How to Paint Fall Branches with Watercolor

Do you want to start painting with watercolors? Today I’m sharing how to paint fall branches in watercolor and created a video to go with the tutorial.

Nature is putting on quite the show here in New England right now! I gathered up some branches in my yard and thought it would be fun to paint together. I’m sharing how to paint fall branches in watercolor!

I find so much contentment and relaxation in painting. I paint in our sunroom, which is flooded with autumn light currently. I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate November’s Cozy Living hosted by my friend Jennifer over at Town and Country Living. Each month a few friends share a simple idea to embrace the coziness of home.

How to Paint Autumn Branches in Watercolor

I’m a visual learner so I actually created a little video to go with this post:

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Watercolor Materials

Here’s what you’ll need if your just starting a watercolor practice:

• Paper (I use Canson XL – it’s affordable and doesn’t have a heavy texture
• Round paint brushes ( I use a 4 and 6 and detail brush)
• Containers for water (I like to use Talenti container or clean glass yogurt pots)
• Paper towels
• Paint (I have a mixture of brands, but mostly use Daniel Smith). The colors I used for these branches are: Indigo, Alizarin Crimson, New Gamboge, Sap Green, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Payne’s Gray, Cadmium Yellow)
• A watercolor palette (I like this one)
• Branches or leaves from your yard or photographs for inspiration

Why Watercolor

What I love most about watercolor paints is watching the paint mingle and dance on the paper. In the video you’ll see a wet on wet technique, where we wet individual leaves and place the watercolor on top. The paint merges and moves. At this state you can mix colors without getting back runs.

I find watercolor is a perfect medium to reflect the beautiful changes we see in nature.

This video is playful and no stress. Leaves are fun to try because of their organic shape. It really is hard to “mess up”.

Some Tips When Working with Watercolor

• Wet the paper for a wet on wet technique as discussed above.
• When wanting to add fine details or veins of leaves make sure the paint is dry underneath or it will bloom into the paper.
• If you’re right handed, work from left to right or top to bottom to prevent your hand from brushing wet paint.
• It’s helpful to have a subject or photo to look at for reference
• You can speed up drying time with a hair dryer
• Sketch out branches or leaves in pencil first. Use a kneaded eraser to remove heavy pencil lines as they can get trapped under the watercolor.
• Watercolor is a practice. I often make mistakes and have to start over. Don’t worry. It’s only paper and paint.
• The first step is trying, right?

More Helpful Resources

I started painting watercolor 8 years ago and my very first class I wanted to cry. The materials I had were wrong and the cheap brushes left bristles in my painting. Since then I’ve found prodcucts and online classes I enjoy.

• My list of watercolor must have supplies
• Want to try some seascapes? Here’s a video tutorial on that.
• If you love the look of watercolor and want free printables. I have a bunch here.
• I’m a big fan of Skillshare. I’ve taken lots of watercolor classes and also classes on design and photoshop. I honestly wish there were more hours in the day to watch all these videos! As a special gift to you guys – get a free 2-Week trial of Skillshare Premium Membership click here.
• If you’re looking for more supplies – here are more I enjoy
• I would also check out your local community. I’ve enjoyed classes at my local art center and senior centers.

You might also like to take a look at my online shop if you enjoyed this post. I create watercolor prints, stationery, calendars, and notepads and donate a portion of every sale to World Wildlife Fund. My son also creates art for our online shop.

I’d love to do more video tutorials for watercolor. What would you guys like to learn to paint? Oh, and is it more helpful to have a sped up video or real time? Do you like directions in titles or voice over? This helps me know what works for you. Please let me know in the comments or send an email!

Be sure to pin this for later:

See all the amazing and cozy ideas my friends have below:

Stress-Free Thanksgiving Tips / Fall Branches Watercolors / Hygge Activities

Acorn Squash Soup / Small Thanksgiving Celebration