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

Very good plan, love, love trees, will use this, thank You!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@antoniopompa8316]

This is a great tip! Can't wait to try it!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it!

[@MonicaJamesFineArt]

Super helpful. Another reminder that it’s values values values that keep things from looking artificial. Thanks so much Dianne.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks, Monica. When you think about it, it's light that causes us to see everything we see and light creates value.

[@Samiambambam]

I love you! thank you so much for your detailed instructions

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Always a pleasure.

[@leojablonski2309]

Excellent tip...per usual

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks again!

[@brendajeannewyche2294]

Thank you for breaking it down in a way that I can understand what I’M doing, rather than just going through the motions of what someone else is doing. You’re amazing. I appreciate you so much. ❤️😁

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're very welcome!

[@alkasarin1073]

Thank you for the yet again wonderful tip

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Always a pleasure, Alka.

[@danawoods580]

Thank you so much for your help!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@Mali4d]

You are the best ❤️my favourite artist on KZbin! I don't even care about painting bark but I always still learn something from all your videos ☺️

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pervezash]

Amazing so deeply and nicely explained ❤️

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks !

[@elsagrace3893]

I see that you understand the form of the tree and bark. I must work on understanding form. I am getting there. Bless you and thank you for sharing with us.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You can learn about form from observing what's happening in light and in shadow.

[@kathycrocker3953]

Thank you, I will try this different attempt for tree texture.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Practice it first on spare sheets of canvas and I think you will discover it opens up many possibilities.

[@sophiefly4258]

Thank you! Love it as always!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure, as always.

[@mosiotv]

Thanks for great hints🙏🏻 👍🏻

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@absrenato]

Wow, that´s what I call a wonderful class. I learned a lot and loved the way a somewhat complex matter can be so well explained that it appears to be simple. I happen to be painting a copper gilded pannel, and your tips will certainly help me a lot when painting my cherry tree trunks. Many, many thanks, and greetings from Brasil.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're very welcome! It's a pleasure to do these.

[@janehalley8564]

Super helpful lesson. This really helped me.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad to hear it!

[@vijayk976]

Excellent. Insightful.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@susanjones2701]

Thank you.This lesson was very helpful.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are welcome!

[@lunadargent5292]

Thank you Dianne, this was a wonderful explanation that completely made sense and I can’t wait to try and implement on my artificial looking trees LOL.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great!

[@ruthrodriguez8539]

Great information, thank you so much.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Our pleasure!

[@beverlyennis6950]

Thanks for this information!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You bet!

[@TheMcrachie]

Great explanation thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're welcome! Give it a try and enjoy the journey.

[@Michelle-hg3sv]

Thank you Dianne. I was painting en plein air last weekend and got so angry at my trees, I came home and wiped the painting off my board. I'll go try again now. Much appreciated!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Just change the way you're looking at them and the frustration will morph into excitement.

[@lucianotradus]

Awesome! Very very informative!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks.

[@ferdinandpadilla5242]

Thank you for this tutorial madam, it lightens me up a lot and I will use your techniques for this matter. Cheers.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it.

[@robingagan6288]

I like to use my pallet knife for bark. I always learn a lot from your videos

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Using this approach with palette knife will work beautifully.

[@ATINKERER]

As always, a very informative video!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks for watching!

[@ATINKERER]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction Thanks for the lesson.

[@ms.ginger6060]

Wow! Your a true treasure! Were you an art teacher? You have a way about you that is so easy to just get it! Very glad I found you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

To answer your question, yes. I've spent my entire career teaching art, first in high school, then in college, then in my own school, and now on line.

[@DineseBeckert]

Wonderful! I now understand the terminator! I did a search last week for bark, I am working on a big piece...a twisted tree without a reference. I dried a major Jamaican tuber, it's a great bark reference but THIS video brought it home...bravo Diane!🤗🤗

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it, Dinese!

[@breannawyatt7319]

thank you so much for this video! i’m working on a mural and this is gonna help so much

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great! Have fun with it.

[@a.patrickkilkenny3036]

Thank you Dianne. Yr a diamond..👍🙂

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Ah, thanks!

[@jjroseknows777]

Great lesson.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks!

[@patriciaheller9211]

Such a perfect quick tip as I'm working on a painting of an old growth stump (about 100 yrs) that is under a dogwood tree shadow, not a lot of change in value, but I have a better idea of how to interpret what I'm seeing. Thank you Diane!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wonderful. I love it when a tip is so timely.

[@joanistotler8804]

Super informative - wow!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@Jkaterchannel]

I just discovered your channel. Excellent explanations and useful tips. Suscribed. Thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Welcome aboard!

[@bobbysands5385]

Thanks for this!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure!

[@joantucker4731]

LOVE THIS TIP! Just watched # 241, thanks for referencing #213. Thank you for always reminding us to follow the 'how to' principle - think values and shapes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

It's a pleasure to do this Tips, but the real reward is in reading comments like this one. Thanks!

[@emjayc9584]

you are awesome and have taught me so much.. thank you

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I am delighted.

[@atkatk9208]

Tnk u soo much ma'am.... keep going ma'am.. with lots of luv.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks for watching.

[@chinupduck4849]

thank you diane, i leaned a lot. going to see if you have a playlist for trees. if you don't, then that is my suggestion.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Check the entire list by going to kzbin.infovideos . I have a lot of Tips on various issues with painting trees.

[@natsmatratatat]

what a wonderful tutorial. I’ve been searching for days to find a true tutorial video on this exact topic. Thank you so much! All the other ones I’ve watched, before I found this one, should not be called or Categorized tutorials! They should be called “watch me paint a tree trunk; While I play background music and do NOT explain anything” videos!!!!!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

So glad this one was helpful and that you found it. Thanks for watching.

[@skylarmccready]

I always start out painting with the transitions just as you did to begin with and for the "texture" I shift the colors just to right. Picking up the darkest color just a notch darker and lightening from there over. Not sure if you understand my explanation lol but it works for me :D great tutorial, thanks!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I think we are saying the same thing, but in a different way. Thanks for sharing your approach.

[@skylarmccready]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction lol thanks I was hoping you would understand 😃

[@tamaraalzubi1979]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@ebiebrahimi7472]

Thank you

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You bet.

[@great-garden-watch]

Hi I love your videos. I am learning so much. When you mentioned here the terminator line I realized there must be so much to learn about such principles. Could you recommend a textbook? All I see are the seven principles of design but how snd what we see and how to apply that to painting I would really love to read about. Thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I break down the principles into those that are the results of what we do and those that do the work to achieve the results in my book Finding Freedom to Create available on Amazon. On our Lessons website, we have a free diagram of the parts of light and shadow that you can find at diannemize.com/product/light-to-shadow-diagrams/

[@great-garden-watch]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction thank you! I’m going to also try your courses.

[@shaash5236]

ThankYou

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You bet.

[@soronos8586]

Finally! I can finish my daughters bedroom mural 😂

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun!

[@rezahosseinzadehnasser993]

Thank you so much for your valuable lesson. One question: When defining a notan, should we put the mid-tone in shade or light?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Reza, notan (in realistic painting) is just a way of separating shadow from not-in-shadow. It's best done by keeping the in shadow areas in a single value. Then within those areas we've designated as shadow and not-in-shadow, we define the values as a second step allowing the notan to be our guide.

[@queerstars1]

Thanks! XO

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@caralynmcauley6679]

THANKYOU

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure

[@nzfalcon8698]

Sounds like a rainy day

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Sometimes that happens. My studio has a metal roof, so when it rains, you hear it.

[@fatimamatar4710]

May I ask what kind of colors are these? I've watched earlier videos and there's no mention of the type of paint you use. Thank you for your wonderful tutorials :)

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

For this Quick Tip, I'm using oil paints.

[@melissanoel923]

I have been asked to do a painting of a building. It is beige and very flat. Is there any way to add interest without simply making it a color it isn't? I see Schmid using a rainbow of color in buildings, but I don't know what the real building looked like and I haven't a clue what colors to use or where and how to apply them to get a realistic, yet more interesting result.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Schmid does that well because he's spent decades observing and studying variations in colors and values. The best way to learn to paint a building is to do dozens of studies of it in various kinds of light. Study the values and colors you see in the shadowed areas and in the areas not in shadow. There is no formula for this.

[@melissanoel923]

I know what you have said it true and I also know that if there was a formula it would take the challenge and joy out of meeting that challenge. However, I still find the challenge daunting. Thanks you for the confirmation. Here's to the new challenge of teaching my eyes to see the colors that my logical mind tell me aren't there.

[@marytal8236]

Love your tips but I want to ask a question do you think in order to be a good painter you must to learn to draw first ?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Yes, indeed. Good drawing is at the heart of every good realistic painting.

[@gayebailey6054]

How do I paint a red maple and get the reds right? 5:22 They are either too dark or too pastel. Using oil.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Gaye, you adjust the hue and the intensity as well as the value. I'll to a Quick Tip to show you.

[@gretchennotzold2313]

I just discovered Dianne Mize. I am just starting painting and I have no education at all in just about anything. Do you recommend oils over acrylics?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

It is a personal choice. My favorite of the two is oils, only because they stay wet much longer. But many artists prefer acrylics because of their fast drying time. Some artists begin a painting with acrylics and finish it with oils. So, I can't recommend one of the the other without prejudice.

[@glorialacoma9735]

Estupendo!!!!! Podría hacer un tutorial con árboles completo? Quiero pintar un árbol o varios, no se aún, y me gustaría que quedase realista. Gracias por sus videos!!!!!!! Desde España.

[@SpottedBullet]

"Great!!!!! Could I do a tutorial with full trees? I want to paint a tree or several, I do not know yet, and I would like it to be realistic. Thanks for your videos !!!!!!! From Spain."

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

It's all about teaching yourself to observe what your eyes are seeing rather than labeling what you see. Search in KZbin for Quick Tip 179 and 169 and practice these.

[@MadRushMusic]

Thanks very much for the quick tips! They are invaluable. I have a question. You sometimes describe things as cartoonish. What makes a painting look cartoonish and how can we avoid cartoonish painting. Thanks again Diane.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

When I say cartoonish, I'm referring to a painting feeling like it's outlined with a "coloring in" approach, sorta like we see in cartoons. Rather than shapes having volume and form, they feel flat.

[@MadRushMusic]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction Thanks for the reply, Diane. I get what you mean now....

[@chelseaprice7999]

hi there! can you tell me what to do if I have already omitted the value-first principle... I just started painting and went about my tree painting all wrong. is there a way to correct?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

If it worked, don't fret about it. There are many routes to Rome.

[@michaelb1515]

How do you keep your oils wet? Is that a special box or do you freeze?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Check out Quick Tip 115. I explain it all there.

[@OurGentleJourneys]

Do you have any tutorials about vines growing on trees? In oil

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Not specifically, but looking for the degree of value contrast and the variations in colors should guide you. I suggest doing studies of vines growing on trues in order to learn how that works.

[@OurGentleJourneys]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction I will try that. Thank you

[@nicoledesormeaux14]

Did you do any blending after, Nicole

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Only if it's needed.

[@terif3754]

Hello. Thank you so much for the informative video. You mention "cartoonish." To change that, is it just a matter of blending?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

It's a matter of being more exact about getting the textures I'm seeing, using the same techniques.

[@gabriellelauer5667]

Why are trees trunks painted brown mostly?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

They shouldn't be. Tree trunks vary in color according to the type of tree, the season and the kind of light illuminating it.

[@shaash5236]

Could You kindly write the name of your site? I can’t quite catch it. Thanks

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

www.diannemize.com

[@shaash5236]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction great. Thanks

[@sm7610]

This was helpful, but how do we get from cartoonish, as you termed it, to realistic?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

One way is by observing and translating value gradations.

[@tessayodersmith847]

I don’t have any grandmas left...would you be my grandma? 🥺❤️ Also, you are just lovely....I love your helpful tutorials, and I also have that same brown folding screen! I recognized it right away😂

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

😇

[@codiejoppa5205]

I am having troubles with the 🍁

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Stay with it. Give it a try.

[@robertrichmond2207]

I am a neophyte! Only 8 months of painting and 96 years old..... What basic colors do you use to create tree trunks Bob Richmond

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Robert, I don't have a formula for creating tree trunks, but for this tip I used raw umber, ultramarine blue and quinacridone burnt orange plus white.

[@t0raneko]

But anyone can make something that looks cartoonish. We wanna know how to make it look professional. Can you show how you would finish it?

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You do that by practicing and mastering the techniques I'm showing here.