Landscape – Painting Trees

I enjoy painting landscapes.  Pine and Birch trees are among my favorite trees to paint.

I started with a quick pencil sketch to find a composition that I liked.

Simple Landscape sketch

Then I moved on to using a black micron pen (size .03) to help me with the placement of the trees on the watercolor paper.  You could also use a watercolor pencil as well for this.  I have found that if I start painting without a few pen lines for tree placement first, I end up getting lost and paint over an area where I should have placed one of my trees.

This is a sample of my Pine and Birch watercolor painting.

Landscape – Pine and Birch trees

I’m happy with the pine tree and I love the bark on the birch trees.  I think I may try using a sponge next time for some of the foliage on the birch trees.

Watercolor Painting notes:
9×12 Canson watercolor paper 140 #
Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton watercolor paints
Round #10, #6 and Rigger #0 brushes
Black Micron pen – size .03

If you would like to see more and keep up with my watercolor journey, consider clicking the follow button.  I’m having fun and hope you are enjoying my journey.

Happy Painting!

Patty Anne

Foxglove Flowers in Bloom

Springtime is here!  The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming. I bought my first Foxglove plant last weekend. My beautiful plant has lavender flowers and many little buds just waiting to bloom.

Here is a quick watercolor painting of my new plant.

Watercolor painting notes:
7×10 inch mix media sketchbook
Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton watercolors
Round #6 and Rigger #0 watercolor brushes

Painting tips for beginners:
– Stay positive and keep painting.
– Start with your lightest colors first and then build up to your darker colors.
– Try to keep a few unpainted spots here and there, it will add a little sparkle and interest.

Happy Painting!

Patty Anne

Pink Patio Flowers

This is watercolor painting #370 inspired by a picture I took while on vacation a few years ago. The pink patio had beautiful flowers and plants, it looked like a very nice spot to sit and have a cup of coffee and enjoy the morning sun.

Pink Patio Flowers

Watercolor painting notes:
6×9 inch watercolor paper 140#
Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton watercolors
Round #10, #6, and Rigger #0 watercolor brushes
Black Micron .03 and .01 pens

I bought a new set of black micron pens with various size tips and am having fun trying them out.

Happy Painting!

-Patty Anne-

Oh my Daisy

I’ve always loved daisies, they are one of my favorite flowers. I have a few different varieties in my garden. Here is a quick watercolor painting from my 7×10 mixed media sketchbook.

Yellow Daisies

A simple composition and sketch with pen.  I love the daisies here but wish the leaves were a brighter green.

Painting notes:
Daniel Smith watercolors
Winsor & Newton watercolors
Black micron pen .05
Round #10 watercolor brush

Watercolor tips and notes:

• Change your rinse water when it gets cloudy, that may have been why my greens aren’t as bright as I would have liked.
• Don’t overwork it. I think I stopped early enough on this one but I have to always remind myself of this.
• Be careful with the amount of water you use on the mixed media paper.  Try to avoid puddles and very watery washes because the paper will wrinkle and buckle up.
• Keep in mind that the more you paint and practice, the better your paintings will become.  This was probably the best advice given to me by my watercolor instructors.

Happy Painting!

– Patty Anne –

Pink Dogwood Tree

The Pink Dogwood tree in my yard is in full bloom.  It is such a beauty!
This is watercolor painting #364 from my 7×10 Mixed Media sketchbook – inspired by my Pink Dogwood tree.

Pink Dogwood Tree in Bloom

A few tips and notes:

• Mixed media paper doesn’t handle as much water and pigment as watercolor paper.
• It was difficult to get the fun mingling of colors in the watercolor washes on this paper.
• After the painting dried, I ended up liking it more than when I was working on it.
• I need to push myself to use brighter colors and washes.

Happy Painting!

-Patty Anne-