Watercolor Leaves (my 10 Favourite Techniques!)

If you liked this video try this one next, for 10 Green recipes! How to Mix Green Watercolor (10 useful recipes!) • How to Mix Green Water...
Watercolor Leaves (my 10 Favourite Techniques!) In this leaf tutorial for beginners I walk you through 10 easy techniques to give you perfect, simple watercolor leaves every time. From fall or autumn leaves through to realistic summer leaves with veins and soft highlights!
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0:00 Watercolor leaves beginner tutorial
1:20 Watercolor leaves best brush
3:55 Watercolor leaves wet on wet
6:23 Watercolor leaves light veins
10:07 Watercolor leaves dark veins
13:38 Watercolor leaves red veins
15:23 Watercolor leaves insect holes
18:15 Watercolor leaves coloured veins
21:38 Watercolor leaves highlights
22:49 Watercolor leaves autumn fall
25:55 Watercolor leaves back, reverse
29:13 Watercolor leaves receding (ghost leaves)
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SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
ALL PAINTS used in this video are by Jackman's Art Materials. If you would like a discount off of any paints or brushes at Jackman’s Art Materials please use my code MICHELE10 at the checkout! www.jackmansartmaterials.co.uk Worldwide Shipping
OTHER LINKS (US)
SAA Silver All Rounder Size 10 Brush: amzn.to/35VCeeW
Daler Rowney Dalon Size 6 Brush: amzn.to/2ZMlWn2 (Different brand, just as good)
Derwent set of 24 amzn.to/2RGDQXa
Oil Pastels, by Talens Van Gogh Set 24 amzn.to/3efq5VK
Bockingford watercolor block amzn.to/3efbfyT
Large Frisk Oblong palette: amzn.to/37gHMRN
OTHER LINKS (UK)
SAA Silver All Rounder Size 10 Brush: amzn.to/2BR1i9E
SAA Silver All Rounder Size 6 Brush: amzn.to/2GCa9AF
Derwent Watercolour Pencils set of 24 amzn.to/2AVLzGw
Oil Pastels, by Talens Van Gogh Set 24 amzn.to/2ZbsX1U
Bockingford 20 sheets amzn.to/3gUDZyH
Large Frisk Oblong palette: amzn.to/2sjc73C
Disclaimer: Some of the product links above may be affiliate links which pay this channel a small commission (at no extra cost to the buyer) which enables me to make more free videos for you to enjoy. Thanks for your support!
www.michelewebber.com

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Which of these was your favorite? If you liked this video try this one next, for 10 Green recipes! How to Mix Green Watercolor (10 useful recipes!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH-ViJeaZp2iqbM

[@herbcroneart]

In the Studio with Michele Webber For scoring lines...may I suggest an XCut 4 in 1 embossing pen? Very cheap on EBay and I wish I had bought one sooner! It’s really good for fine details such as leaf veins.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, I have that pen, I have to say it didn't work too well when I tried it, need to experiment with the different sizes perhaps.

[@denavess732]

I’m not criticizing you, we are all different. I talk fast too! Good information. Thanks sharing. ❤️

[@carollen5633]

The technique using an Aquarelle pencil in the wet leaf veins is my favorite. Thank you.

[@carollen5633]

@@herbcroneart /// I agree like them as well, the small size

[@Megzamani]

These are being suggested daily now so I am watching them all as they pop up. Thanks much.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@dianakoeppel3492]

Love the tip about the "ghost" leaves for depth. Thank you.

[@JanCarpenter-mx5gz]

Love shading turned down leaves and background leaves

[@ESimon-th1w]

Great tips, thank you! I especially liked; using a watercolor pencil to put in veins or outline bug bites, and using a bigger brush to help prevent drying lines. I've struggled with drying lines while using small brushes, so this is a wonderful tip.

[@hollyahner8013]

Loved the rain sounds in the background!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Always raining here. I just went to Egypt, had a tour of the national park, two days a year it rains. Wow!

[@irlGlitches]

I'm 32 and I didn't realize until I came across this channel how much I miss my art teachers from middle/highschool. :) Thank you for not putting the actual lessons all behind a pay wall.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@4ohgollycats]

Loved the behind ghost leaves instructions

[@brittanydempsey6549]

I have a brush that I used a pencil sharpener on the end that I use for scoring instead of bringing a knife near my painting. It works beautifully and when I use my nicer brushes that don't have it I'm always reaching for it. Also thank you for such wonderful videos. Alot of KZbin is repackaged info over and over but I'm learning so much from your videos that is new to me that no one is talking about thanks so much

[@vickymeissner510]

Very clear !

[@carlabakelaar8912]

Thank you, will try them all.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Carla!

[@laurahamilton4362]

Thanks for your fascinating techniques, I can hardly wait to try them.

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

You’ve made leaves exciting!😃 👍🌿🌱☘️🍀

[@miahughes1450]

Thank you Michele. I’ve learnt so much in such a short time and had fun practicing

[@judifoster8]

This video was great! I loved the “carved” veins.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Sans-nx4cx]

i love your tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@charlesmclennan3063]

I love your tips

[@cherylj.harris4967]

I've needed help with leaves. Thsnk you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@methywoz]

Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world! You’re a delightful instructor, lots of gratitude from across the pond!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@patytrico]

I fell in love with that paint! Your work is amazing :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much Paty ☺️

[@juliedavies3481]

Love the clarity of your tuition Michelle, thank you for sharing these tips and techniques

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful Julie!

[@1971wizzard]

Fab video!!!

[@bshadas]

Thanks for your explanations , i really love them ❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome 😊

[@elideelilley5064]

Thank you, Michele. Really enjoyed this video and am eager to try these techniques.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful!

[@jrobbx]

As an absolute newbie, this was very informative.

[@ChrisK929]

Just the video I needed. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@SophieBird07]

As usual, I am learning so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@marcosdeoliveira6072]

For me, your videos as like a therapy

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much :-)

[@pollygets9362]

learning so many great tips here. I love watching the practice

[@jaxgonsalves]

Truly love your tips& tutorials

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@mandalouw5307]

Ghost leaves! Thank you your video helped me so much!

[@nancybada6373]

Love all these techniques

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@mom2bsa]

I like the turned over leaf the best. It’s so realistic! Using watercolor pencils for the veins is nice too.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Watercolour pencils do make things easier!

[@normaspande3141]

Great tips thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Norma 🙂

[@lynnpomeroy9336]

Thank you Michele, that was very helpful and interesting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Lynn!

[@liamwatson5125]

I love your leaves, Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Another brilliant tutorial. X

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much 😊

[@christinamaclean1154]

Such great detail. Many thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@maggimarmion3836]

I loved the underside of the leaf painting 👍😍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@swlbarely]

Great job Michelle!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@marymorgan2221]

Very good as usual, my fav is the red watercolour pencil for the central Vein. Thank you very much. X

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Good choice!

[@irmareitz701]

Another great tutorial. Thank you so much Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Thanks for sharing this video of techniques. I have quite a few more ways to get the results needed for my leaves.

[@Kimber_Lee_Enlow]

Love the light veins. Nice control of paint.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks 👍

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

Again very helpful information. Did not think about using watercolor pencil for red veins...genius idea!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Really great tutorial, thank you. X

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@janedoe1790]

Great tips 🌻🐝✨✨✨thankyou.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cherylberry1613]

I had never heard of the scoring technique. That is one I am definitely going to try. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful to you Cheryl!

[@karenirving7088]

Brilliant

[@icicleroblox32]

This is SO helpful Michele…..thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bkbekka32]

I am currently using acrylics, but I am very much loving the beauty being created before my eyes.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Acrylics are great too :-) But watercolor is my favorite, there are effects you can't get in any other medium.

[@votisit]

Scoring the paper for the veins is a brilliant idea. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Natasha!

[@donnaturner9518]

Loved all 10 techniques, probably my favorite was number 9. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@paulinemcnelis4377]

Really helpful tips so well explained I always enjoy watching your videos thanks Michelle.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Pauline ❤️

[@deborahjoy2013]

Thank you Michele. I have been water color painting for about 2 months and have learned so much from your tutorials. Loved this leaf tutorial! I hopefully will be able to apply these techniques to my paintings! My favorite was the turned under edge but many others were equally as good.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@sherrieleslie7478]

Thank you so much for these techniques. Much appreciated your teaching.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@meadowscolin]

Found this really useful. Thank u

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome Colin!

[@dijosephine9556]

Your tips are sooo helpful 👍🌹

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you think so!

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Another excellent tutorial! Thank you 😊 the ghost leaves were my favourite

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@juliebrocklehurst-woods5247]

Outstanding video, thanks so much. I’m just learning, and have decided to just focus on foliage for awhile.

[@mariapazaristeaguirre4491]

From Chile, thanks very much. Your tips are really great.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hello in Chile! Thank you 🙏

[@maureenparsons2062]

Thank you,I found the illustrations very informative,and brush size ,was interesting 😳👍🏻

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You’re welcome 😊

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Interesting color, green. Very easy to mess up. Good tutorial, and yes I will look at that "10 recipes to mix green" vid now😉

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Perfect, thank you!

[@nsavar5864]

Thank you for sharing your own finished paintings with us -- so beautiful and generous. It helps me see the techniques you present so clearly in their finished painting context. (I'm a visual learner.) Thanks again for another well done video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@karenjones9118]

Thankyou for this video, really liked the different techniques, especially the idea of using watercolour pencils and ghost leaves 🙏

[@christinelubanski9880]

Thanks Michelle I enjoyed your tips and my favorites were how to use Watercolour pencil over damp paint! Also graying/blue for the background ghost leaves. Thankyou Christine 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem, thanks for watching Christine!

[@sonnyjuke]

Great video really learnt a lot, thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

I really liked the addition of blue to make the second leaf appear to be coming from behind in the last example. Thanks for such great information.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@lesleyhughes9461]

Great ideas - especially watercolour pencil

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sherilyncook5062]

Really helpful. Every tip was great. Appreciate your teaching style. Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure Sherilyn :-)

[@KarenMcCoy-xi2bf]

Michele thank you for taking time to make, edit and plan these videos. Can you do one on layering color? I learned today why my leaves have drying lines. What a help!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Noted!

[@lydiabosley9152]

Thanks, Michele! I am just a beginner so I will have to try your techniques before deciding which ones I like best, but the watercolor pencil was a neat trick!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, I use watercolour pencils for all sorts of details!

[@miriammolloy5900]

Congratulations Michelle

[@aliciashackley5830]

Michele, I enjoyed all of these techniques. But the red pencil up the middle and red paint spreading from the middle and the curled over leaf techniques are wonderfully helpful. Thank you so much once again. 🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh thank you, glad it helped!

[@marleiseturner4689]

I have two favorites actually. Those are the ghost leaves, and the leaves that are nicely scored. All of your tips however are invaluable to me as a new watercolor enthusiast. Thank you so much for graciously sharing❣️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it!

[@sheiladass1656]

Thank you Michelle you're such a brilliant teacher..I only came across you by chance your lessons with clear demonstrations are just so perfect to get to understand the basics of drawing/painting. I hope you continue to share your skills with us. Well done!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@frostieone]

Good clear instructions Very helpful! Thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@dianemccabe9907]

Michele, you are the best!!! You make the best videos!! Very informative. You are very good at explaining things I have been trying to work out on my own. Been very frustrated, but these are techniques I'm very excited to try! Thank you so much!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@maryloueppard425]

Thank you so much for generosity. I am learning so much from you and pray abundance for you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@pennybordelon707]

Wonderful wonderful show very informative thank you thank you thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So nice of you

[@chrishackenbrack343]

the turned leaf is quite effective, and I never thought to use a was pastel as resist, thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@cafecito25]

Once again another great tutorial video! Personally I like them all. I've seen in your other videos how you use these same techniques for flowers and trees. 🙂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome, thank you!

[@abugintheblue]

I’ve always struggled with leaves - if there are loads in background, but you’ve addressed all my problems. Brill,!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad :-)

[@annettefournier9655]

Thank you Michele. Flowers and leaves are not my favorite things. Wonderful tutorial. My favorites are the craft knife dark veins and the ghost leaves. Love those ghost leaves!👍💜

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome ☺️

[@hobbyhopper3143]

I’m a new subscriber and really appreciate your generosity in sharing your talent. I didn’t care much for the bi-colored leaf but the rest were wonderful. My favorite has to be the “ghost leaf” technique. Thanks again.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate it and hope to bring you lots more useful videos!

[@marymccabe3111]

Michelle, thanks for this tutorial! You don't talk too much or too fast. As opposed to some other tutors, everything you say tells me why you do it the way you do it, which is very important to know. I liked the leaf underside, the scoring and the basic watercolor tips which you blended into your discussion of each tip. Again, thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You’re welcome Mary! 😊

[@beebee4095]

I adore working with greens! I have a watercolour pad dedicated to mixing my own greens and it is amazing how many different shades you can create. 🌿🌱☘️🍃🍀🪴

[@carollen5633]

Baked Beans/// I was surprised with lemon yellow and black for some of my greenery.

[@marcwheeler4406]

I think the curling under leaf was my favorite good tech, thank you...mikelle newyork strong 😷👏🦋🎨

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Marc :-)

[@celiawhitton8651]

Once again, another excellent and informative video. It's hard to choose a favorite, as I am a beginner and haven't tried all techniques. But.... I do like the caterpillar lunch leaf, as it tells a story.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Me too!

[@JoeJoe-uo5hf]

(Re-visiting this video down the line). Fame hungry pigeons - classic!! You are a talented artist, tutor and (subtle) comic Michele. Love love love your videos - you've taught me so much and made me titter along the way! Thank-you xxx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you love them!!

[@alisong9994]

My current flower painting is lacking depth so I'm going to try the 'ghost leaf' technique. Thank you so much for these tutorial videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Alison. Sometimes you also just need to add a lot more leaves.

[@virginiaalan2050]

Very helpful; I have struggled with leaves.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardlevasseur6771]

Great advice! I was particularly interested in watching this tutorial because my next project is a pair of Macaw parrots. As you may know they have long tail feathers - much like a leaf. Ordered a #10 brush!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Richard, yes I guess feathers are similar 🙂

[@johnrdoe108]

Very good vid

[@artfulbarb5775]

Thanks for this video. I struggle with making my leaves look real and not all the same. Great tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbiewarner530]

again u read my mind.ive been doing a dogwood n the leaves r harder then i thought.ty

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@jadewytch2335]

My fave was the last two leaves - the ghost leaves and changing up the color for the backside of the leaf. I don't currently have watercolor pencils, so I've been going in with thicker paint when the leaf is almost dry and nearly achieving the same effect - not quite, this could be a time I might use a liner brush... :) Thanks for your guidance!

[@AnnieThanjan]

I have started using an old ball pen to do the scoring.

[@sherryscoloringandpaintingcorn]

the last two were my favs although i think i would def not make the one quite that blue tho but thats just a personal preference thing.

[@Angie-pl3uw]

I have used the "ghost leaf" without knowing exactly what I was doing. I added more blue to my green but lightened it with water. I was quite pleasantly surprised with my outcome.