Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Sketchbook Tuesday - Trees

I am rarely happy with the trees I paint in watercolor, so I have been doing a little tree practice lately. Most of my tree practice you will never see here, however this is last evening's effort. Along with my practice of trees I have been pouring over our collection of art books to learn how other artists paint trees in watercolor. And the blog, How to Draw a Tree, caught my attention. I may just have to order his book.

It is curious how one's feelings about trees change, in proportion to one's appreciation of their importance and dignity as live beings. Trees are individual beings: they can be comic, heroic, tragic to the sensitive, practiced eye of the landscape artist. 
-John F. Carlson

*Thanks to all who commented on my last post! I have added a list to my side bar of artists working on a "100 project". I have it set to only show 5 of the most recent posts but you can click to expand the list and see them all. And again, if you are working on a "100 project" and I neglected to include your blog on my list, please let me know in the comments for this post and I'll be sure to add it on. It will be fun to keep up with everyone's progress.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your trees are beautiful. I am so awed by your attention to your craft. I would never dream of taking on a "100 project". Especially right now. I haven't picked up my pencil in months. :( Glad to see you are still creating beautiful works of art. :) I can at least enjoy your work.

martinepittet said...

Lovely trees with such a peaceful atmosphere and soft colours too !

Gillian Mowbray said...

That blue really makes the trees sing. Nice work. Isn't it odd that such a seemingly simple thing to draw can be so problematical - I do agree.
Thanks for the link - I shall visit that blog and inwardly digest!

Alex said...

Who can resist Ann's Tuesday sketch really? =)
Another terrific drawing! I love drawing trees(I always have, I just don't do it often that's all) It's both a relaxing yet complex subject to render, but usually when you're done with it, it gives you the satisfaction words can describe =)

Timaree said...

I think your trees came out great.

Autumn Leaves said...

I think your trees are gorgeous, Ann. I find that I also have troubles with them, but then again, that seems to be across the board on any subject! LOL As always, what strikes me is your color palette and the soft, almost whimsical feel they bring to all your pieces. Always a touch of springtime that I find so delightful!

Unknown said...

I would not have guessed you have difficulty with trees! I always find your landscapes beautifully done. Thanks for that link...I DO need to work on trees!

Krista Meister said...

Ann, your sketch could not have come at a more perfect time. I just did a watery mess of a wooded sketch. Trees are my failure too. Then I saw this and thought - THIS is what trees should look like!!!!

I am so grateful you found a blog about trees because I have been searching everywhere. I am determined to conquer this nemesis of mine.

Oh, and you are so sweet to post a side bar of 100 project blogs. I've been meaning to do that too, and it is great to see who else is embarking on these types of projects!

Bénédicte said...

beautiful sketch, and the colours are vibrant, just love that blue against the green-yellow.
I also agree so much with your citation, trees are individual beings...so true.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful painting, the colors are just perfect! I also, would never have guessed trees are difficult for you. The ones in your landscapes always look amazing.

Yevgenia Watts said...

how lovely, Ann!

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