How to paint realistic trees and grass in watercolour

Do you ever wish you could paint realistic trees and grass in watercolour?

And do you wonder what technique to use to capture these important elements of a landscape in all their glory?

Usually, I paint small subjects larger-than-life.  Sometimes though, I like to mix things up and do things the other way around, scaling down bigger subjects to fit my paper. 

If you’re only used to scaling-up your subjects, scaling-down is a really fun challenge.

And the good news is that you don’t need to learn a different technique for this.

In this video I show you that my wet-on-dry watercolour method can be just as effective when painting a large subject much smaller – like this little landscape.

Watch the video to find out how to paint this tree and grass with plenty of detail so as to achieve a realistic-looking result.

I also have a video showing you how to tackle the sky, so why not try putting these techniques into practice and painting your own landscape this weekend?

Have you used my wet-into-dry method for painting trees and grass? How did you get on?

If you enjoyed the video, please leave me a comment below. I ❤️ to read them.

Happy painting,

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35 Comments

  1. Lucy on November 19, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    I’m just getting into painting and I love receiving the videos. The simpler the better for me! You break it down really well thank you x

  2. Seema on November 19, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    I’m a die hard fan of you. Love your work. Thanks for sharing this great technique .
    Regards
    Seema.

    • Anna Mason on November 19, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Aww thanks Seema!

      • Debbie Goodwin on November 19, 2019 at 10:53 pm

        Thank you so much for these! Love them !!!

  3. Frances White on November 19, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    As usual you inspire me with your technique of painting trees and grass which I will use. Thank you .

  4. Carrol chiles on November 19, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    Love this! Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  5. Maria Morphopoulos on November 19, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    Hi Anna, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring work. I will try your technique. My problem at the moment is lack of time, but I will persevere. May I ask what make of paint you use?

    • Anna Mason on November 19, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Check out the Equipment Page for details Maria

  6. Eunice Miller on November 19, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    So pretty and well explained thank you Anna
    Eunice

  7. Rosita Sprohge on November 19, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    I will have to try this technique. But I wonder how long it took you to paint this in real time? Thank you for your wonderful inspirational videos.

  8. Rosemary on November 19, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    Loved the video, will have a go when I get chance. And post it if I can !!!!!

  9. Johan Fogg on November 19, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Oh thank you so much for this, I must try it….. love your tutorials…..xxx

  10. Ann on November 19, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Thank you , enjoying your video

  11. Elena on November 19, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    Thank you for these videos !They are very helpful!

  12. Birgit Schulze on November 19, 2019 at 6:24 pm

    I love your art dear Anna!!!!!

  13. Ginger Kelly on November 19, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    This is soooo beautiful! I love trees. I also love dead trees. I see so many memories in them. The birds that raised their little ones, the squirrels that ran and jumped throughout the limbs, the child with their dog tell the dog all their secrets, and the tire swing and the heart carved by two lovers. I just love the beauty in trees and the history it keeps for us to enjoy!! Thank you for this video. I will cherish this for sure!!

  14. Susan Merila on November 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm

    Thank you for another inspirational video! You are a master. I have passed both your Sky, and now your Tree video along to friends who will try it out, and pass along to their friends, too.
    I always look forward to your short notes.
    Rest assured I am already planning when I might join your site for yet another most fulfilling year…I confess, I’m kind of waiting for another one of your special sales!

  15. Arylie Kinnunen on November 19, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    It always amazes me that at the end of your work just how much the intricate details of your work make such a difference. I am hoping one day to see this myself to that degree. I am always afraid of over doing my work.

  16. Sheila Anne Young on November 19, 2019 at 9:15 pm

    Thank you Anna you make it look so easy will give it a go. Enjoying watercolour painting

  17. Leonie Amour on November 19, 2019 at 9:30 pm

    Your such a talented artist. Thank you for your very generous little videos, they are inspiring.

  18. Lynda Foo on November 20, 2019 at 12:08 am

    Love your amazing works ! Thanks for sharing and keep inspiring us with your wow painting.

  19. Sue on November 20, 2019 at 12:48 am

    I have alway had trouble painting trees thanks for breaking down how to paint trees

    • Hilda Barone on November 27, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Thankyou Anna for this video. Beautiful tree…I’ll definitely have a go. Happy Christmas xxx

  20. Raj on November 20, 2019 at 6:03 am

    Beautiful short but precise! Thanks!

  21. Joy Greville on November 20, 2019 at 8:18 am

    I love your video’s, please keep them coming !!

  22. Helen on November 20, 2019 at 9:50 am

    You have the patience of a saint, or is it Job ?
    I have known personally one other person who painted trees landscapes, people etc in such detail, in fact it was hard to tell his paintings were not actually photographs

    I tend to slap it on, I like realistic but it’s just not my style, isn’t it great we are all so different, though copying some projects out of your books I can do a reasonable copy

    All the best and thank you

  23. Suzanne Linch on November 20, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    Thank you so much again, lovely technique.

  24. Linda Wood McKinney on November 20, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    Thank You for sharing this wonderful experience and knowledge. I need to see the details of how to paint and you are good at explaining.

  25. Amanda on November 20, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Thank you I love watching your novel technique you get the most amazing results

  26. Joan Simpson on November 20, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Hi Anna: I really enjoy your short little snippets! They’re great for review. I’m always happy to share with painting friends as well. Best to you, Joan

  27. david west on November 21, 2019 at 4:55 am

    Anna, you’re a peach !
    I enjoy your painting demonstrations !

  28. W. Sheridan on November 21, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    Dear Anna,
    Please, forgive my familiarity with your name in my greeting.

    Your work is beautiful and I’ve also taken your advice to schedule time to paint everyday! I believe my painting has improved and so has my attitude; my over all feeling of being content with life! I have been watching your free online messages and programs! I now am on a meager, fixed monthly income and must be very prudent with my budget! I thank you for your inspiration! Your work is WONDERFUL! And I find your sense of humor, at the end of your videos, as equally wonderful and engaging! Thank you, again, very much!!

    Kindly,
    Wallis

    • Anna Mason on November 22, 2019 at 6:26 am

      Thanks for taking the time to write Wallis, I’m so pleased you’ve been enjoying the videos and finding time to paint! Keep at it

  29. Vera Praça on November 23, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    I love your videos! Thank you for sharing your amazing work. All the best

  30. Donald seymoUr on November 28, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    Very good

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