Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream
Watercolor Painting Tutorial

by Jennifer Branch
Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Watercolor Painting tutorial

Painting Tutorial Level

Advanced
Advanced
Beginner

Skill Building

Reflections

Art Supplies

Cheap Joes Pointed Round Nylon, no.38

Paints

M. Graham watercolors

Azo Yellow
Quinacridone Red
Cadmium Red
Quinacridone Gold
Pthalo Green
Pthalo Blue
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue

Painting Demonstration 1

Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Watercolor Painting Lesson 1

First, I start really layering on intense colors. I want to make sure I remember the focal point, this fantastically twisted tree arching over the creek. I add some very strong darks to help me remember what my final value pattern is going to be.

Painting Demonstration 2

Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Watercolor Painting Lesson 2

More, MORE color. A little softer in the background, but not by much! I'm working very loosely, #38 round wet brush on dry paper. I'm leaving lots of white paper - remember - it makes those colors sparkle!.

Painting Demonstration 3

Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Painting Tutorial 3

A wash of quinacridone gold on the beach - does that glow. You can see the sand under the water, too. Layering rocks on the water surface - I'll have to add reflections and shadows to make them appear solid.

Artist Tips

When you scrub the paper with a rag, you ruin the texture of the paper. Save this step for near the end!
Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream watercolor painting tutorial by Jennifer Branch
Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Watercolor Painting Tutorial

Sope Creek Tree, Mountain Stream Final Watercolor Painting!



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