How to turn a GREEN TREE into an interesting colourful, Painting - Painting & Drawing Tips

Here ON the West Coast trees are GREEN.  All Summer!! Many of them all winter too. 

So how can that be COLOURFUL?!

Part of an Old Garry Oak Tree I found on the Trail

I must admit, I love the trees here on the coast.  As a kid I loved to climb them. And of course the forts. Secret Forts, of course.  Up in the branches or buried in the bushes. My special place.  As an adult I still feel  there is just something about being around trees that calms and centers me.  I know I am not alone.  

However, when it comes time to draw and paint trees everything changes . . . .

Part of a beautiful old Gary Oak Tree I found on the trail

Trees are a Challenge. . .

As a subject they are very complex. And in the summer, they are all GREEN. This makes them even harder to work with. 

Over time I have found a few things that have helped me.  
 ___________________________________________________________________

*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: How to turn a Complex Tree into Art

*** Looking for Private Drawing Lessons?  See below for more information. 

________________________________________________________________

I did some hiking while on Gabriola Island this summer and came across this big, old Gary Oat Tree.  It was certainly a stranger on the island as they are usually only found close to the salt water on the southern part of Vancouver Island.  This one had fallen over many years ago and was still thriving. Horizontally rather then Vertically.  A real testament of survival.  

Look for the branch structure to get your bearings 

I was really drawn to the tree and felt I needed to draw it.  Because it was so big and I wanted to zoom in on it, I decided to paint only half of the tree.  (yes there is way more of the tree on the left side.  Remember it is laying down) 

The leaves are in clumps.  

Using the branches to get the structure and size of the tree I set up my drawing.  After that I used a loose line to create the clumps of leaves, trying to keep the tree loose and lively.  

The branches give structure to the clumps of leaves 

Because of the complexity of the branches I opted to paint the main branches first so I could clump the leaves around them.  

Seeing the branches with the clumps helps to set up the drawing

When it came to painting the clumps of leaves I moved around the tree focusing on 3 things:

- 3 colours for the sunny bright areas on the tree (Sorry, I know they are a little hard to see in the reference picture as it is reduced down to such a small size)

- 3 colours for the dark shadowy areas of the branches  

- focused on each clump moving from dark to light in value, temperature and colour (so each clump has 6 colour changes) 

You'll notice I did the same with the branches  and ground in trying to create depth and texture.  I like to challenge myself to have at least 3 difference colours in any shape.  This ensures I have warm and cold colours as the shape moves from light to dark.  

**Special Note: I was also experimenting with using other colours.  I decided rather than have white for my white areas, I used a light shade of my turquoise blue.  The jury is still out on whether I like it there or not but it does make for interesting colour in the leaves.  

Do you have special colours you use to deal with GREEN leaves?

Come Draw with Me 

“I offer Private Drawing Lessons in my Langley Studio throughout the year.”

Ready to Enhance your Drawing Skills and Explore new Mark-making Techniques in a relaxed, fun setting? 

Lesson Format: 3 session Packages of 2.5 hours each on a Flexible Schedule

Cost: $250 + $12.50tx

During your Lessons You will:

- Learn when it’s best to erase and when to wait

- Dive into the little Secrets that make drawing a success

- See how light can transform your subjects

- Make friends with your inner critic and make it work for you

- Nail down that perfect perspective and proportion

- Use lines, shapes, and shadows to guide your viewer’s eyes and keep them engaged in your work

Contact Wendy to Register 
Gift Certificates Available 

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy 
  

Wendy

5 Steps to Find Patterns of Colour in an ALL GREEN LANDSCAPE - Painting & Drawing Tips

Adventures are calling you! Time to get OUT THERE and have some fun. Swimming, boating and hiking for sure but at some point you will want to sit down and Paint.

The Beaver Den - Colours in an all GREEN WORLD

The wonderful part of summer is that flowers are bright and beautiful. The mountains are shining in the sun and the trees are no longer bare. Everything is encased in a sea of Green. It’s wonderful!

But that GREEN can be awful!!!

Beaver Den on the Island - Surrounded by GREENS

Everything is green. So how do you find your way. It's all GREEN.

*** Here is a link to my YouTube video that further explores this topic: Finding Patterns of Colour in an ALL GREEN LANDSCAPE.

I just came back from a camping trip and and of course I was encased in the GREEN World. As I painted a little island that held a beaver den, ways to fight the GREEN began to emerge.

Pencil lines to find the main shapes and patterns - changes in values

Here’s how I Attacked THE GREEN’S:

1. I looked for subtle changes of values. These signal a change in vegetation.

2. I looked for patterns. Those value changes make shapes. Those are my keys to see patterns that are different colours. As I sketch in the scene with my pen, the shapes created around the value changes are more prominent. Of course you can do this all in pencil. But you know me, I like to get my pen in there too.

   

   Ink Sketch - Notice the different shapes that match the different values of green 

   
   

3. I pushed the colours. If a value is light green, I add yellow to it to make it even lighter. A glaze of Colbalt Teal Blue cools it but keeps it light and airy. If the value is a mid-value I add hints of reds and blues to it. Red warms it up, blues cool it down. Thus creating more colours in the scene but still keeping with feeling of green.

4. I thought about colour temperature. Some shapes are warm while others are cold. You can see in my picture the low bushes are facing the sun and have a warm airy feeling. While the taller bushes are effectively shaded by their height. These are cold. I look for those spots throughout the picture.

   

   Adding the Colour - notice the shapes have different colours of Green

5. I introduced new colours. I dropped a touch of red into the shadow areas. No, there was no red there. But I always seem to feel that there should be a touch of red when I am painting so much green. (This is a me thing. Do you have a 'me thing'?) I repeated the red as more of a rusty brown in the background foliage and in several spots in the shadow areas. My own rule is it needs to be in 3 spaces minimum so it 'blends in' to the painting. I dropped in some blues - the sky, the water, and that loggy, looking rock in the middle. I used some purples in the shadows mixed with the red and one of the blues I used. Thus keeping the colours cohesive and yet adding a new colour.

   

   Finished Picture feels green but in fact has blue, red, purple and yellow

Yes, That GREEN WORLD is a challenge to paint but give it a try. You will really be pleased with the results.

*** Here is a link to my YouTube video that further explores this topic: Finding Patterns of Colour in an ALL GREEN LANDSCAPE.

DROP-IN & CREATE!!! - Aug 28 &  Aug 31, Sept 4 - 1-3pm 

Beecher Place, 12160 Beecher St. (Crescent Beach), Surrey 

I am excited to offer this perfect opportunity for you to bring your own projects to life in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. Max 3 Cost $20. Contact Wendy to Register.  

Upcoming Events: 

Art Treo – Classes/Show/Sale

Aug 26-Sept 13, 11-5pm Daily
Beecher Place, 12160 Beecher St. (Crescent Beach), Surrey 

Enhance Your Drawing  Skills Class - Sunday, Aug 27 & Sept 3, 10-12pm  $50

Creating Your Own Colourful Silk Scarf - Friday,  Sept 1, 1-3pm  Supplies Incl $50

Working with Acrylic Inks, Sept 6 & Sept 10, 1-3pm $50

Drop-In & Create, Aug 28 &  Aug 31, Sept 4, Sept 5 & Sept 9, 1-3pm Bring your own projects $20

 Register: Doris 604-476-3515, Wendy  604-314-2232

Awesome Opportunity - Artist Retreats in the Shuswap

September 15-18, 2023

Join me for 4 DAYS of Outdoor Sketching, nature walks, deck and beach time, creative conversations, gourmet meals and simply relaxing 

Your Hosts, Joanne Denis and Myself.   Cost: $450 single room or $300 shared room
Art instruction, transportation (from Lower Mainland), meals and lodging included (Bring your own art supplies.  Space is limited to 8-10 attendees, Register Early with Joanne Dennis. 

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

AWESOME VIEW, But what to Paint - Painting & Drawing Tips

I know you have been there.

Standing on a point, looking across the river, admiring the mountains, amazing view.  Then you feel it. That overwhelming doubt.  What should you paint?

Awesome view from the  Brook's Point,  Pender Island

Stop. Take a deep breath.  You don't have to decide this minute.  

Take a walk. Look around and take in the surrounds.  The goal is not to rush and set up and paint.  I know time is limited but you can always take a photo and finish later.  So spend a bit of time looking and enjoying the sight.  

*** There is a YouTube video to accompany this post.  AWESOME Scenery BUT What Do I Paint.  

Driftwood always makes interesting Subjects

What catches your eye?  

The mountains in the distance.  The reflections off the water.  Maybe its the clump of trees by the shore.  I was in that situation on my last sketching trip to Pender Island.  Standing on the beach, looking over the water, more Southern Gulf Islands in the distance, framed by a hazy view of the coastal mountains. A great view but nothing to focus on for a 'grand vista'.  

The large stand of trees came into sight, and with the fence made an interesting view of the bluff

I walked around a bit.  Actually, Max is a good partner for my outings as he makes sure I walk around a bit before painting.   

Things started to come together for me.  The trees on the bluff held lots of secrets painting spots. 

The trees with the small islands in the distance suggested several subjects

There was more driftwood further down the beach. 

This large piece standing up above the rest, would look interesting alone or with a seagull perched on it. 

And of course, you can really zoom in on the vegetation.  The salmon berries were shining in the sun, wild strawberry flowers were poking up through the grasses and the pretty pink wildflowers were everywhere.  I love to add a few drawing of the plants and flowers to my pages.  

I decided to try the bluff with the lighthouse on the point. 

I loved the bluff towering over the little Lighthouse.  

I settled down and worked on my picture and wouldn't you know, a sailboat came by to really add a final touch.  Unfortunately, I was done by then.  But, there is always next time!!

Wild Flowers and Gowlland Point Lighthouse 

Have fun with your sketching.  

*** There is a YouTube video to accompany this post.  AWESOME Scenery BUT What Do I Paint.  

Awesome Opportunity - 2 Artist Retreats in the Shuswap

June 23-26 or September 15-18, 2023

Join me for 4 DAYS of Outdoor Sketching, nature walks, deck and beach time, creative conversations, gourmet meals and simply relaxing 

Your Hosts, Joanne Denis and Myself.   Cost: $450 single room or $300 shared room
Art instruction, transportation (from Lower Mainland), meals and lodging included (Bring your own art supplies.  Space is limited to 8-10 attendees, Register Early 

Outdoor Sketching Classes - Dates are HERE!!

Outdoor Sketching Classes

Thursday, June 29, 10-12:30pm;  July 6 & 27, 10-12:30pm
  August 3 & 10, 10-12:30pm 

Experience the Joy of Sketching in Nature with Wendy . 
2.5 hr classes; located in Surrey Parks;  Beginner to Advanced Welcome. 
Class Size: Max 3  $55 per session  

Available for booking special outings for you and 1-2 of your friends. Gift Certificates Available.

Contact Wendy for More info

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Do You Have a Bucket List? Painting & Drawing Tips

What’s on that list?  Traveling to exotic places?

 Trying a new activity? Learning a new skill? 

The Cove at Ruckle Park, Salt Spring Island - 8 x 10 Matted Watercolour $190

I do a lot of teaching and I find students wanting to take lessons come in groups: ‘want to learn how to draw”; ‘always wanted to learn how to paint”; and others who ‘want to sketch and journal their travels”. 

I am in the ‘sketcher and journal group’. 

Maybe you are too. . .

I am a Sketcher & Journaler - My pages vary from full page paintings to small pictures and writing of various amounts. 

NB.  My Youtube Version "Is Outdoor Sketching on Your Bucket List?  

I have a variety of sketchbooks that I have used to document trips to Europe and Asia, camping in the northern Canada and canoeing and portaging in Northern BC.  I find that each of those books have cemented memories into my heart.  It makes sense.  In order to complete a sketch, it means I have spent at least 20-30 minutes working on site and often more time finishing it up in the evening.  

Really, can you ask for a nicer spot to paint?! - boats go by, birds drop in and even a seal popped up to say hi.  

Now don’t get me wrong, my sketches aren’t all great . . .

Especially  my early work. I must at admit, you can be very critical with yourself when you start out. And of course you will have ones you love.  And hate.  But, they are all filled with memories.  Good or bad they bring that moment alive in your mind.  They are also a document of your skill development.  I look back and feel good when I see how far I have come. 

In my sketching journey I have found a few a few Universal Truths

1.     Pack light - it is surprising how quickly your pack fills up.  Along with art supplies you need, drinks, snacks, a seat/pad, hat, . . . .  See what I mean.  The list can really grow quickly depending on where you are going.

My Setup.  A Treat to have a table to work on  

2.    Work Small - it takes time to fill a page.  Something close to 5 x 8 inches is a big enough page to fill.  Even at that you might want to do more than 1 or 2 smaller pictures on the page. Anything bigger and you have to think about Truth #1. I work a bit bigger only if I know I will have time to finish. 

3.   Don’t Make Eye Contact - well you can if you want, but if you do, people will stop and talk.  You wont get much done.  I tend to keep my head down and work and make eye contact when I am ready for a break.

Working on an 8 x 10 Arches, fits nicely on my board with my paints

4.    Let Go of Perfection -  This is your sketchbook with your thoughts/sketches for you to enjoy.  Experiment.  Enjoy the flow. 

5.    Focus on the Subject first - forget about all the studio things you do.  Start with your subject then branch out if time.  Light changes.  Boats sail away.  Rain falls.   

Not time to finish but can come back tomorrow or finish in the evening.

 I hope you get to your Bucket List and if Outdoor Sketching is on it, I hope you get started soon.  I have written many blog posts that would help.  Use ‘Outdoor Sketching’ as a search on my blog or Google YouTube - Wendy Mould Outdoor Sketching.  

Each summer I run Outdoor Sketching Classes for Beginners to Advance. Contact me to join in.  If you don't live in the Fraser Valley, check out your community,  I am sure you will find some there as well.

NB.  My Youtube Version "Is Outdoor Sketching on Your Bucket List?  

Outdoor Sketching Classes - On Now!!

Outdoor Sketching Classes are 2.5 hr sessions and located in parks in North Surrey and North Langley.  Beginners to Advanced are Welcome.  Mediums supported: watercolour, pen, pencil, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils.  You can sign up to as many sessions as you like.  Class Size: Max 3.  $50 per session.  

Class Dates: 
July 7 & 28: 10-12:30pm
Aug 4 & 25: 10-12:30pm
Sept 1: 10-12:30pm 

Arrangements made for inclement weather.  
You are welcome to contact me for help in organizing your supplies for an Outing.  

 I am available for booking special outings for you and 1-2 of your friends. 

Gift Certificates are Available     Contact Wendy to register 

Up-Coming Outdoor Sketching Events:

Aug 6 - Art Jam at the Farm - 2 Workshops, Coffee, Snacks & Lunch $100.  My Workshop is 

"Capture that Special Moment: Outdoor Sketching with Wendy Mould" Hosted by Fort Langley Art Gallery. 

Aug 20 & 21 - Kilby En Plein Air Weekend - $20 - ( 2 day site fee & Sunday Elevenses) - Kilby Historic Site, Harrison Mills.  Register: kpickering@kilby.ca  See you there!!

 Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

Contact Me for:

1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250)  North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove) 

Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk?  Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you.  Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop.  Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.  Special rates for younger students.  Contact Wendy for More info

2.  Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley,  I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online.  Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward.  Drawing & Painting Lessons: 2-30 sessions $75.  Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25.  Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals. 

3.  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Going on an Outdoor Sketching Trip - Painting & Drawing Tips

It was early March and my Sketchbooks were getting restless.

They wanted to get out and about. I felt the same way. I started searching AirBnB’s.

It wasn't FULL Spring Everywhere!!

I figured by May it should be warm and sunny in the Interior of BC. After all it is nearly desert conditions there in mid summer.

I decided to head for the Hedley/Keremeos area in the Similkameen Valley.  It has a rich history of gold mining, lovely landscape views with the mountains and the river and lots of neat old things.   There is also the possibility of wildlife sightings of Mountain Goats and Bighorn Mountain Sheep. 

May came quickly

Suddenly it was time to get ready. As all of western Canada knows our summer is late this year. The trip was not going to be about sunscreen, sandals and mosquitoes.🙄

I enjoy looking at "Old Things" and drawing them

Packing for a Sketching Trip

Of course you know to pack clothing and food. My focus is on what to pack for your Outdoor Sketching Adventures.  

I pack two things: 

My Plein Air Kit:
Whether working in my sketchbook or completing a finished Fine Arts piece, I have a basic kit ready to go. It contains my paints, two brushes, pens (Microns 08, 05, 03, 01) 2B & 5B pencils, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, few paper towels, pencil sharpener.  Everything is packed in a small handy container.  When I have room, I also bring a board with some clips to attach paints & paper (sketchbook) to.  

More Info on travel kits here: 

Blog Post: YIPEE! I am no longer a Pack Animal 

YouTube: Getting Ready for Outdoor Sketching 

Of Course I had to have my picture taken with the miner's hat.  Imagine wearing this all day. They are heavy and mine didn't even have any fuel in it!

Rainy Day Material:
I know, we don't like to think about that but sometimes it happens.  Also, if you are traveling with other people that do not want to paint then you need something to work on when at rest. I usually take along my creative journal, some watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, glue and small scissors.  I like to journal, collage, or draw during quiet times.  I always have an array of my own reference material on my ipad to use as reference.  

What really happens on a Sketching Trip:
My plan was to head up to Hedley/Keremeos area for 5 days. My vision - sketching every day and filling pages and pages of my journal. 
Surprise!!!
Things don't work that way.  Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and did do lots of sketching but not as much as I thought.  

Can't beat an Old Car - Love to Draw these 😁

You can join me on YouTube on one of my sketching days.  I am Outdoor Sketching at the The Grist Mill build in 1877  YouTube: Outdoor Sketching at the Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC with Wendy Mould.

What went wrong??
When you head off to a new place you don't really know what is there.  I thought I knew.  I had maps, I had looked on the internet.  I had even driven through that area before.  But now things are different.  You are looking for places to set up.  It takes time to 'wonder around' and see things.  I found I took lots of reference pictures.  I went to the museum to learn more about the area.  I hiked up a few trails.  I talked with locals.  These are all important things to do.  You need to immerse yourself into an area.  Feel your way.  Find your muse.  Then you are ready to create.  

Didn't see great views of the mountains but this splash of colour grabbed my eye while walking along the river.  

I quickly learned if you wanted photos of something, TAKE THEM NOW.  Don't wait till the light is better, you have more time, you are heading back, . . .  Lots of reason to not do it now.  But life changes, you get caught up with other things, it gets dark, your forget or its raining.  (This last one is definitely true this year)

A few of the 'old things' I saw - Graveyard dated back to 1888

The biggest thing I learned is you never have enough TIME.  A five day trip sounded like lots but there is never enough time.  The more you learn about an area the more things you want to see and paint.  The good news is, you can always plan another trip and next time you will know where you want to start.  

The Grist Mill build in 1877 - yes the wheel still turns!! See my YouTube video of my outing, HERE 

You can join me on my sketching trip with my YouTube Video: Outdoor Sketching at the Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC.  Max and I had a great time wondering the grounds and of this flour mill, built in 1877.  There was several historical buildings, full of information of the Mills hayday and life in Keremeos. 

I found it very interesting reading about Julia Bullock-Webster , a watercolourist, who came to the area in 1894-1895  to visit her sons.  She spent her time plein air painting landscapes, both winter and summer and creating lovely botanical paintings of the plants she saw.  When I saw her bundled up setting on a chair in the snow working on a landscape I was impressed: Plein Air painting, in the winter, 1894, on snowy cold day.   I felt like a wimp for quitting when it rained!

A Fall Flower Study by Julia Bullock Webster

Was it a good trip?  Yes.  Should I have planned longer?  Definitely.  But at the same time I left inspired, with lots of reference material and of course the desire to go back another day.  

Join me as I am Outdoor Sketching at the The Grist Mill build in 1877  YouTube: Outdoor Sketching at the Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC with Wendy Mould.

Want to try Outdoor Sketching?  My classes are starting Next Week.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes - Starting May 27!!!

Outdoor Sketching Classes are 2.5 hr sessions and located in parks in North Surrey and North Langley.  Beginners to Advanced are Welcome.  Mediums supported: watercolour, pen, pencil, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils.  You can sign up to as many sessions as you like.  Class Size: Max 3.  $50 per session.  

Class Dates: 
May 27: 10-12:30pm
June 9 & 16: 10-12:30pm
July 7 & 28: 10-12:30pm
Aug 4 & 25: 10-12:30pm
Sept 1: 10-12:30pm 

Arrangements made for inclement weather.  
You are welcome to contact me for help in organizing your supplies for an Outing.  

 I am available for booking special outings for you and 1-2 of your friends. 

Gift Certificates are Available

Contact Wendy to register 

 Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

Contact Me for:

1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250)  North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove) 

Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk?  Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you.  Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop.  Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.  Special rates for younger students.  Contact Wendy for More info

2.  Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley,  I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online.  Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward.  Drawing & Painting Lessons: 2-30 sessions $75.  Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25.  Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals. 

3.  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy