Palm Tree Painting - Full Watercolor Demonstration

Have you ever painted a scene that is just flat and void of light? I painted hundreds of those scenes before I understood the concept that I'm sharing with you today.

This is the same idea that I teach in my courses and in workshops that have helped students just like you to develop dynamic light in their paintings.

One of the most powerful realizations in painting was learning how to paint the light side and the shadow side of a subject.

Today I have a simple but effective practice for this. Not only will I teach you how to paint the light, but also how to simplify the subject and create a fresh impression that isn't overworked.

Studying the Reference Photo

If we look at the reference photo, we can see there's light hitting on the left side of it. And then we also have some of the palm fronds that are catching light. That is the point of this exercise, learning how to paint the light areas first and then layering darker values over the top of them to create a clear light side, shadow side.

Drawing

First Wash - Lightest Values

Second Wash - Middle Value Connected Shape

Third Wash - Darks and Details

Watch the Full Demo

For the full, step-by-step demonstration, watch the video at the top of the page. I hope you use this as a way to practice painting light and that you take the lessons learned into your next scene.